
Alpe Plane Refuge
Italy, europe
N/A
2,085 m
hard
Year-round
# Rifugio Agrituristico Alpe Plane
Perched at a stunning 2,085 meters (6,840 feet) in Italy's Cottian Alps, this mountain refuge is tucked away in the Province of Turin and offers an adventure that's not for the faint of heart.
The road getting there? Yeah, it's a wild one. We're talking gravel, seriously steep, and narrow enough to keep you on your toes. Mother Nature has the final say here—the route can shut down without warning whenever the weather decides to throw a tantrum. If you're thinking about making the trip, bring a 4x4; you're going to need it.
Here's the thing: after rain hits, this track turns into a slippery mud pit that'll test even experienced drivers. And if a storm rolls through? Forget about it. The road becomes practically impassable, even for the most capable four-wheel-drive vehicles. Timing is everything on this one, so check those forecasts before you go!
Where is it?
Alpe Plane Refuge is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 41.9352, 12.4567
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,085 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 41.9352, 12.4567
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