Colle del Sommeiller — Bardonecchia to the 2,993 m Alpine Summit
Almost 3,000 meters of Alpine gravel.
The Colle del Sommeiller is named after Germain Sommeiller, the engineer who bored the Fréjus Tunnel under these same mountains. The road to the pass is a rougher kind of engineering. From the Pian del Colle area above Bardonecchia, a gravel track climbs past the Rochemolles reservoir and out of the larch forest. It then winds up bare scree and old moraine to a saddle at 2,993 meters, among the highest places you can drive in the Alps. There are no guardrails to speak of, a lot of drop, and the air thins noticeably near the top. At the saddle you look straight at the retreating Sommeiller glacier and across to the French border ridges. It’s roughly 10 miles of climbing, and mountain weather can turn quickly.
Difficulty is moderate. The surface is loose gravel and rock steps, narrow in places with few passing spots, so a stock high-clearance 4WD handles it and a careful driver in a capable crossover can too. Altitude, exposure, and snow patches are the real hazards. Plan for July to mid-September. Access rules, fees, and closure days change, so check with the Bardonecchia municipality before you go. Fuel up in town, since there is nothing up high. Cell service is spotty. Bivouacking is restricted, so plan on a day run. Have a dirty day.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 10 mi / 16.1 km |
| Duration | 3-5 hours |
| Max elevation (ft) | 9820 ft |
| Best season | July-mid September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD preferred; capable crossover possible in dry weather |
| Nearest town | Bardonecchia, Piedmont |
| Land manager | Comune di Bardonecchia / Alta Valle Susa municipal and regional authorities |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Verified | |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock SUV or crossover drive Colle del Sommeiller?
In dry weather, a capable crossover with decent ground clearance can make it. Expect loose rock, washouts, and ruts, and a high-clearance 4WD is the safer choice, especially after rain or on the upper switchbacks.
When is the Colle del Sommeiller road open?
Plan on July to mid September. Snow can linger into early July and return early in autumn, and the road is not maintained for winter travel. Check current conditions with Bardonecchia locals or the rifugi before you go.
Do I need a permit or pay a fee to drive Colle del Sommeiller?
No special permit is typically needed, but access is managed by the Comune di Bardonecchia and Alta Valle Susa authorities, and a vehicle access fee may apply. Confirm current fees, closures, and any traffic restrictions with the Comune before driving.
What is the hardest part of the Sommeiller climb?
The upper section above treeline, where the road narrows into loose, rocky switchbacks with exposure. Passing oncoming vehicles gets tight, and the summit sits at 2,993 m (9,820 ft), so thin air and fast-changing weather add to the challenge.
Will I have cell service on the trail, and should I plan for it?
Service is spotty, so download offline maps and weather forecasts in Bardonecchia before you start. It's a 3-5 hour drive for about 16 km (10 miles) with 4,100 ft of climbing, so start early to stay ahead of afternoon mountain storms.
Trail track
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