How to drive to Colle della Ciabra in Piedmont?

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.