Top 16 Mountain Passes around Borgone Susa

The region around Borgone Susa offers a diverse range of mountain passes, from challenging routes popular with cyclists and hikers to historical military roads and family-friendly spots. You'll find passes with significant historical value, demanding gravel sections, and those offering serene natural beauty.

Yes, for a family-friendly option, consider the area around Madonna della Neve Chapel and Col Bione Fountain. It's a popular spot with a large grassy area and picnic tables, accessible via multiple routes, making it ideal for families with children and hikers looking for a relaxed outing.

For those seeking a challenge, Colle del Colombardo and Sanctuary is known for its steep gradients and demanding dirt road sections. Additionally, the legendary Colle delle Finestre, accessible from Susa, features a demanding climb with 45 hairpin turns and significant unpaved sections, making it a favorite for experienced cyclists.

Absolutely. The Susa Valley is rich in history. The Strada dell'Assietta and Colle dell'Assietta are renowned for their military route and high-altitude gravel sections. Another historically rich route is the Colle del Moncenisio, an ancient trade route utilized by the Romans, connecting the Susa Valley to France.

Many passes offer breathtaking panoramic views. For instance, the Wind Pass provides a very panoramic position with wide views of the Cristalliera group, the Gravio Valley, Lago Rosso, and even glimpses of Moncenisio lake and Rocciamelone. Colle del Moncenisio itself offers stunning views of the Vanoise National Park and its immense cobalt-blue artificial lake.

The area around Borgone Susa is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking, mountain biking, and running. For example, explore the diverse gravel biking routes, tackle challenging MTB trails, or enjoy scenic running trails.

The best time to visit is generally during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn (May to October), when the passes are typically free of snow and weather conditions are most favorable for outdoor activities. Some higher passes, like Colle del Moncenisio, may still have snowy peaks even in summer, offering stunning contrasts.

Cyclists will appreciate Colle Braida, which connects Val Sangone to Val di Susa and offers a quite pedalable ascent from both the Giaveno and Avigliana sides. For a more demanding cycling experience, Colle delle Finestre is a legendary climb with significant gravel sections, often featured in the Giro d'Italia.

Some passes offer facilities. For instance, Colle Braida has parking and a restaurant. The area around Madonna della Neve Chapel and Col Bione Fountain provides picnic tables, perfect for a packed lunch. For other passes, it's advisable to check specific details beforehand, as facilities can be limited in high-altitude or remote areas.

The Colle della Croce di Ferro is an Alpine pass connecting the Susa Valley with the Viù Valley. It's notable for its historical significance, as the mule track leading up from Malciaussia was used for military purposes during the Second World War to reach barracks scattered over the hills.

While not widely publicized, the Colle della Vecchia offers a challenging route along an ancient military mule track, providing a glimpse into the region's historical passages and picturesque valley landscapes towards Cima Ciantiplagna. It's a great option for those looking to explore a less frequented path.