A military road to Colle dell'Assietta
Italy, europe
30 km
2,472 m
moderate
Year-round
Colle dell'Assietta is a high mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,472m (8,110ft) above sea level in the Metropolitan City of Turin, Italy. It's nestled in the Piedmont region in the northern Alps, and honestly, it's one of the crown jewels along the stunning Strada Provinciale 173 that winds from Susa to Sestriere.
Here's the thing: the road up is completely unpaved. This is a military-grade gravel track that follows the ridge connecting Pian dell'Alpe to Sestriere, so you're in for some serious mountain vibes. There's a strict 30 km/h speed limit enforced here, and overtaking and stopping are pretty much off-limits unless you're in a designated parking area. The surface is rough with plenty of rocks scattered around, especially on the curves, but it's definitely doable if you take it slow.
Fair warning though: this epic alpine adventure only opens its doors from June 1st through October 31st, so plan accordingly. The rest of the year, this pass is locked up tight by winter conditions. If you're looking for a unique, gritty mountain experience with spectacular scenery and genuine adventure, this is your place.
Where is it?
A military road to Colle dell'Assietta is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 41.7900, 12.9131
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 30 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,472 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 41.7900, 12.9131
Related Roads in europe
moderateRoad Fv341
🇳🇴 Norway
# FV341: Norway's Ultimate Arctic Coast Drive Ready for one of Norway's wildest rides? FV341 hugs the stunning Barents Sea shoreline in Finnmark, tucked way up in the northeast corner of the country. This is about as remote as it gets. The 40km journey from the tiny village of Svartnes down to the abandoned fishing village of Hamningberg is absolutely unforgettable. You'll wind through an otherworldly arctic landscape dominated by dramatic dark grey and black rock formations, with gentle ups and downs keeping things interesting the whole way. Fair warning: this road is *narrow*. Seriously narrow. Passing oncoming traffic feels nearly impossible, though thankfully there are pullout spots scattered throughout to help you avoid awkward encounters. The asphalt is solid, but you're definitely in a remote, rugged part of the world here. The scenery tells a story too—this region bears the scars of WWII, and the bare, windswept landscape reflects that history. The coastline views are absolutely spectacular, and Hamningberg itself is hauntingly beautiful. Once a thriving fishing community, it now stands mostly empty but has become a magnet for adventurous travelers from around the globe who want to experience its isolated charm. This drive isn't just a route from point A to point B—it's an experience. The kind of journey that sticks with you long after you've returned home. If you're craving genuine wilderness and don't mind narrow roads, FV341 delivers in spades.
extremeHow to drive to Colle della Ciabra in Piedmont?
🇮🇹 Italy
Colle della Ciabra is a high mountain pass sitting at 1,712m (5,616ft) in the Province of Cuneo, tucked into Piedmont's stunning landscape. This isn't your typical Alpine crossing—it's a lonely, grueling beast of a climb that marks the eastern entrance to the high alpine ridges. Nestled between the Varaita and Maira valleys in the Cottian Alps, the pass plays a starring role on the legendary Strada dei Cannoni (Varaita-Maira-Kammstraße). Once you summit, you're rewarded with sweeping views across the Piedmontese plains and the dramatic peaks surrounding you. Here's the real talk: yes, it's technically asphalt, but don't expect smooth sailing. The road surface is thin, weathered, and relentlessly bumpy—prepare for a serious bone-shaking ride whether you're behind the wheel or on your bike. Coming up from Brossasco in the Varaita Valley is the most popular (and genuinely punishing) approach. If you're craving solitude and authentic, no-frills mountain roads, Ciabra is absolutely calling your name. Unlike the Instagram-famous Alpine passes packed with tour buses, this one delivers pure wilderness vibes. For cyclists and off-road enthusiasts, it's the ultimate gateway—that final threshold before you transition into the high-altitude gravel world where military roads take over. This is mountain biking and driving in its rawest form.
extremeHow to drive through Col des Montets in the French Alps?
🇫🇷 France
# Col des Montets Ready for an Alpine adventure? Col des Montets sits at 1,461m (4,793ft) in Haute-Savoie, France, nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. This 39 km (24.2 miles) mountain pass connects Chamonix—sitting pretty at the base of Mont Blanc—to Martigny in Switzerland, and it's been famous enough to feature in the Tour de France multiple times. The good news? This is a driver's dream. The entire route runs on pristine asphalt (the D1506), with gradients that max out at a manageable 8.3%—nothing too gnarly here. The road surface is in excellent condition, and the slopes stay nice and easy throughout. You'll navigate through stunning Alpine scenery, and at the summit, you can explore the Aiguilles Rouges chalet reserve and hit up some natural trails to spot authentic Alpine flora and fauna. Winter is when things get interesting. While the pass typically stays open year-round, heavy snow can roll in, and avalanche danger means closures happen. If conditions get sketchy, chains or winter tires are absolutely essential. When the pass does shut down, there's a clever backup: the Tunnel des Montets, a dual-purpose railway tunnel that also handles cars and trucks on the French side, so you're never completely stranded. Bottom line? It's a spectacular, accessible Alpine crossing that delivers stunning views without the white-knuckle stress.
extremeCarretera de las Presas (Road GC-605) is not for the faint-hearted
🇪🇸 Spain
# The Carretera de las Presas: Gran Canaria's Wild Mountain Ride Want to experience one of Gran Canaria's most thrilling drives? The GC-605, nicknamed the Carretera de las Presas, winds through the southwestern part of the island with serious mountain road vibes. This 23.3 km beast climbs from the tiny town of Pie de la Cuesta (325m elevation) all the way up to the charming village of Ayacata (1,304m), gaining nearly 1,000 meters of elevation in the process. Fair warning: this isn't a leisurely Sunday cruise. The road kicks off with an absolutely epic series of hairpin bends that spiral up the west side of the valley, flanked by striking ochre cliffs and massive boulders. By the time you reach the summit, you'll have conquered more than 30 hairpins, with some sections so narrow that two cars genuinely can't pass each other. The maximum slope hits 10%, and while the road is fully paved, the final 8 km can feel like a bit of a lottery—sometimes decent, sometimes rough as hell. The payoff? Stunning vistas throughout, plus you'll reach the Las Niñas reservoir, one of the island's three biggest dams. There's even a legendary 400-year-old pine tree nearby with a haunting backstory. Nature lovers will appreciate the scenic viewpoints with parking spots scattered along the route. Just come prepared: this route is notorious for landslides, rockfalls, and sudden fog. Bring layers too—it gets cold and windy up there. Definitely not for the faint-hearted, but if you're after an unforgettable mountain driving experience, this is it.