Things to Know Before Driving to Col de Vore in the Western Swiss Alps

Things to Know Before Driving to Col de Vore in the Western Swiss Alps

Switzerland, europe

Length

7.5 km

Elevation

1,950 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

# Col de Voré: A Swiss Alpine Adventure

Nestled at 1,950m (6,397ft) in the picturesque municipality of Ormont-Dessus within Vaud's Aigle district, Col de Voré is a stunning high-altitude pass in the southwestern Swiss Alps that'll take your breath away—literally and figuratively.

This 7.5 km (4.66 miles) route kicks off from the paved Col du Pillon and winds its way up through Col des Andérets to the summit. Most of the drive is smooth asphalt, though you'll encounter 400-600m of gravel sections that add a bit of character to the journey. Those steeper pitches? They've got fresh asphalt to keep things gripping.

Fair warning: this beauty is seasonal. Snow closes the road during winter months, so check conditions before you head up.

But here's what makes it worth the trip—the views are absolutely phenomenal. As you climb, the landscape unfolds in ways that'll have you reaching for your camera constantly. Keep your eyes peeled for the quirky red pond near the summit (seriously, it's worth a photo), and once you crest the pass, you'll be treated to a gorgeous panorama of Lake Arnen stretching out below.

This is quintessential Alpine driving at its finest—challenging enough to feel rewarding, gorgeous enough to make you want to return.

Where is it?

Things to Know Before Driving to Col de Vore in the Western Swiss Alps is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.9948, 8.0153

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Switzerland
Continent
europe
Length
7.5 km
Max Elevation
1,950 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
46.9948, 8.0153

Related Roads in europe

Col du Trible: a narrow paved road to the summitmoderate

Col du Trible: a narrow paved road to the summit

🇫🇷 France

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're cruising around the Ardèche department in the Rhône Valley, France, you HAVE to check out the Col du Trible. It's a mountain pass that hits 540m (or 1,771ft for my fellow imperial system fans), and let me tell you, it's not for the faint of heart. The D265, as it's officially known, stretches for about 8.2 km from Le Chambon de Bavas to Saint-Cierge-la-Serre, running east to west. Now, the pavement is there, but it gets super narrow – think "can't-pass-another-car-without-a-serious-strategy" narrow. Seriously, brush up on your reversing skills! It also throws in some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 8%. But the views? Totally worth the white-knuckle drive!

If you love to drive, you will love the road to Mauria Passhard

If you love to drive, you will love the road to Mauria Pass

🇮🇹 Italy

# Passo della Mauria Ready to tackle one of Italy's most scenic mountain passes? Passo della Mauria sits at a cool 1,298m (4,259ft) right where Veneto and Friuli shake hands in northern Italy. This 21km (13-mile) stretch of the Strada Statale 52 runs north-south connecting Pelos di Cadore to Forni di Sopra, and honestly, it's a proper adventure. The road is paved but keep your wits about you—it's fairly narrow with some serious 10% gradients and a whopping 12 hairpin turns that'll keep your hands busy on the wheel. The good news? It stays open year-round, so you can experience this beauty in different seasons. Once you reach the summit, you'll find a peaceful parking area and a restaurant where you can catch your breath and grab some fuel. But the real heart of this place is the wrought iron cross standing at the top—a moving memorial to partisans Arrigo Papazzoni "Linda" and Peis Sparin Pio "Brusco" who lost their lives here during WWII on June 14, 1944. It's a sobering reminder of the region's rich history. Nature lovers, take note: the source of the Tagliamento River lies just south of the pass, adding another layer of natural beauty to your journey through these incredible Alps.

Where is the RD117 road?extreme

Where is the RD117 road?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, buckle up, adventure-seekers, because RD117 in the Alpes-Maritimes of France is not for the faint of heart! This road is a real test of your driving skills. Picture this: you're winding through the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France on a tiny, incredibly narrow strip of asphalt. We're talking 9.4 km (5.84 miles) of pure adrenaline, connecting Toudon on the D27 to Pierrefeu on the D17 in a north-south dance. The challenge? This road is *tight*. Seriously, pray you don't meet another car, because reversing is practically a requirement. And forget bringing your RV; anything over 15 tons or 7 meters long is a no-go. It's paved, sure, but watch out for loose gravel and the ever-present danger of rock slides. Oh, and did I mention the 12 hairpin turns? Get ready to test your reflexes and your nerves! But hey, think of the views!

How to drive to Colle della Ciabra in Piedmont?extreme

How to drive to Colle della Ciabra in Piedmont?

🇮🇹 Italy

Colle della Ciabra is a high mountain pass sitting at 1,712m (5,616ft) in the Province of Cuneo, tucked into Piedmont's stunning landscape. This isn't your typical Alpine crossing—it's a lonely, grueling beast of a climb that marks the eastern entrance to the high alpine ridges. Nestled between the Varaita and Maira valleys in the Cottian Alps, the pass plays a starring role on the legendary Strada dei Cannoni (Varaita-Maira-Kammstraße). Once you summit, you're rewarded with sweeping views across the Piedmontese plains and the dramatic peaks surrounding you. Here's the real talk: yes, it's technically asphalt, but don't expect smooth sailing. The road surface is thin, weathered, and relentlessly bumpy—prepare for a serious bone-shaking ride whether you're behind the wheel or on your bike. Coming up from Brossasco in the Varaita Valley is the most popular (and genuinely punishing) approach. If you're craving solitude and authentic, no-frills mountain roads, Ciabra is absolutely calling your name. Unlike the Instagram-famous Alpine passes packed with tour buses, this one delivers pure wilderness vibes. For cyclists and off-road enthusiasts, it's the ultimate gateway—that final threshold before you transition into the high-altitude gravel world where military roads take over. This is mountain biking and driving in its rawest form.