Above Sestriere, the Strada dell’Assietta unrolls its military track along a spectacular ridgeline, offering one of the most panoramic gravel and mountain bike rides in the Cottian Alps.
An almost continuous high-altitude ridge track
It’s about 24 km for 700 m of cumulative elevation gain, on a dirt and gravel track that stays nearly constantly above 2,000 m, running from Sestriere toward Pragelato or Sauze d’Oulx.
A military road steeped in history
Built in the 18th century by the Kingdom of Savoy to link its border forts, the Strada dell’Assietta was the site of the Battle of Assietta in 1747, a Piedmontese victory over Franco-Spanish forces that still shapes the site’s identity.
How to approach the ride
Wide gravel tires or a mountain bike are recommended to absorb the uneven terrain of the military track, along with enough water and food for the whole day, since no resupply is available along the route.
When to ride it
July to September only, as the track stays snow-covered or impassable the rest of the year given its consistently high altitude.
Good to know
The track offers uninterrupted views over the surrounding ranges, from Monte Viso to the Susa valley, and can be combined with several exit points toward Pragelato or Sauze d’Oulx depending on the level sought.