How to drive to Colle di Sampeyre in the Cottian Alps?
Colle di Sampeyre is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,284m (7,493ft) above sea level, located in the Province of Cuneo, in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. It is one of the highest paved passes in the Cottian Alps, famous for its dramatic drops and stunning alpine scenery.
Where is Colle di Sampeyre?
The pass acts as a high-altitude gateway between the Varaita and Maira valleys. The summit is a crucial geographical junction where the paved SP335 meets the legendary unpaved ridge road known as the Strada dei Cannoni.
🚴 Colle di Sampeyre Facts
| Max Gradient | 14% |
| Status | Paved (SP335) |
| Giro d'Italia | Featured Climb |
| Junction | Connects to Strada dei Cannoni |
Is the road to Colle di Sampeyre paved?
The road to the summit is entirely paved, following the Strada Provinciale 335 (SP335). However, do not let the asphalt fool you; it is a notoriously "wild" road.
- The Ascent: Starting from Stroppo, the climb is 16 km long with an average gradient of 7.8%, reaching maximum ramps of 12-14%.
- Safety Hazards: The road is extremely narrow (mostly a single track) and is considered dangerous due to numerous gaps in the asphalt and unprotected drops of hundreds of meters. There are virtually no guardrails.
- The Landscape: For the final 6 km, the road leaves the trees behind, driving through high-altitude meadows above the timberline, often leading directly into the clouds.
How long is Colle di Sampeyre?
The full pass is 33.6 km (20.87 miles) long, running south to north from Stroppo to the town of Sampeyre. The descent towards Sampeyre is particularly treacherous due to the steepness and the deteriorating state of the road surface.
Is Colle di Sampeyre worth the drive?
Set high in the Alps, the views from the summit are breathtaking, offering a 360-degree panorama of the deep valleys below. The road’s difficulty and beauty have earned it a place in cycling history, having been featured several times in the Giro d'Italia. It is a "stairway to heaven" for experienced drivers and cyclists looking for a high-altitude challenge far from the tourist crowds.