Cycling - Colle del Nivolet
Trail photos
Author
Trail stats
- Distance
- 30.94 mi
- Elevation gain
- 5,328 ft
- Technical difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation loss
- 5,328 ft
- Max elevation
- 8,598 ft
- TrailRank
- 32
- Min elevation
- 3,731 ft
- Trail type
- Loop
- Time
- 6 hours 59 minutes
- Coordinates
- 1604
- Uploaded
- September 12, 2020
- Recorded
- September 2020
near Pianchette, Piemonte (Italia)
Viewed 471 times, downloaded 8 times
Trail photos
Itinerary description
Cycling - Colle del Nivolet is said to be one of the hardest climbs in Europe. Whether this might be true or not, the scenery in the heart of the Gran Paradiso National Park is much worth the ride.
Although listed here as MTB, this route is completely paved.
The "Old Road", closed to motor traffic, runs along the Orco river and returns magnificent views of this pristine valley. The quality of pavement is excellent (as of September 2020) as it was renewed on the occasion of Stage #13 of the Giro d'Italia 2019. Held in May after a massive road opening job by clearing it from snow. The finish line of such stage was set at Lake Serru'. Grand setting already by this dammed lake (hydroelectric power). Space is anyway insufficient at the Colle for the magnitude of a similar event. After Serru', the road is slightly downhill to reach next lake, Agnel, where the road passes on the dam.
Colle del Nivolet marks the administrative border between the regions of Piemonte and Aosta Valley. Rifugio Citta' di Chivasso is 50 meters away. Right below this pass, on the other side, more options for food and lodging at Rifugio Savoia and another nearby.
Many take this climb by starting in Cuorgne' or Locana. If so, consider that up to Noasca the shared road isn't particularly interesting. Just longer and with modest grade. I would then recommend the start from Noasca via the "Old Road" to Ceresole corresponding to this recorded track.
NOTE: 1 the regular road to Ceresole isn't anyway recommended for it's inside a long tunnel which used to be - might still be - forbidden to bicycles.
NOTE 2: On weekends of July and August, the road is banned to motor traffic after Lake Serru', shuttle (paid) only. Ideal for cyclists, although motor traffic isn't heavy except for Sundays - which I would avoid.
Those willing to ride a few kilometers on gravel, which we did on the way back, can take the pedestrian/bike road along the lakeshore where tables and benches provide quiet spots for a picnic.
Some insight here:
https://www.cycling-challenge.com/colle-del-nivolet
http://thecolcollective.com/col-collection/col/colle-del-nivolet
Although listed here as MTB, this route is completely paved.
The "Old Road", closed to motor traffic, runs along the Orco river and returns magnificent views of this pristine valley. The quality of pavement is excellent (as of September 2020) as it was renewed on the occasion of Stage #13 of the Giro d'Italia 2019. Held in May after a massive road opening job by clearing it from snow. The finish line of such stage was set at Lake Serru'. Grand setting already by this dammed lake (hydroelectric power). Space is anyway insufficient at the Colle for the magnitude of a similar event. After Serru', the road is slightly downhill to reach next lake, Agnel, where the road passes on the dam.
Colle del Nivolet marks the administrative border between the regions of Piemonte and Aosta Valley. Rifugio Citta' di Chivasso is 50 meters away. Right below this pass, on the other side, more options for food and lodging at Rifugio Savoia and another nearby.
Many take this climb by starting in Cuorgne' or Locana. If so, consider that up to Noasca the shared road isn't particularly interesting. Just longer and with modest grade. I would then recommend the start from Noasca via the "Old Road" to Ceresole corresponding to this recorded track.
NOTE: 1 the regular road to Ceresole isn't anyway recommended for it's inside a long tunnel which used to be - might still be - forbidden to bicycles.
NOTE 2: On weekends of July and August, the road is banned to motor traffic after Lake Serru', shuttle (paid) only. Ideal for cyclists, although motor traffic isn't heavy except for Sundays - which I would avoid.
Those willing to ride a few kilometers on gravel, which we did on the way back, can take the pedestrian/bike road along the lakeshore where tables and benches provide quiet spots for a picnic.
Some insight here:
https://www.cycling-challenge.com/colle-del-nivolet
http://thecolcollective.com/col-collection/col/colle-del-nivolet
Waypoints
Waypoint
0 ft
Colle del Nivolet
bus stop Valsavarenche, Valle
Car park
0 ft
P Noasca
carpark Noasca, Torino, ITA
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