The Western Alps are among the most popular regions for challenging off-road tours in Europe. Numerous legal, unpaved trails lead through high alpine landscapes and offer diverse challenges for off-road and enduro riders. The old military roads are particularly well-known; they are still passable today and offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges.

Many of the off-road trails run at altitudes of over 2,000 meters. With suitable weather and equipment, they are easily accessible during the summer months. The routes vary in length and difficulty – there are suitable routes for both beginners and experienced off-roaders. Some sections require technical skill and an off-road vehicle with sufficient ground clearance.

In addition to the driving challenge, the region also offers culturally and culinary highlights. Remote villages along the routes offer a break away from mass tourism. There, you'll find regional specialties, hospitable residents, and often helpful contacts for questions or problems. An off-road tour through the Western Alps is rewarding both for its scenic beauty and for its technical skills – ideal for anyone who wants to explore alpine terrain legally.

The Western Alps offer a variety of legally accessible high-altitude routes, some of which are now considered classics. These routes are not only scenically impressive, but also historically interesting and technically challenging. Here we briefly introduce the region's most famous off-road routes:

Monte Jafferau

Monte Jafferau near Bardonecchia is one of the highest legally accessible off-road destinations in Europe. The route leads along a military supply road up to the summit at around 2,800 meters. Once at the top, you'll enjoy a sweeping view of the surrounding Alps. The route is narrow and steep in places, making it challenging to navigate in wet conditions or when covered in snow.

Ligurian Border Ridge Road (LGKS)

This historic route runs along the former Italian-French border and offers a varied ride of approximately 60km with panoramic views, tunnels, and former military emplacements. The LGKS is accessible between June and October, depending on weather and snow conditions. A permit is required for access in some sections.

Col du Parpaillon

The Parpaillon is particularly famous for its 520m-long tunnel, located at an altitude of over 2,600m. The unpaved access is accessible from both sides (from Embrun or La Condamine). The road is generally well-maintained, but can quickly become challenging in rain or snowfall. The tunnel itself is dark and wet, and should be negotiated with caution.

Assietta Ridge Road (Strada dell'Assietta)

The Assietta is one of the most famous high-altitude routes in the Western Alps. For approximately 35km, it runs along a ridge at altitudes over 2,000m, between Sestriere and the Colle delle Finestre. The route is wide, easily navigable, and therefore also suitable for beginners – however, it is only open in summer (usually from the beginning of July to the end of October) and is closed to motorized vehicles on Wednesdays.

Colle del Colombardo

The route over the Colle del Colombardo connects the towns of Condove and Viù and climbs to an altitude of 1,900m. The route is largely unspoiled and offers sweeping views as well as a more peaceful route than other classic routes. Midway along the route is a large statue of the Madonna – a popular photo stop.

Colle del Sommeiller

At approximately 3,000m, the Colle del Sommeiller is one of the highest navigable points in Europe. The route starts in Bardonecchia and leads over partly steep, rough gravel sections to just below the summit. Due to snow, the route is only fully accessible for a few weeks in the summer – usually from mid-July to early September. The views of the glacier region are unique.

Those traveling through the Western Alps by off-road vehicle or enduro bike not only enjoy spectacular gravel roads and impressive mountain panoramas – the region between France and Italy also has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine. The Alpine cuisine of both countries is rich in tradition, characterized by regional ingredients, and is just the thing to recharge after a strenuous day of driving.

On the French side, for example in Haute-Provence or the Hautes-Alpes department, hearty, rustic dishes dominate: A typical meal begins with a soupe de légumes or soupe à l'oignon, followed by regional specialties such as daube de bœuf, a braised beef stew with red wine and Provençal herbs. Tartiflette is often served in mountain huts or small village restaurants, a hearty casserole with potatoes, bacon, onions, and the typical Reblochon cheese. A true classic, especially on cool days.

On the Italian side, especially in Piedmont and the Aosta Valley, the hearty fare continues: polenta with venison stew, gnocchi with butter and sage, or brasato al Barolo – beef braised in red wine – are among the region's typical dishes. For a quick snack, try panini with spicy mountain cheese or salame della valle – air-dried sausages that are ideal for on-the-go provisions.

For dessert, a slice of tarte aux myrtilles (blueberry pie) or a simple apple strudel – both often homemade. On the Italian side, panna cotta, torta di nocciole, or a strong espresso round off a day of off-roading in style.

And in the evening? A glass of genepi (a French herbal liqueur from the Alps), grappa, or a local red wine is the perfect way to end the day in a mountain hut or around a campfire.

Whether at the foot of Mont Blanc, in a small Piedmontese mountain village, or somewhere halfway up a military road: in the Western Alps, taste always accompanies you. The combination of alpine adventure and authentic cuisine makes every tour an experience – not just for the bike, but also for the palate.