The rough and bumpy road to Colle Bourget
Italy, europe
30 km
2,299 m
moderate
Year-round
Colle Bourget is a stunning high mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,299 meters (7,542 feet) in Turin Province, Italy. The views from the peak? Absolutely breathtaking—you get panoramic vistas across both sides of the ridge that'll make your camera work overtime.
This is where things get interesting: the pass is traversed by the Assietta Road (officially S.P. 173), a historic military carriageway that hugs the ridge all the way from Pian dell'Alpe to Sestriere. Fair warning though—there's a strict 30 km/h speed limit, and overtaking and stopping are completely off the table unless you're in designated parking areas.
Here's the catch: this unpaved beauty is only open from June 1st through October 31st, so plan accordingly. The road itself is definitely rideable despite the rocky patches and rough surface, especially around the curves—you'll want to take it slow and steady. Think of it as part of an epic adventure along the spectacular Assietta ridge route, which stretches from Susa all the way to Sestriere in the heart of the western Italian Alps. This is the kind of drive that'll stay with you long after you've descended back to civilization.
Where is it?
The rough and bumpy road to Colle Bourget is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.3445, 12.8031
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 30 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,299 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 42.3445, 12.8031
Related Roads in europe
hardA wild road to San Lucio Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
Passo San Lucio is a charming high mountain pass sitting at 1,541 m (5,056 ft) right on the Switzerland-Italy border. This gem connects Italy's Val Cavargna (in Como province) with Switzerland's Val Colla in Ticino, and the views? Absolutely stunning. The 4.1 km (2.54 mile) route runs east-west from Strada Provinciale 11 north of Val Rezzo up to Alpe Cottino mountain hut, and here's the thing – it's completely unpaved. You'll want a 4x4 for this adventure, though a high-clearance vehicle might cut it if conditions are perfect. The final stretch gets seriously steep, but honestly, the panoramic scenery makes every bump worth it. Right near the summit, you'll find a beautiful 14th-century church and a few cozy refuge huts – perfect spots to catch your breath and soak in the views. While the pass never gets outright terrifying or dangerously exposed, it definitely demands respect, especially on that nail-biting final section. One heads-up: the road officially closes to private vehicles, though it's totally doable if you're allowed access. And forget about winter visits – up here in the Lugano Prealps, snow makes this route pretty much impassable. Best tackled in the warmer months when you can really appreciate the epic alpine landscape.
hardBergstation Grubenkopfbahn
🇦🇹 Austria
# Bergstation Grubenkopfbahn: An Alpine Adventure in Austria Tucked away in Tyrol's stunning Ötztal Valley, the Bergstation Grubenkopfbahn chairlift sits at a breathtaking 2,806 meters (9,206 feet) above sea level. Getting to this mountain summit is not for the faint of heart—it's a proper adventure that demands respect and preparation. The trail itself is pure alpine challenge: rocky, gravelly, and unapologetically steep. As you ascend, the terrain only gets more dramatic, with sections of the ski-station service road hitting grades up to 30%. Loose stones make every step count, especially in the upper reaches where the mountainside gets almost vertical. The wind here is relentless and strong year-round, so brace yourself for some serious gusts. Here's the kicker: you've got a tiny window to attempt this route. We're talking late August—that's pretty much it for summer conditions. Even then, don't be surprised if snow catches you off guard or temperatures drop unexpectedly. Come winter, this place transforms into a frozen fortress with brutally cold conditions that'll test your limits. It's genuinely one of those routes where timing and weather mean everything. If you're after a genuine alpine challenge with stunning mountain scenery and some serious vertical action, this is the real deal. Just make sure you pick your moment wisely.
hardHow long is the road from Mollas to Petran?
🇦🇱 Albania
Alright, fellow adventurers, listen up! If you're itching for a real Albanian experience, ditch the highways and check out the backroad connecting Mollas (in Korçë County) to Petran (in Gjirokastër County). Think of it as a rugged shortcut across the country, clocking in at around 77.5 kilometers. Word of warning: this ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking unpaved sections, steep climbs to mountain passes, and rickety old bridges that'll test your nerves. If you get queasy on narrow mountain roads, maybe skip this one. But here's the kicker: much of the drive carves through the stunning Langarica Canyon, surrounded by the dense forests and towering peaks of Dangelli and Shqeri. Plus, it’s your gateway to the Fir of Hotova National Park Loop Road! So, if you're craving raw beauty and a healthy dose of adrenaline, this road is an absolute must. Just be prepared and maybe leave the sports car at home!
hardSasseneire
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Sasseneire: A Wild Alpine Adventure Tucked away between Val de Moiry and Val d'Herens in Switzerland's Hérens district, Sasseneire is a rugged 2,493m (8,179ft) peak that'll test your off-roading skills. The name means "black rock," and once you see the terrain, you'll understand why. This isn't your typical scenic drive. The road up is raw and unforgiving—think loose gravel, rocky patches, and a gradient that regularly exceeds 30%. The further you climb, the steeper and more technical it gets, with chunks of loose stone threatening your traction at every turn. You'll absolutely need a proper 4x4 to attempt this one. Mother Nature doesn't play nice up here either. Wind is basically a constant companion in these Swiss Pennine Alps, howling year-round with particular ferocity. Don't be fooled by summer schedules—snow can surprise you even in the warm months. Winter? Brutally cold, and conditions deteriorate fast. This road is strictly for experienced mountain drivers who actually enjoy wrestling with unpaved terrain. If you're more comfortable on smooth asphalt, save yourself the headache and pick a different adventure. But if you're craving that authentic, no-frills alpine experience, Sasseneire delivers in spades.