Stunning panoramic views of the high Alpine peaks that surround Aosta, from Gran Combin to Rutor to Mont Blanc, cycling along the ancient Via dei Salassi, the “guardians of the mountains.” This is a legendary communication road once controlled by this Celto-Ligurian population of gold seekers, who before Roman rule raged over these strategic lands demanding tolls from passing travelers.
A route suspended between history and myth, in which to breathe in the scents and silences of the alpine landscape, testing oneself among treacherous curves and changes in gradient, immersed in an environment of great scenic value.

Itinerary featured in the Guidebook Viatoribus: “Italia in Bici con Gusto”

Itinerary description:
The loop course is 58 km long (elevation gain 1,450 m.), starting and finishing in Aosta.
From the center of the main town, take the road to the Great St. Bernard Pass, climbing up toward Arpuilles. Here take SR 41 “dei Salassi” which gains elevation passing through several hamlets until Ville-sur-Sarre, where a total panorama of the Aosta Valley opens up.
Past Bellun (1,382 m.) continue toward Saint-Nicolas, passing the highest point of the route near Verrogne (1,600 m.).
From here we pedal toward Charbonniere and Cerellaz, where the narrow, winding descent to the valley floor of Avise begins, with sweeping views of Mont Blanc.
From Arvier we recommend the detour to Introd, Villeneuve and Aymavilles, where we follow the signs to Gressan. The return to Aosta is on the easy bicycle path that runs along the orographic right of the Dora Baltea.

Route type: loop
Length: 58 km
Height difference in ascent: 1450 m
Height difference on descent: 1450 m
Highest point: 1603 m
Lowest point: 562 m
Type of surface: asphalt

Technical advice:
The route is challenging and therefore requires good basic training.

Commune of departure: Aosta
Place of departure: Aosta
Municipality of arrival: Aosta
Place of arrival: Aosta

Recommended period: June to October