Alta Via del Sale

Alta Via del Sale (High Salt Route) is a former military dirt road on the Alpine watershed between Italy’s Piedmont/Liguria side and the neighboring French border zone, walking the route at roughly 1,800–2,100 m for about 30 km total on the mapped historical line.

The route is “all-sterrato” (fully unpaved) and follows a mix of along-the-contour travel, alpine passes, tight turns, and exposed track sections typical of a high-elevation military road, with surface described as gravel/track-grade in the mapped hiking component.

It’s set up for long-distance movement rather than a short hike: the trail is treated as a long-distance itinerary with stages, and the overall experience is commonly planned as a 2–3 day trek when combining walking time with breaks.

Seasonality is a big part of planning: access is generally limited to the summer opening window after snowmelt, with additional fall pedestrian access noted for the route.

Traffic rules are not “no vehicles,” but they are managed: motor vehicles are restricted, with the road closed to cars and motorcycles on Tuesdays and Thursdays while staying open to walkers and cyclists other days.

For entry logistics, the route has named access points (ticketed entry areas) including Limone Piemonte and the Briga Alta area, plus additional entry points listed along the broader system such as Ormea/Upega di Briga Alta, Triora, Pigna, La Brigue, and Tenda.

More information: Official website, Official website, On the Via del Sale motorcycle: a guide to the route between ...