Col de Busson

We follow the signposting „Sagnalonga“. The 7.2 kilometer-long track is in excellent condition and winds up to almost 2,000 meters in height to the mountain pasture „Sagnalonga“ (44° 55' 51.06" N and 06° 47' 22.51" E). 200 meters after the town sign at km 7.4 (44° 55' 51.04" N and 06° 47' 17.92" E), a signpost shows „Lago Nero“ to the left – follow this track. At km 10.5 you reach an old military fort (44° 54' 35.72" N and 06° 47' 54.60" E). Contrary to many route descriptions, the track leading right to Lago Nero narrows after just a few hundred meters, so no off-road vehicle can get through. However, anyone wanting to experience an impression of this magnificent mountain landscape on foot should allow themselves this roughly 1.2 kilometer walk. Off-road drivers follow the track straight ahead at the fort. After about 200 meters at km 10.7 (44° 54' 29.73" N and 06° 47' 57.72" E), follow the signposting to the lake to the right. At km 11.3 (44° 54' 13.68" N and 06° 47' 48.07" E), you reach a junction – left to Colle Begino, straight ahead (about 100 m) to Lago Nero and to Colle de Busson. We follow the track leading left (barrier, which is always open, with a disclaimer attached, no prohibition sign!). After 100 meters you reach an old, ruined stone bridge (please do not use, danger of collapse!), shortly after there is usually a very muddy ford – the entrance to the difficult and partly very steep Colle Begino track. You follow the track uphill to the east. Caution! Very steep and very eroded sections. The track has repeatedly slipped away, also very wet spots that should be driven with caution. Above the tree line, the condition of the track improves significantly. Still very steep and almost only manageable in low gear, but in relatively good condition. Already, the view of the 2,412 meter high Colle Begino promises a phenomenal mountain panorama. After about 2 kilometers, you reach the summit at km 13.4 (° 53' 46.72" N and 06° 48' 42.95" E) with the ruined fortress facilities, the effort is rewarded with a breathtaking view, even by Piedmontese standards. Caution! Hardly any turning possibilities at the summit! Although a track branches off to the left, it disappears into nothing within the next 500 meters. Back at Lago Nero (junction at km 11.3 (44° 54' 13.68" N and 06° 47' 48.07" E)) you follow the main track (coming from Colle Begino left, coming from Sagnalonga straight ahead) to reach Col de Busson. However, at the time of our ride, this was impassable due to construction work, so only an old version of the route description can be provided. You follow the signposting Capanna Matino. In tight switchbacks, the gravel track winds up the mountain. After about 2 kilometers you reach a cross route and follow the route to the left (uphill). After a total of 4 kilometers – starting from Lago Nero – you reach the pass height of Col de Busson at 2,168 meters. The definite end of this tour – always following the ridge road, now on French soil – is after about 1.5 kilometers from the Col de Busson pass at a small mountain lake (44° 54' 07.61" N and 06° 47' 31.61" E44). Here you should not be guided by the countless enduro tracks, as these lead nowhere! You also start your return journey from Col de Busson, like at Col de Begino, downhill via Lago Nero to Sagnalonga. In the village, the sports hotel is located on the right. Turn left and follow the wooden signpost at km 0.00 (44° 55' 47.47" N and 06° 47' 12.65" E) „Monti della Luna/Col Saurel/Col de Bercia“. From here, a relatively new track leads to the summit of the 2,200 meter high Col de Bercia. At km 3.2 (44° 55' 22.03" N and 06° 46' 50.61" E), just below the Bercia summit and the new cable car station, keep right (downhill) and follow the signpost to „Claviere“ (France). Caution! From here, a very wide but extremely dusty track begins, until after 6.3 kilometers you reach the Rifugio „Baita Gimont“ at 2,035 meters (44° 55' 15.18" N and 06° 45' 56.25" E), which is also excellent for overnight stays or meals. Following the track – over the small bridge below the refuge – you reach, already on the French side, at km 8.0 in the valley the restaurant „La Coche“ on the right (44° 56' 05.52" N and 06° 45' 56.72" E). Caution! Here the track splits into countless tracks. To get to Claviere, always keep on the track leading left into the valley. At km 9.9 (44° 56' 20.11" N and 06° 45' 01.15" E) the tour ends in the French village of Claviere, at the foot of the legendary Mont Chaberton. From here, further travel to Sestriere or Italy is possible.