High altitude military roads – gravel routes on the Assietta road

A vast network of former military roads leads through the Western Alps. Built in the 1930s, these ways were part of the Vallo Alpino, a great defensive line on the border with France, constructed in anticipation of the Second World War.

These high-altitude military roads cross different areas of Piedmont in Italy. The Collection I propose here contains the most beautiful Tours in the region’s north. It covers Provincial Road 173 of Assietta and the nearby Provincial Road 172 of the Colle delle Finestre, among others.

‘The ride of two thousanders’ – that’s how a guidebook from the 1960s described the
magnificent dirt road, the Via dell'Assietta, which links the Susa and Chisone valleys, running almost entirely over 2,000 metres (6,560 ft) in altitude.

The recommended period for tackling these routes is between June and October, but always check the route and weather conditions before setting off. Remember that this is a high-mountain route in remote areas, so careful planning is essential.

These routes are suitable for gravel bikes or MTBs. You should only attempt them if you’re experienced in riding on high-altitude dirt terrain, are familiar with the mountain environment, and are physically capable of tackling long uphill stretches with steep gradients.

In terms of gear, you’ll need a complete repair kit (punctures happen often in these parts), enough water and food for an outing of at least seven hours (refuelling points), and waterproof and windproof clothing as the temperatures can vary in the high mountains.

So that’s about all I wanted to share with you. This is definitely one of those places you’ll remember forever as you explore these extraordinarily beautiful and tough routes.