Cima Saurel, Mountain peak in Cottian Alps, France and Italy

Cima Saurel is a mountain peak in the Cottian Alps that marks the natural border between Piedmont and the Hautes-Alpes. It rises to 2,451 meters and forms part of the high ridge system that shapes this alpine frontier zone.

The summit carries a boundary marker on the main Alpine chain, where the Italian and French borders meet. The mountain stands at the junction of Val Thuras, the Gimont valley and the Cerveyrette valley, divided between Cesana Torinese and Cervières. Its north-western ridge continues to Monte Gimont and its south-eastern ridge to Cima Fournier.

A boundary stone marks the 2,451 m summit where the Italian and French sides meet, and the mountain is a classic winter snowshoe and ski-mountaineering objective because of its relatively low avalanche risk. The Capanna Mautino at 2,110 m, just north-west of Lago Nero, serves as a support point for these outings.

The summer route starts from Lago Nero, reached by a dirt road from Bousson, and is rated E (hiking). The lifts of the Via Lattea ski area, coming from the Montgenèvre side on the northern slope, end at a small col a short distance below the summit. Capanna Mautino, at 2,110 m just north-west of Lago Nero, serves as a support hut.

The north-facing slope accumulates deeper snow in winter than the south-facing side, creating different conditions for skiers on each flank. This natural asymmetry influences the choice of best season for different activities on the mountain.