Where is Col del Sommeiller?
France, europe
13.7 km
2,993 m
hard
Year-round
Col del Sommeiller: an absolute stunner straddling the French-Italian border! This isn't just any mountain pass; at almost 10,000 feet, it's one of the highest roads you'll find in Europe.
Starting near Bardonecchia, Italy, you're in for a 16-mile climb that's pure eye candy. Think hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills, picturesque alpine dams, and a turquoise lake shimmering at the summit that's begging for a photo. The views? Unreal.
Now, a heads-up: only the first few miles are paved, and not well, at that! After Rochemolles, the rest is a rocky, unpaved adventure that's best tackled with a 4x4. Expect some steep sections—grades can hit almost 20%!
Keep in mind that this road is usually snowed in from late October to late June/early July. It usually doesn't get cleared until late July. Also, there can be partial closures on Thursdays between July and September.
But trust me, if you're up for a challenge and crave epic scenery, Col del Sommeiller is an unforgettable ride.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 13.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,993 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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