The Salt Road or The High Salt Road

The Alta Via del Sale is one of the most spectacular alpine routes for mountain biking enthusiasts and adventure lovers. This historic military gravel road connects the Piedmontese and French Alps to the Ligurian Sea, winding between 1,800 and 2,100 meters above sea level along the main alpine watershed near the Italian-French border. The trail offers breathtaking views, high mountain passes, scenic switchbacks, and dramatic sections carved into the rock.

This entirely unpaved route links Limone Piemonte, in the Province of Cuneo, with Monesi di Triora, in the mountainous hinterland of Liguria, covering a total distance of around 30 km. The Alta Via del Sale is a must for mountain bikers seeking both physical challenge and immersion in wild, untouched alpine landscapes.

The road is open during the summer months, once the snow has melted, and remains accessible into the autumn. It can be used by cyclists, hikers, and motor vehicles, although on certain days of the week, access is reserved exclusively for pedestrians and bikes—ideal conditions for a peaceful, traffic-free ride.

With its elevation gains, varied terrain, and historical atmosphere, this route is perfect for those who want more than just a ride: it's a journey into the heart of the Alps. Riding the Alta Via del Sale by mountain bike means discovering silence, epic panoramas, and the raw energy of nature at high altitude. It’s an unforgettable experience on one of Europe’s most scenic mountain trails.