The Colle del Prete is one of the most popular winter hiking destinations due to its gentle slope and ease of travel. It is indeed a path along a shepherd track. For centuries the Colle del Prete has been one of the most important passes between the Varaita valley and the Po valley, passing through the Gilba hill. The trip does not present a high level difference, but rather has a remarkable length development, which must be taken into account before leaving.
Road access: From Turin’s ring road, near the Orbassano exit, take the expressway to Pinerolo. At Pinerolo, follow the signs for Saluzzo. Once in Saluzzo, continue following the signs for the Varaita valley or Manta - Verzuolo. Once you reach Verzuolo and pass the village, turn towards the Varaita valley at the roundabout immediately after the Burga paper mills. From there, continue in the direction of Sampeyre. Once you have arrived near Sampeyre and past the detour to the Rare hamlet, turn right following the signs for Becetto. Going up hairpin turns, in a few minutes you reach the hamlet. Cross it and climb again passing the hamlets Valla and Civalleri to finally reach the hamlet Ruà, where you can leave your car in a small car park or on the side of the road just past the houses. In case of abundant snowfall, the road could be closed from Becetto, then you have to calculate approximately additional 150m as difference in height.
Path: After leaving your car in the Ruà hamlet (1536 m), continue on the wide and flat shepherd track. Along the first stretch, you will pass some private houses used during the summer by farmers when they bring livestock to mountain pastures. The route continues with a gentle ascent on a south-facing slope to the Prete hill (1716 m) where you find a small stone chapel with an altar. From here you can admire Monviso, the Varaita valley with the Pelvo d'Elva and the Gilba valley below.
