A steep paved road to Col Tze Core in the Aosta Valley
Italy, europe
9.4 km
1,607 m
hard
Year-round
Col Tze Core is a thrilling high-altitude pass tucked away in Italy's Aosta Valley, sitting at a respectable 1,607m (5,272ft) above sea level. Also called Col Zuccore or Tzecore, this gem is hidden in the north-western corner of the country.
The 9.4 km (5.84 miles) stretch winds from Strada Regionale 7 near Sommarese all the way up to Orbeillaz, and here's what makes it interesting: while the road is fully paved, it's definitely on the narrow side. You'll encounter some seriously steep sections that'll really test your driving skills—we're talking 15.3% gradients on some of those ramps. It's the kind of road that demands your full attention and respect.
The payoff? Once you reach the summit, there's a charming picnic area waiting for you. Perfect spot to catch your breath, soak in the views, and celebrate making it up this challenging Alpine pass.
Where is it?
A steep paved road to Col Tze Core in the Aosta Valley is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.7646, 11.5339
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 9.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,607 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.7646, 11.5339
Related Roads in europe
hardAn epic road to Clermont Carn in Ireland
🌍 Ireland
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Have you heard of Clermont Carn, a peak straddling the border between County Louth in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland? This beauty, also called Black Mountain or Carnan Mhaighreid, tops out at 495m (1,624ft) in the Cooley Mountains. The road to the summit? Paved, yes, but hold onto your hats – it’s super narrow! Think "squeeze-by" territory, so drive carefully and maybe say a little prayer that you don’t meet anyone coming the other way. Seriously, if you're not confident reversing, maybe skip this one. Get ready for a serious climb! The road is STEEP, with gradients hitting 15% in places! You’ll start your 6.3km (3.91 miles) ascent from the R132 road, climbing a whopping 383 meters. That's an average gradient of over 6%. The views from the top are...well, slightly dominated by a massive TV mast and its associated gear, built back in '81. Still, worth the trek for the bragging rights, right?
hardEl Coscollet
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for El Coscollet! This bad boy is nestled high in the Serra d'Aubenç i Roc de Cogul range in Catalonia, Spain, chilling at a cool 1,609m (5,278ft). The views from the top? Absolutely breathtaking! Now, getting there is half the fun…if you're into that kind of thing! The 15 km road kicks off from the L-511 road at 599m and climbs a whopping 1,010 meters, averaging a pretty intense 6.73% gradient. Translation: it's STEEP. Also, forget smooth tarmac – we're talking gravel, rocks, and plenty of bumps. This is NOT a drive for the faint of heart or those precious low-riders. A 4x4 is a must, and a good head for heights wouldn’t hurt either. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your forte, maybe skip this one. But if you're up for a challenge and some seriously epic scenery, El Coscollet is calling your name!
hardDosso dei Galli: a road on top of the mountains
🇮🇹 Italy
# Dosso dei Galli: Italy's Intense Alpine Challenge Ready for an adrenaline rush? Welcome to Dosso dei Galli, a seriously impressive mountain pass sitting at 2,188 meters (7,178 feet) high in Brescia province, Lombardy. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—this is the real deal for adventure seekers. The Strada Provinciale 345B, nicknamed "Delle Tre Valli" (Of the Three Valleys), is a wild 17.4 km (10.81 miles) roller coaster that'll test your nerves and your driving skills. Picture this: you're cruising along a road that's mostly perched above 2,000 meters elevation, with sheer rock faces towering beside you and heart-stopping drops plunging hundreds of meters down—and here's the kicker—most of it's completely unprotected by guardrails. In several spots, the road narrows so much that two vehicles can barely pass each other. The road kicks off from Passo del Maniva on the Anfo Ridge Road and winds its way to the SP 669 junction. It starts and ends nicely paved, but don't get too comfortable—the middle section switches to gravel, throwing in some rocky, deteriorated surfaces especially through the curves. Still, it's totally doable for experienced drivers. Fair warning: the speed limit is a cautious 20 km/h. Overtaking is off-limits, and you'll need to stick to designated parking areas. This route demands respect and full concentration, but the payoff? Absolutely unforgettable mountain scenery and bragging rights that last forever.
hardCol de Chaudun
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French Alps, Hautes-Alpes region to be exact, and stumble upon Col de Chaudun, also known as Col de Gleizé. This baby climbs to 1,693m (5,554ft), so get ready for some serious views! The road, Route Touristique du Col de Gleize, is paved, though it's a little rough around the edges at first, but don't worry, it smooths out as you climb. Just be warned: it's narrow! Starting from the N85, it's a 4.8 km ride with 11 hairpin turns that will test your skills and reward you with breathtaking panoramas. You'll gain 436 meters in elevation, making for an average gradient of around 9%. At the top, there's a small parking area perfect for hikers, and that's where the pavement ends. If you're feeling adventurous (and have the right vehicle) a gravel road continues to Col du Milieu (just 800m further) and Col de Chabanottes/Challanotte (2.3 km away). Note: This gravel road is only for authorized vehicles and mountain bikes are not allowed. But for a real challenge, consider Col du Tra - a steep and curvy road for experienced drivers.