Col des Posettes: a wild unpaved road to the summit
France, europe
N/A
1,997 m
hard
Year-round
# Col des Posettes
Perched at 1,997 meters (6,551 feet) in Haute-Savoie's stunning Rhône-Alpes region, Col des Posettes is a serious Alpine adventure waiting to happen. Just heads up though—this isn't your typical paved mountain pass.
The road up? It's a gravel service track that basically follows the ski lift, and it's *steep* and narrow. Think white-knuckle tight in places. Winter? Forget about it—this route becomes completely impassable when the snow flies, so save this one for warmer months.
But here's where it gets really cool: if you're up for more exploration, there's an incredible rideable path leading up to Col de Balme (2,204 meters), right where France and Switzerland shake hands. You can actually spot the border marker—a charming stone alpine restaurant sits right in the middle of the col. It's the kind of spot where you can literally stand with one foot in each country while grabbing a well-deserved meal.
This is proper high-altitude terrain with some serious Alpine scenery, so come prepared and respect the elements. The views? Absolutely worth the effort.
Where is it?
Col des Posettes: a wild unpaved road to the summit is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.7373, 2.0224
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,997 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.7373, 2.0224
Related Roads in europe
moderateA private access road to Lowther Hill
🇬🇧 Scotland
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the western Southern Uplands of Scotland, straddling Lanarkshire and Dumfries and Galloway, lies Lowther Hill. This isn't just any hill; it's a whopping 728m (2,388ft) high, making the road to the top one of the highest in the country. The entire route is paved, but keep in mind this is a private service road with restricted motor vehicle access – think deserted landscapes and a peaceful climb. And when winter hits, brace yourself for snow and seriously slippery conditions! The summit boasts a radar station and is a haven for hikers and cyclists alike. Trust me, the views over those rolling green hills are worth the effort. Speaking of effort, be warned: the final stretch is brutal, with gradients hitting a leg-burning 16%! Starting from Wanlockhead, Scotland's highest village, where it meets the B797, the climb stretches for 5.63km (3.5 miles), gaining 281 meters in elevation. The average gradient sits around 5%, but those final ramps? Ouch! This hidden gem is a must-do for anyone craving a challenging climb and stunning scenery.
hardDriving the impossible turns on the Val Mara Road
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Val Mara Road: A Heart-Pounding Alpine Adventure Looking for a drive that'll get your adrenaline pumping? Val Mara Road is your answer. This intense 10.5 km (6.52 miles) route hugs the Switzerland-Italy border just south of Lago di Lugano, connecting the Swiss village of Arogno (in Ticino's Lugano district) with the Italian town of San Fedele Intelvi (in Lombardy's Como Province). Though it's fully paved, don't let that fool you—this isn't a leisurely cruise. The road turns genuinely savage with six sharp hairpin turns and jaw-dropping gradients that hit 32% in places. You'll be white-knuckling through some serious elevation changes, especially on those steep ramps. It's called Stráda da Valmára on the Swiss side and Strada Provinciale 13 once you cross into Italy, and you'll definitely notice when you switch countries. Fair warning: the road narrows considerably in sections, so you'll need to stay sharp and focused. Also, longer vehicles aren't permitted here, so RVs and big rigs need not apply. If you're an experienced mountain driver seeking an unforgettable challenge with stunning alpine scenery, Val Mara Road should be on your bucket list. Just make sure you're confident behind the wheel before tackling this beast.
moderateNavigating to Longyearbyen: In the Territory of the Polar Bear
🇳🇴 Norway
# Longyearbyen Road: A Thrilling Arctic Adventure Ready for one of the most otherworldly drives on the planet? The Longyearbyen Road is a stunning 27.7 km (17.21 miles) journey that winds through a dramatic valley hugging the shores of Adventfjord in Norway's remote Svalbard archipelago. This is the main route into Svalbard's largest settlement and the gateway to exploring the Arctic like a true adventurer. The drive climbs to 548m (1,797ft) elevation and takes you through a landscape that feels genuinely alien—think jagged mountains, hanging glaciers, and the haunting remains of old mining towns scattered across the terrain. Most of the road is unpaved (except for the paved stretch near town), which adds to the rugged authenticity of the experience. Longyearbyen itself is wild. Once called Longyear City, this Arctic town of 2,400 residents from 53 different countries holds the title of world's northernmost settlement. Founded by American entrepreneur John Munro Longyear back in 1926, it's got serious character. You can grab a rental car at the airport through Arctic Autorent or in town at Svalbard Auto—just book ahead since availability is tight. Here's the real talk though: this isn't your typical scenic drive. This is polar bear country. Encounters with these massive predators are genuinely more likely than spotting another human out here. Traveling beyond Longyearbyen without a hunting rifle isn't just discouraged—it's seriously risky. The Arctic climate is notoriously unpredictable and brutal, and you need to be prepared with defensive measures before you even step out of your vehicle. It's intense, it's beautiful, and it's absolutely unforgettable.
hardWhere is Collado de Carihuela?
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got the inside scoop on a seriously stunning (and challenging) route in southern Spain. We're talking about the Collado de Carihuela, a high mountain pass nestled in the Sierra Nevada range. This baby clocks in at seriously high elevation, making it one of Europe's highest roads! The road, known as the Camino de los Franceses, stretches quite a few miles, leading to a cute little town. Now, here's the catch: you can't just hop in your car and cruise. To protect the precious landscape, it's closed to motor vehicles. But don't fret! You can still hike or bike your way up. At the summit, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views, a cozy mountain hut called the Refugio Vivac de la Carihuela, and a charming little chapel, the Ermita de la Virgen de las Nieves. Get ready to be wowed!