Driving the rugged track to Coletto di Laus: A rocky climb in Cuneo
Located in the heart of the Maritime Alps, in the Province of Cuneo, the ascent to Coletto di Laus is a journey through some of Piedmont’s most aggressive high-altitude terrain. Reaching an elevation of 1,948m (6,391ft) above sea level, this unpaved track links the isolated village of San Bernolfo with the stunning Lago di San Bernolfo and the Rifugio Laus. It is a route where the definition of a "road" is pushed to the limit, demanding a high-clearance vehicle and a driver who knows how to navigate a path made of loose stone and glacial debris.
| Road facts: Coletto di Laus | |
|---|---|
| Location | Cuneo, Piedmont (Italy) |
| Elevation | 1,948 m (6,391 ft) |
| Surface | Unpaved / Heavy Rocks / Washed out |
| Access Window | July to August (highly weather dependent) |
How punishing is the rocky surface to Coletto di Laus?
The climb from San Bernolfo is a slow-speed technical grind. As seen in the rugged landscapes of the Maritime Alps, the track is entirely unpaved and characterized by a notorious lack of maintenance. The surface is "bumpy" in the extreme, consisting of large, jagged rocks and deep ruts carved by mountain runoff. Attempting this without a high-clearance 4x4 is a direct risk to your oil pan and exhaust system. The narrow path forces you to pick your line with surgical precision, as the hairpins are tight and often filled with loose scree that can cause tires to spin and lose traction on the steepest ramps.
What are the hazards near the Lago di San Bernolfo summit?
The final approach to Coletto di Laus and the nearby refuge is where the track becomes most unpredictable. The primary hazard is the "washed out" nature of the road; after the heavy snowmelt that lasts until June, the path is often littered with fallen rocks from the surrounding cliffs. The track is extremely narrow, leaving zero room for two vehicles to pass, and the unprotected edges offer no safety margin. During the short summer window, sudden thunderstorms can turn the dusty, rocky base into a slick trap. The last part of the climb is officially closed to motorized vehicles, meaning the final transit must be handled with care to avoid getting stuck in a dead-end sector with no room to turn around.
What is the best driving strategy for the Cuneo high ridges?
Navigating the track toward the Rifugio Laus requires a constant focus on your vehicle's underside. You must maintain a steady, low-gear crawl to avoid the "bouncing" effect on the large stones, which can lead to a loss of steering control. On the descent back toward San Bernolfo, heavy engine braking is essential to manage the steepness without cooking your brakes. Monitor your tire pressure constantly, as the sharp Alpine stones are a primary cause of punctures in this remote part of Piedmont. In this sector of the Alps, the road is a raw test of mechanical endurance—respect the rocks, watch the narrow hairpins, and ensure your 4x4 is ready for a bone-shaking transit.
Pic: http://www.rifugiolaus.it/#