Where is Val Thorens Ski Resort?
France, europe
N/A
3,007 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Val Thorens, nestled high in the French Alps, specifically in the Savoie department, is calling your name! This ain't your average ski resort; it's the highest in Europe!
Getting there is half the adventure. Picture this: you're in the Rh么ne-Alpes region, cruising towards the Vanoise massif, ready to tackle the legendary climb to Val Thorens. This isn't just any road trip; it's a leg of the iconic Tour de France!
Starting in Mo没tiers, get ready for roughly 37 km of winding, paved road that'll take you all the way up to a staggering 3,007 meters (9,865 feet) above sea level. The average gradient is around 7%, so get ready for a good workout!
Now, a word of warning: this road is narrow with hairpin turns and bumps, with some sections lacking guardrails. But don't let that scare you away! The views are absolutely breathtaking, making every twist and turn worth it. Just take it slow, embrace the thrill, and get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 3,007 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
extremeRuta Urdon-Tresviso is a challenging mule track
馃嚜馃嚫 Spain
# Ruta Urd贸n-Tresviso: A Spectacular Mountain Trek Through Spain's Picos de Europa Nestled in the stunning Liebana zone between Asturias and Cantabria, the Ruta Urd贸n-Tresviso is a legendary mule track that'll test your legs and reward your soul. This 5.9 km (3.66 miles) east-west route climbs a jaw-dropping 895 meters from the N-621 road at Desfiladero de La Hermida all the way up to the charming village of Tresviso perched high in the mountains. Fair warning: this isn't a casual stroll. Built back in the 1800s by a mining company called 'La Providencia' to haul materials to the Andara mine, this rocky, unpaved path means serious business. With a brutal 37% maximum gradient in places and a relentless 15.16% average climb, you'll be earning every step. The track's also known by several names鈥擲ubida a Tresviso, La Senda de La Pe帽a, or Ruta a Tresviso鈥攁nd it's permanently closed to vehicles for good reason. Expect countless hairpin turns and genuinely hair-raising drop-offs that demand your full attention and respect. Even Spanish Civil War soldiers knew this route's challenges. Timing matters too: winters bring heavy snow while summers get scorching hot, so pack accordingly and bring way more water than you think you'll need. But here's the payoff: the scenery is absolutely unreal. As you climb through names like Ahileras, Entrelospuentes, and el balc贸n de Pilatos鈥攚here you'll encounter a stomach-dropping 600-meter vertical drop with panoramic views of the Urd贸n river鈥攜ou'll understand why this trek is worth every breathless moment.
hardHow long is the road to Ravin de la Platte?
馃嚝馃嚪 France
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Ravin de la Platte! This insane mountain ravine sits way up high in the French Alps, clocking in at 1,853m (that's over 6,000ft!). If you're not a fan of heights, maybe sit this one out. You'll find this gnarly, unpaved track in southeastern France, deep in the Lauzet valley. Trust me, this road has seen some things. Starting near the little town of La Roche-de-Rame (at a mere 950m!), the road stretches for 11km (almost 7 miles). Now, is it challenging? Oh yeah. We're talking 25 hairpin turns, an average gradient of 8.20% (with some seriously steep bits hitting 10%), and a road that's barely 3 meters wide. Oh, and did I mention the terrifying drop-offs? Be warned: log trucks use this route, so keep your eyes peeled! But hey, if you're after a thrilling drive with epic mountain views, Ravin de la Platte might just be your thing. Just don't say I didn't warn you!
moderateCol de Castillon is an Absolute Must for Road Lovers in the Alpes-Maritimes
馃嚝馃嚪 France
# Col de Castillon: A Hidden Alpine Gem If you're hunting for a proper mountain road adventure in southeastern France, Col de Castillon is calling your name. Sitting pretty at 707 meters (2,319 feet) in the Alpes-Maritimes, this pass is part of the legendary Route des Grandes Alpes and offers exactly the kind of scenic driving experience that makes your heart race. Located in the Provence-Alpes-C么te d'Azur region near the Italian border, the pass is steeped in history. The name comes from the village of Castillon just to the west鈥攕adly destroyed by an earthquake back in 1877. And if you're into WWII history, you'll spot some fascinating military fortresses near the summit that tell their own stories. Here's the real deal: this isn't your grandmother's leisurely Sunday drive. The fully paved D54 route means business, with steep climbs, pinched sections, and some seriously impressive drop-offs that'll keep you focused. The modern highway that bypassed it in favor of staying in the valley (hello, tunnel!) is a testament to just how challenging this route is. The result? Blissfully light traffic until you near Menton. The actual drive stretches 12.6 kilometers (7.82 miles) from Sospel to Col Saint Jean, and it's impressive enough that the Tour de France has tackled it. If you're ready to test your driving skills on genuinely atmospheric Alpine roads, this one's a must-do.
hardA delightful yet challenging drive to Forcella Chiandolada
馃嚠馃嚬 Italy
# Forcella Chiandolada Hidden in the scenic mid-Boite valley, Forcella Chiandolada (also called Forcella Ciandolada) sits at 1,582 meters (5,190 feet) and serves as a stunning gateway between two Dolomites giants鈥擜ntelao and Pelmo. Located in Belluno province in Veneto, it's about 68 miles north of Venice and just 30 kilometers from Belluno town. The 6.3-kilometer climb from Vodo di Cadore is no joke鈥攅xpect an average gradient of 12%, with some sections pushing past 17%. The steepest pitches hit a brutal 25-26%, so bring your A-game. The road is mostly paved with stretches of gravel, but here's the thing: it gets *narrow*. Like, uncomfortably narrow for passing other vehicles. If you're not confident reversing a car, you might want to reconsider or time your visit carefully. Once you reach the top, you'll find Rifugio Giampietro Talamini waiting for you鈥攔ecently rebuilt and perfect for catching your breath and refueling. It's the kind of reward that makes the white-knuckle drive absolutely worth it.