SI E27

Another rather long stage with a significant elevation gain that takes you from the Val Chisone to the Alta Valle di Susa through a pass rich in history. From Usseaux, you reach the village of Balboutet and take the hiking trail towards the Colle dell’Assietta, without using the former military road except in the last part, which is often busy with motorcycles and off-road vehicles. The pass is a barren plateau where in 1747 an epic battle took place between Piedmontese and French troops, where a handful of Austro-Sardinian soldiers managed to confront and defeat the Transalpine army. After visiting the remains of the fortifications and enjoying a refreshing stop at the Casa Assietta refuge, the descent to the Arlaud refuge begins within the Gran Bosco di Salbertrand, a protected area that is part of the Regional Park of the Alpi Cozie.