Strada dell’Assietta

One of Sauze d’Oulx hidden gems, the Strada dell’Assietta is a wonderful trail for mountain bikers, hikers and off-road vehicles.

The road can be accessed from Sportinia or directly from Sauze by cycling/driving up via Clotes or Via Dalmare.

Also known as the “Ride of the Two Thousand”, the SP173 winds along the ridge between Pian dell’Alpe and Sestriere for about 35 km, almost entirely at an altitude of over 2000 metres, and is used by thousands of cyclists, mountain bikers, hikers on foot or on horseback and (on authorised days) motorised vehicles every year from July to October.

In July and August, between Col Basset and Pian dell’Alpe, the road is closed to motorised vehicles every Wednesday and Saturday from 9.00 to 17.00. For any exceptional closures, please consult www.stradadellassietta.it.

The road runs along the border between the Val Susa and the Val Chisone and is easily accessible from Sauze d’Oulx via Sportnia and Col Basset.

It is open in summer from 01 July to 31 October (snow permitting).

Image: Strada dell’Assietta Map

HISTORY

The Provincial 173 of Colle dell’Assietta is the most famous military road in the Western Alps and the highest military route in Europe, reaching an altitude of 2,550 metres at Testa dell’Assietta.

built in the late 1800s for military purposes, it made it possible to reach Colle dell’Assietta, an important piece of the Alpine military chessboard as early as 1700, even though the fortifications along the route were built in the late 1800s and implemented during both world wars.

The Battle of Assietta, fought on 19 July 1747 in the Susa Valley was a significant episode in the War of Austrian Succession. The Piedmontese, divided into 13 battalions without artillery, clashed with the French, some 20,000 soldiers strong. Thanks to the resilience and defensive organisation of the Piedmontese grenadiers, the French army suffered a disastrous defeat, leaving 5300 soldiers and 430 officers on the field.

The historical commemoration of this great battle is celebrated every year at the Assietta Pass, on the second Sunday in July

CYCLING

The Assietta Road is an ideal destination for mountain bike lovers on dirt roads.

Starting from Sauze d’Oulx, it is possible to ride the entire route via Sportinia and Col Basset to Colle dell’Assietta. In alternative, you can ride up along the Gran Bosco forest road to Col Blegier, where you meet the historic panoramic road.

For the return journey, more experienced bikers can try their hand at the suggestive Strada dei Cannoni: a single track on grassland, technically challenging due to the uneven ground, characterised by stones and roots. As an alternative, continue to Colle delle Finestre and from there descend towards Meana di Susa or in the direction of Val Chisone.

HIKING

Testa dell’Assietta is one of the most popular destinations for hikers, thanks to its perfect balance between nature and historical memory.

The itinerary starts from Sauze d’Oulx, in the locality of Richardette, and follows the ancient ‘Strada dei Cannoni’ (Cannon Road) inside the Gran Bosco Park, until reaching Testa dell’Assietta, the symbolic site of the historic Battle of 1747.

The route does not present any particular technical difficulties, but requires good training due to its length.

Image: Foto: : VisitPiemonte, Val Susa Outdoor

OFF-ROAD

The Assietta Road is the highest dirt carriageable road in Europe and is part of the Vie Storiche di Montagna (Historic Mountain Routes).

A true scenic and environmental heritage that allows you to enjoy unique experiences and reach spectacular viewpoints.

The road is subject to regulation: in July and August, in the stretch between Col Basset and Pian dell’Alpe, the road is closed to motorised vehicles every Wednesday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For any extraordinary closures, please consult www.stradadellassietta.it.