Driving the SP335 to Colle Bettone: A steep Piedmont challenge
Colle Bettone is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,834 meters (6,017 ft) above sea level, located in the Province of Cuneo, in the Piedmont region of Italy. Crossing the base of Monte Bettone, the pass is reached via the narrow Strada Provinciale 335 (SP335).
| Road facts: Colle Bettone (SP335) | |
|---|---|
| Location | Cuneo, Piedmont (Italy) |
| Elevation | 1,834 m (6,017 ft) |
| Length | 12.4 km (7.7 miles) from Stroppo |
| Average Gradient | 6.98% |
| Max Gradient | 15% |
| Hairpin Turns | 16 switchbacks |
| Surface | Paved (Narrow and degraded) |
Where is the SP335 road to Colle Bettone?
The road is located in the Cottian Alps in southern Piedmont. Starting from Stroppo, the SP335 climbs the mountain slope toward Colle Bettone and the upper valleys of Cuneo.
How steep is the drive to Colle Bettone?
The climb from Stroppo spans 12.4 kilometers (7.7 miles) with an average gradient of 6.98%. However, the incline is irregular, featuring steep ramps that reach up to a 15% gradient. The road is single-lane width with 16 sharp hairpin turns. Meeting oncoming vehicles requires using turnouts or reversing to wider sections of the lane.
What are the hazards on the SP335 pass?
The main hazard on Colle Bettone is the narrow, cracked asphalt surface and the lack of guardrails along the upper drops. Rainstorms frequently wash gravel and dirt onto the pavement, while rockfalls leave loose debris in the middle of the hairpins. On the 12.4-kilometer descent toward Stroppo, drivers must stay in lower gears to engine brake and prevent brake overheating on the 15% drops.
Is Colle Bettone open in winter?
No. Due to its elevation of 1,834 meters, heavy snowfall closes the SP335 during the winter months, typically from November through late spring. Snowplows clear the route once the spring thaw ends.