Sex de Marinda
Switzerland, europe
5.9 km
2,797 m
hard
Year-round
# Sex de Marinda: Switzerland's Rugged Alpine Challenge
Ready for an adventure? Sex de Marinda is calling—a seriously high mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,797 meters (9,176 feet) in Switzerland's Valais region. This is legitimately one of the country's loftiest roads, and yeah, it definitely feels like it.
Here's the real talk: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road to the summit winds through the Swiss Pennine Alps as a gnarly mix of gravel, rocks, and bumpy terrain that'll test your skills. Expect constant elevation changes—up, down, left, right—with a trail that doesn't mess around. The 5.9km ascent packs in 542 meters of elevation gain, averaging a steep 9.18% gradient with some sections pushing past 12%. Even seasoned drivers find the tight twists and narrow sections genuinely challenging.
The pass is typically accessible from late June until the first major snowfall hits, but honestly? Conditions can close it down anytime. Snow clearance isn't always guaranteed, so road closures are pretty common. Always check before you head out.
**What you need to know:** This route demands a 4x4 vehicle—no exceptions. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your jam, skip this one. Summer thunderstorms can turn the gravel into impassable mud in minutes, so pay attention to the forecast.
Bottom line? Sex de Marinda is pure, unfiltered alpine adventure for those who can handle it.
Where is it?
Sex de Marinda is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.1497, 7.5514
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 5.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,797 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.1497, 7.5514
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhere is Pas d’Arpilles?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, picture this: you're deep in the Swiss Alps, Canton Valais, heart pounding, ready to tackle Pas d’Arpilles. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a legit mountain peak experience, towering over the Rhône Valley. This isn't just a road; it's more like a gnarly 9.2 km (5.7 miles) chairlift service road, clawing its way up 903 meters. Yeah, you heard that right—that's an average gradient of nearly 10%, with some spots hitting 12%! You'll be wrestling your rig around 14 seriously tight hairpin turns, all while trying not to lose your breath (or your lunch). The road? Think super steep, unpaved, and scattered with loose rocks just begging to steal your traction. As you climb, it gets even wilder, squeezing through rocky limestone cliffs. This is serious off-roading, folks. No guardrails, constant loose debris – every turn is a gamble. But oh, the views! From the top, you're face-to-face with Swiss legends like the Matterhorn and Weisshorn. At 2,500 meters, you're totally isolated, exposed to the full force of the Alpine elements. Brace yourself for some intense winds! Timing is everything. This beast is usually only accessible in late August. Even then, be prepared for surprise snowstorms that can turn this track into an icy nightmare. Winter? Forget about it. The road's buried under meters of snow, becoming part of the ski slopes. Seriously, check the weather religiously and pack for anything – those summit winds can drop the temperature below freezing in a heartbeat. Your brakes and cooling system better be up to the challenge, because this climb is relentless!
hardSerra Sant'Antonio Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: You're cruising along Strada Provinciale 30, straddling the border between Lazio and Abruzzo in Italy. This isn't just any road trip, it's a climb up to Passo Serra Sant'Antonio, a lofty perch sitting pretty at 1,602 meters (5,255 feet). The road’s paved, so no worries there, but be ready for some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients up to 9.3%! It’s a proper workout for your car, but trust me, the views are totally worth it. Prepare for epic Italian scenery that will have you reaching for your camera at every turn.
moderateColle Plane
🇮🇹 Italy
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got a killer route for you: Colle Plane, a high-altitude border crossing straddling Italy and France at a whopping 2,222 meters (7,290 feet)! Nestled in the Ligurian Alps, this isn't your Sunday drive. Think narrow, think gravel, and definitely think 4x4. Seriously, you'll want the right vehicle for this one. The road connects the Alpes-Maritimes in France with Piedmont in Italy, offering some seriously stunning scenery along the way. Word to the wise: plan your trip for summer or early fall. This pass is usually buried under snow from November to June. And if you make it to the top, you'll find Capanna Morgantini, a mountain hut built back in '77, perfect for a breather before you head back down. Trust me, this road is an experience you won't forget!
hardA paved curvy road to the summit of Campolongo Pass in the Dolomites
🇮🇹 Italy
Passo Campolongo sits pretty at 1,875m (6,152ft) elevation, straddling the border between Veneto and South Tyrol in northern Italy. This beauty connects the Province of Belluno with the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, and it's become something of a legend among cycling enthusiasts—the Giro d'Italia has tackled it, and it kicks off the legendary Maratona dles Dolomites. Talk about making an entrance to the Dolomites! The 10km (6.21 miles) route, known as Strada Provinciale 244, runs entirely on asphalt from Varda up to Corvara, with the road generally staying open year-round (though winter can throw some curveballs with occasional closures). Now, about that climb: it's no joke. Coming up from Arabba, you're looking at a 4km push with 295m of elevation gain and an average gradient of 7.4%—steep enough to get your legs burning. From the Corvara side, the 6.15km ascent is a touch gentler at 5% average gradient, but that's still a solid 307m of elevation to conquer. The real magic? The first section hits you with those signature Dolomites hairpins and dramatic mountain views that'll have you gasping (both from effort and scenery). As you pass the golf course, things mellow out a bit, and those final 3km serve up gorgeous Alpine meadows that feel almost gentle compared to what came before. It's the perfect blend of challenging climbing and stunning scenery that makes the Dolomites so special.