Sampeyre Pass Loop

A challenging Alpine loop through the Varaita and Maira Valleys, featuring the long climb to Colle di Sampeyre and spectacular high-mountain scenery at 2,284 metres.

Description

At 2,284 metres above sea level, Colle di Sampeyre links the Varaita Valley with the Maira Valley and is the highlight of this spectacular mountain loop, suitable for both road and gravel bikes. It is a demanding ride, with plenty of climbing and virtually no flat sections.

Starting from Casa Bart in Villar San Costanzo, the route covers 98 km with around 2,200 metres of elevation gain. It is usually ridden anticlockwise, climbing through the Varaita Valley before descending into the Maira Valley. This direction is particularly recommended on warmer days, as the ascent is cooler and more shaded in the morning.

After crossing the Colletta di Rossana, the route reaches the village of Rossana before continuing towards Venasca, avoiding part of the main road. From here, the road climbs gradually towards Sampeyre, reached after approximately 38 km.

This is where the real challenge begins: a 16 km climb to Colle di Sampeyre, consistently demanding and with very few opportunities to recover. There are no drinking fountains along the ascent, so make sure you carry enough water. Around 10 km after the turn-off, Rifugio Meira Garneri can be reached by briefly leaving the tarmac and following a short gravel descent. The north-facing exposure and long wooded sections provide some welcome shade on the way up.

Once you reach the 2,284-metre summit of Colle di Sampeyre, the route drops into the Maira Valley. The descent is narrow, technical and great fun, but it requires concentration, as do several of the tighter sections along this Alpine route.

After joining the main road through the Maira Valley, the route heads back towards Villar San Costanzo, with a few scenic highlights still to come. At Cartignano, you leave the main road and cross the Maira stream over a medieval bridge. Further on, in Dronero, you cross the river once again via the striking Ponte del Diavolo, or Devil’s Bridge, built in 1428.

From Dronero, just 3 km remain before returning to Villar San Costanzo and Casa Bart, completing a rewarding high-mountain loop best suited to well-trained cyclists who enjoy long Alpine climbs.