
Where is Colle Sestriere?
Italy, europe
17 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Colle Sestriere, a seriously scenic mountain pass chilling in the Metropolitan City of Turin, Italy, practically waving hello to France from just 17 km away! We're talking about the Susa Valley, people. The pass itself? It's named after Sestriere, a super-cute alpine village right at the top (population: a cozy 880).
You'll be cruising along the Strada Provinciale 23 del Colle di Sestriere (SP23R) – totally paved, so no need for monster truck tires. The whole shebang runs from Cesana Torinese to Perosa Argentina, about 40 km northwest of Turin, and it's about 40 km in total length.
Now, let's talk climb. If you're coming from Perosa Argentina, get ready for an elevation gain of 1,427 meters with an average gradient of 3.8%. Starting in Cesana Torinese? It's a 679-meter climb at a slightly steeper average of 5.9%. Either way, the views are absolutely worth it!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 17 km
- Difficulty
- hard
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