How to reach Pas des Chapelets from Courchevel?
France, europe
8 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Cruising through the French Alps? You've GOT to check out the climb from Courchevel up to Pas des Chapelets. It's tucked away in the Savoie, right in the heart of the Tarentaise Valley, inside the stunning Vanoise National Park.
Okay, so getting there isn't exactly a Sunday drive. We're talking around 8 kilometers of serious switchbacks – like, FIFTEEN hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes! The road starts paved, but heads up, it turns to gravel as you climb towards the ski station. A bit of ground clearance on your vehicle is a major plus for those final, bumpy stretches.
Keep in mind, this is primarily a service road for the ski lifts, so it's a no-go in winter when it's covered in snow and skiers. But in summer? The views are absolutely unreal from the top. At over 2,300 meters, you’ll be overlooking the whole of Vanoise National Park with views of jagged peaks and alpine meadows. Seriously breathtaking. The air gets thin up there, and the weather can flip on a dime, so be prepared!
Heads up on the hazards: the gradients are STEEP. Plus, the road gets narrow, and you might be sharing it with maintenance trucks, mountain bikers, and hikers. Those hairpins demand your full attention, and the gravel sections can be a bit loose. Definitely give your brakes a check before heading down; that descent is a long one!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 8 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is La Covatilla?
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about La Covatilla, a beast of a climb nestled in the southern reaches of the Salamanca Province! This peak, sitting high in the Sistema Central Mountains near the border with Extremadura, is not for the faint of heart. Think windblown, almost lunar landscapes at the top – seriously exposed, folks! You'll find the Sierra de Béjar La Covatilla ski station up there, accessible via a gravel service road near the chairlift. The good news? The main road, DSA-191, is paved and generally in good shape. This beauty stretches for roughly 12 km, packing in a serious 700 meters of elevation gain. That means an average gradient of around 6%, but be prepared for some steep sections hitting 10%! Despite being high up in the mountains, the road's usually kept open year-round to serve the ski resort, so even in winter, you can (probably) reach the top.
easyRoad MA-126
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, adventurers, let's talk about the MA-126 in sunny Andalusia, Spain! This little gem is tucked away in the Málaga province and offers some seriously stunning views. Picture this: smooth asphalt, winding curves, and mountain scenery that just won't quit. This isn't some straight-shot highway; it's a playful dance with the landscape as it connects the charming villages of Canillas de Aceituno and Sedella. Clocking in at just over 7 kilometers, it's a quick but memorable ride. You'll be cruising through a gorgeous route. Just be aware this road is not for newbies! Get ready for a road trip you won't soon forget!
moderateWhere is Zlaté Návrší?
🌍 Czech Republic
Zlaté Návrší is a mountain peak at an elevation of 1.391m (4,563ft) above sea level, located on the boundary between Liberec and Hradec Králové regions of the Czech Republic. Where is Zlaté Návrší? The peak is located within the Krkonoše National Park, in the north of the country, near the border with Poland. Is Zlaté Návrší paved? The road to the summit is totally paved but the tarmac conditions are not great higher up the mountain. Is Zlaté Návrší open? Set high in the Krkonoše mountain range, part of the Sudetes mountain system, the road is closed to private vehicles and impassable in winters due to the snow. How long is Zlaté Návrší? The road to the summit is 10.6km (6.58 miles) long starting at Vítkovice. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 760 meters. The average percentage is 7.16%. Vyssi Brod Pass: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide The unfinished Borovsko Bridge (or Hitler's Bridge) Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
extremeRotwand
🇩🇪 Germany
# Rotwand: A Bavarian Alpine Adventure Ready for some serious elevation gain? Rotwand is calling your name. This impressive 1,727-meter peak sits in the Miesbach district of Bavaria, making it one of Germany's highest driveable summits and a true gem of the Mangfall Mountains. The route kicks off from the B307 and climbs 11.9 kilometers of pure gravel and rocky terrain straight to the Rotwandhaus mountain refuge. You're looking at nearly 1,000 meters of elevation gain over that distance—we're talking an average gradient of 7.9%, with a particularly gnarly 700-meter stretch that hits 18%. This is no leisurely Sunday drive. Weather and altitude will keep you honest no matter what season you tackle this beast. The combination of steep inclines, rugged road conditions, and unpredictable mountain weather means you need to come prepared. But if you've got the chops for it, the views and that sense of accomplishment at the refuge? Absolutely worth it.