Ascent of Col de l'Echelle from Bardonecchia

With its 600-meter vertical drop over ten kilometers, the ascent of the Col de l'Echelle from the Italian side of the mountain is a real challenge. The beauty of the scenery from this route to the Italian peaks is well worth the climb.

Far from the mythical, busy passes, the Col de l'Echelle has retained an almost timeless spirit. This ascent from the Italian town of Bardonecchia will require a certain amount of stamina.

From the vast Campo Smith parking lot with its ski lifts, the first section to leave the town in the direction of the Vallée Étroite is fairly easy (2% on average). The slope then steepens to reach Les Mélèzets (6.5%), levels out very briefly and then begins a climb to the start of the Col. The most difficult part comes next, with a gradient of between 6% and 8.5% until you reach the vast Col plateau.

Length from Bardonecchia: 10 km
Vertical drop: 600 m
Average gradient: 5%.
Maximum gradient: 8.5%.