Alpe Steit from San Bartolomeo

The climb from Ornavasso, which is already quite challenging in its own right, is merely a prelude to one of the toughest climbs in theOssola (the climb to Alpe Cortevecchio) and another, largely unknown to most, which is simply the continuation of the road that winds around the sanctuary and carries on to Alpe Steit. The road winds into a wild, sloping valley that gradually becomes more and more challenging until it reaches the barrier marking the start of the small cooperative road. Before the barrier, you pass two explosive storage sites (for the local quarries). From the barrier, the climb becomes extremely tough: just past the bridge, a series of hairpin turns begins, and as you proceed, the gradients become increasingly steep, approaching 20%. There are no stretches to catch your breath, and it goes without saying that this is a good kilometer where you must have the right gear ratios—otherwise, you won’t make it up. Compared to Google Street View, the paved road extends to a widening near the houses at Alpe Steit. Beyond that, the road becomes a dirt track (not rideable on a road bike, though perhaps on a gravel bike), and from what I’ve seen on Strava, the sections beyond are even tougher than those you’ve already tackled to get there. It may not be the climb to Alpe Cortevecchio (with its grueling kilometer), but this climb is no joke either...