
Where is Colle dell'Assietta?
Italy, europe
30 km
2,472 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Let me tell you about Colle dell'Assietta, a seriously epic mountain pass chilling at 2,472m (that's 8,110ft!) in the Turin area of Italy.
You'll find this gem nestled in the Piedmont region, up north, as one of the many passes on the SP173 between Susa and Sestriere in the western Italian Alps.
Now, fair warning: the road to the top is all gravel, baby! It's an old military road hugging the ridge from Pian dell’Alpe to Sestriere. We're talking a 30 km/h speed limit, no passing, and parking only in designated spots. It can be a bit rocky and rough, especially on the turns, but totally doable!
Important note: this beauty is only open from June 1st to October 31st, so plan your trip accordingly!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 30 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,472 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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