Alpi Motor & Mountain Driving
The Val di Susa has a rich motor sport heritage and the mountain road network around Sauze d'Oulx offers spectacular driving for those who appreciate mountain roads.
The Val di Susa's motor sport heritage
The Val di Susa has been associated with motor sport since the early twentieth century. The valley road between Turin and the French border passes through some of the most dramatic Alpine scenery in northern Italy, and has historically been used for timed hill climbs and stage rallies.
The mountain passes accessible from Sauze d'Oulx — including the Col du Montgenèvre (1,850m) on the Italian-French border — are classic Alpine driving routes that attract motorcyclists and enthusiast drivers each summer.
The A32 autostrada (the motorway from Turin to Bardonecchia) is itself an engineering achievement — the Frejus tunnel, opened in 1980, connects Italy and France beneath the Alps.
Notable drives near Sauze d'Oulx
Col du Montgenèvre
1,854mThe border pass between Sauze d'Oulx (via Clavière) and Montgenèvre in France. One of the lower passes in the western Alps and open most of the year. Classic motorcycle and cycling route.
Colle del Sestriere
2,035mThe road over the Colle del Sestriere connects the Val di Susa with the Val Chisone. The Sestriere resort sits at the summit. Historic Tour de France and Giro d'Italia route.
SS24 through the valley
Valley floorThe historic main valley road (superstrada) between Turin and the French border. The old route before the autostrada was built, passing through the towns of the Val di Susa.
Strada del Colle dell'Assietta
Up to ~2,470mA military road running along the ridge above Sauze d'Oulx. Unpaved in sections and spectacular. Accessible by 4WD and mountain bikes; not suitable for regular cars on its upper sections.
🚴 Cycling the mountain passes
Road cycling enthusiasts will find the passes around Sauze d'Oulx iconic. The Colle del Sestriere has featured in the Giro d'Italia multiple times, and the road to Montgenèvre is a classic cross-border cycling route.
E-bike hire in the Val di Susa makes these climbs accessible to riders who want the pass experience without the extreme fitness requirement. Ask at local bike hire shops or check the Via Lattea summer pages for e-MTB hire options.
Road bike hire is also available in the valley. Always carry water and a repair kit for mountain cycling — distances between services can be significant.
Driving in the mountains — practical notes
- • Mountain roads can be narrow with passing places — drive slowly and be prepared to reverse
- • Check road conditions before using mountain passes — some are closed seasonally or after heavy rain
- • Italian road conditions: stradeanas.it
- • Toll roads (A32): carry an Italian Telepass or pay cash at toll booths
- • Motorcyclists: the passes are at their best June–September; some sections can be cold even in summer at altitude