Colle Sommelier

Classic tour to the Sommelier Pass starting in Bardonecchia, it is 26 km of almost continuous but never too steep climbing. It starts in Bardonecchia on asphalt with some somewhat steep sections until Rochemolles where it becomes a dirt road with a flat section next to the lake. Along the climb there are 4 signs indicating distance and gradient, the first at Rifugio Scarfiotti where you go right.

Ahead you see an endless series of switchbacks but the gradient is always steady around 8% to the top.

After a long straight valley you come to the last endless series of switchbacks leading to the pass, as you climb the road gets a little worse and worse.

At the top there is an enclosed building and a pond, I recommend climbing up to the poles just above the hut.

The pond. You go back down the same road and get a better view of the waterfall above the hut.

Just below the lake you go left on the nice flat trail to Fregusia, then I followed a smooth descent with a very short section that was a bit steep, then left nice scenic trail with nice views of Bardonecchia.