Alpe Steit from San Bartolomeo

The climb from Ornavasso, which is already quite challenging in its own right, is merely the prelude to one of the toughest climbs in theOssola (the climb to Alpe Cortevecchio) and another, largely unknown to most people, which is simply the continuation of the road that winds round the sanctuary and carries on to Alpe Steit. The road winds its way into a wild, sloping valley that becomes increasingly demanding as it approaches the barrier marking the start of the small consortium road. Before reaching the barrier, you pass two explosive storage depots (for the local quarries). From the barrier, the climb becomes extremely tough: just past the bridge, a series of hairpin bends begins, which, as you proceed, become increasingly steep, with gradients approaching 20 per cent. There are no sections where you can catch your breath, and it goes without saying that this is a good kilometre-long stretch where you need to have suitable gear ratios; otherwise, you simply won’t make it up. Compared to Google Street View, the tarmac road extends as far as a widening near the houses at Alpe Steit. Beyond that, it becomes a dirt track (not suitable for road bikes, perhaps gravel bikes) and, from what I’ve seen on Strava, even tougher than the sections tackled to get there. It may not be the climb to Alpe Cortevecchio (with its gruelling kilometre), but this climb is no joke either...