Sestriere

Today, Sestriere is part of the international Vialattea ski area, which consists of seven other resorts-Sauze d'Oulx, Sansicario, Cesana Torinese, Claviere, Oulx, Pragelato and France's Montgenèvre-for a total of 400 kilometers of slopes capable of satisfying the tastes and abilities of all ski enthusiasts. Over the years, the area's slopes have hosted major sporting events, such as the Ski World Cup and Alpine Ski World Championships, as well as the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Turin. Within the ski area one can move with skis on thanks to 70 lifts (cable cars, gondolas, telemix, ski lifts, carpet lifts and chair lifts). Thanks to the illuminated slope dedicated to Giovanni Alberto Agnelli, you can ski in Sestriere even after sunset.

In addition to skiing, Sestriere also offers a snowpark for snowboarders and ski-cross enthusiasts, a ring-shaped track for cross-country skiing, 8 km long, and an ice-skating rink. Here and in other locations on the ViaLattea it is also possible to goheli-skiing, to take dog-sledding and snowmobile rides.

Precisely because of its recent development, Sestriere does not host many historical and cultural attractions. There are, however, some hamlets that still retain the appearance similar to that before the major tourist development. Such as, for example, the quiet hamlet of Champlas Janvier, where you will find an old bakery that served the village and, next door, the Chapel of St. Claudius, characterized by a pitched roof with wooden shingles, in typical mountain style, and two large stone blocks placed at the entrance, topped by a wooden lintel. From the little church one can admire the splendid view of the valley below and enjoy the great silence that pervades the place.

If you are in Sestriere, you can't miss a ride on the Assietta Road. What is it all about? But about the famous highest military road in Italy, closed from October 31 to June 30. It is precisely an ancient military route (in fact, it allowed to reach the Fort of Gran Serin) that winds along the mountain ridge that separates Val di Susa from Val Chisone, and connects Sestriere to Pian dell'Alpe. The road passes under the Testa dell'Assietta, from which it takes its name; on this peak, known for the 1747 victory against the French (which, however, cost a massacre), there is a stone obelisk surmounted by a bronze eagle, erected in 1882 precisely to commemorate the battle.

The Assietta Road, however, is not the only historical-military remnant in the area. Just across the French border, in fact, stands the Chaberton Battery(or Fort Chaberton), an Italian fortification erected between 1898 and 1910. After World War II, however, it passed into French hands. At 3130 meters above sea level, it is still the highest fort in Europe. Its location, once strategic, is exciting today: from up there, in fact, there are crazy views, so much so that the remains of the structure are also nicknamed "Fort of the Clouds."

In the nearby municipality of Pragelato, on the other hand, there is a little gem: the House of the Escartons "Alex Berton," a museum and documentation center on the Escartons, ancient Alpine republics, which collects tools, utensils and evidence of rural civilization, as well as precious objects and writings to understand the history of this territory.

Finally, within twenty kilometers of Sestriere are two alpine villages of great beauty:

• Bousson, famous for the House of the Lapids, an ancient building that bears affixed to one wall about ten tombstones, evidence of Jansenism, a current of Reformed Roman Catholicism that attempted to mediate with the positions of the Waldensian and Huguenot communities, which were very present in these places.
• Usseaux, listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, with numerous buildings dating back to the 18th century built in typical mountain style, such as the mill, washhouse and ancient oven, which give this village a magical flavor and take every visitor back in time.

As a winter and summer tourist resort, Sestriere has a wealth of outdoor trails. Among the hikes, in particular, there are trails of varying difficulty; therefore, everyone can find the most suitable one for themselves.

Here are some of them:

• the historic mountain route Monterotta - Chalmette, a scenic trail that touches the remains of the Champlas Fort, dating back to the last years of the 19th century;
• theloop from Sestriere to the summit of Mount Banchetta, which passes by the Tana della Volpe Refuge and presents some difficulty;
• the Trail of the Marmots, which , through woods and grassy amphitheaters, the habitat precisely of marmots, reaches the pass above Sestriere and the Alpette Refuge, and then returns toward Sestriere;
• the Gro Bial trail, a loop along which you can admire the Argentera Valley, the Monti della Luna and the impressively high Mount Chaberton;
• the Brugnetti to Sidoti trail (or Rhododendron ring), which after passing through dense coniferous forests reaches the Chisonetto Dam lake;
• theMount Sises loop, a challenging route that touches Passo San Giacomo, but gives splendid panoramic views of Sestriere and the surrounding peaks;
• the ascent to Mount Fraiteve, through mountain pine and stone pine forests, to reach the summit at 2700 meters.

An open-air playground for outdoor lovers and especially for mountain bikers, on military roads, forest roads or mule tracks, the choice is yours: welcome to Alta Val di Susa e Chiosone! 

An extensive network of trails allows you to explore the Alta Val di Susa and the Val Chiosone in all their beauty, without getting of the mountain bike. Unusual places such as the Monti della Luna and iconic itineraries such as the Strada dell’Assietta or the road leading to the Colle del Sommeiller (the highest road in the entire Alps!) can be best appreciated on two wheels. 

Still undecided? Here for you is a collection of mountain bike routes in Alta Val di Susa e Chiosone. 

Sestriere is also suitable for snowshoeing enthusiasts. From the center, for example, there is easy access to the Monterotta itinerary, a double loop that winds first along a larch forest and then along the Monterotta road, which skirts huts with a typical alpine look and allows for fantastic views of the surrounding peaks.

In addition to this, there is also the route connecting the two hamlets of Camplas Du Col and Champlas Janvier, with a southern exposure and unforgettable views of the Argentera and Thuras valleys. The route is not long, but you can enrich it with a visit (to be booked) to the Carnival Museum of Champlas Du Col.

Finally, we recommend the mostly flat Louis XIV trail, which starts upstream from Champlas Du Col and leads to the beautiful hamlet of Champlas Seguin, again following the south-facing mountain profile. Near the finish, you can also enjoy the view of the Chaberton massif in the distance.