Val Susa Gravel Loop is an itinerary in stages waiting to be discovered. A unique experience for nature and adventure lovers on gravel bikes along the incredible mesh of ex-military roads in the Susa Valley, now promoted under the Vie Storiche di Montagna label. Almost 300 km, 6812 metres of altitude difference and a development between 337 and 2539 metres of altitude.
The journey starts and arrives in Avigliana, which can be reached by train, the gateway to the Susa Valley. A beautiful medieval town famous for its lakes and for being at the foothill of the Sacra di San Michele, one of Piedmont's symbolic monasteries, which can be reached by climbing the first ascent to Colle Braida, which saw the passage of the Giro d'Italia in 2023.
The route hits many iconic cycling landmarks such as the Colle delle Finestre (18 km and 1700 of D+) that many people will remember for Chris Froome's feat at the 2018 Giro d'Italia.
We continue along the Assietta Road, the highest vehicular dirt road in Europe straddling the Susa and Chisone valleys. A military mountain ridge about 32 km long, always over 2000 m high, that connected the high altitude fortifications between the Colle delle Finestre and the Colle del Sestriere, today the scene of important cycling events such as the Assietta Legend and the Gran Fondo Sestriere.
Dropping first at Sestriere and then at Cesana Torinese, a new climb towards the Monti della Luna, with lunar panoramas, takes us to Claviere, the last Italian village before crossing into France towards the Col du Montgenèvre, Val-des-Prés and the ascent of the Colle della Scala, where the view sweeps from the narrow valley to the Guglia Rossa as we ride the hairpin bends that descend towards Bardonecchia.
At this point you turn back along the other side of Val Susa. First with a double-digit gradient climb in the Rochemolles valley and then with a steep descent passing by Fort Föens and Fort Pramand, you arrive at the bottom of the valley, in Salbertrand village. From there, the return to Avigliana has two solutions: follow the Almese - Rivoli track or via the Bardonecchia - Torino railway line.
Following this trail means being immersed in a rollercoaster of emotions: breathtaking landscapes, monuments and historical sites, unique peaks and panoramas. A journey that leaves its mark and gives unique emotions to anyone who wants to challenge themselves and live the beauty of nature in the Torino Alps.
The itinerary can be subdivided into steps according to each person's ability and taste with respect to their stay. In fact, along the itinerary there are alpine refuges, mountain pastures, bivouacs but also big hotels as in famous resorts such as Sestriere and Bardonecchia.
Discover the itinerary on Outdoor Active