Along the ridge that gathers Pian dell’Alpe to Sestriere separating Chisone Valley from Susa Valley, The Assietta Road S. P. 173 - a military carriageway - unfolds for over 60 km, almost entirely over 2000 meters above the sea level.
The road just opens from June 1st to October 31st, and transit is forbidden to vehicles over 3,5 tons weight and vehicles over 2 metres wide. Overtaking is totally forbidden, and the speed limit is 30km/h.
Travelling on the Assietta road offers a unique chance to discover some of the most significant historical landmarks of one of the most striking corner of Western Alps. From the Escartons Republic to Savoy sovereignty, from religious conflicts to the rich biodiversity of alpine pastures and Orsiera-Rocciavré and Gran Bosco of Salbertrand protected areas, to the Via Alpina striking paths (www.via-alpina.com), to the cyclotourist and horse tourist trails; from the impressive fortified system to the avantgarde architectural and sacred art expressions of Upper Susa Valley.
An incredible historical, artistic, environmental and recreative itinerary. The road is travelled each year by hundreds of passionated excursionists, bikers, cyclists, mainly coming from abroad (Germany) and recently it is undergoing a development process directed to improve its usability.
The road can be travelled in the two ways, coming both from Sestriere both from Colle delle Finestre. The following description start at the intersection Colle delle Finestre Sestriere where the road starts to come down on asphalt and arrives to Alpe Pintas at Pian dell’Alpe where are located Agriturismo Pian Dell'alpe (Green hotel Pian dell’Alpe), a camping eand two alpine huts which directly sell their own made products
Alpe Pian dell'Alpe.
Passing the intersection that comes down to Balboutet the asphalt ends. The road goes up with lovely view on Chisone valley and crosses the Vallon des Morts.
A branch leads then to the wonderful Forte del Gran Serin (Fort Gran Serin) with the beautiful view on the Susa Valley.
Just before arriving at the crossroads for the Gran Serin a road that comes down for 800 mt leads to Alpeggio Assietta (Assietta Alpine Pastures) with the produce direct sale. Arriving at Testa dell'Assietta there is the obelisk reminding of the battle of 1747. Reaching the Testa dell’Assietta the downhill starts, arriving at Ex Casa Cantoniera (Roadman's house) next to Assietta Lake. On the right there is the crossroads for the Testa Del Mottas and on the left the road to Gran Costa.
Crossing Colle Lauson you arrive to Colle Blegier. A forbidden to vehicles road leads to Rifugio Arlaud (Hut Arlaud) going partly through the Gran Bosco di Salbertrand. In correspondence to the Colle, there is a road closed by a bar which blocks motorhized vehicles transit coming from Monfol.
After reaching genevris a 650 mt road leads to the lighthouse given to the Alpine troops from the Italian Military Marine. In this place there is a Tavola di Orientamento (Orientation table).
Going to the Colle di Costa Piana and then to Bourget you will cross the ski system coming from Sauze d’Oulx station. Crossing beautiful views which lead to Col Bourget and then to Col Basset, you will arrive to the fork downhill to Sportina and Sauze d’Oulx.
