The breathtaking unpaved road to Salati Pass
Passo dei Salati is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,988m (9,803ft) above sea level, located in Italy. It’s one of the highest roads in Europe.
Where is Passo dei Salati?
The pass, also known as Colle Inferiore de Pisse, is located west of Colle Bettaforca, on the border between the Metropolitan City of Turin (Piedmont) and the Aosta Valley region, in the northwestern part of the country.
What’s at the summit of Passo dei Salati?
At the summit, there are a few buildings and facilities, including a bar, a restaurant, a famous sculpture known as Statua dello Stambecco, and the Istituto Scientifico Angelo Mosso, a research institute.
How long is the road to Passo dei Salati?
The road to the summit is totally unpaved. It’s a chairlift access trail. A 4x4 vehicle is required. Starting from Staffal (in Aosta Valley), the road to the summit is 7.9 km (4.9 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 1,128 m, and the average gradient is 14.27%.
Is the road to Passo dei Salati open?
Set high in the Graian Alps, near the Gran Paradiso National Park area, the road is closed to private vehicles. It is impassable from October to June (weather permitting). It’s one of the highest roads in the country.
Pic: Antonio Cerri