Boismint lift
France, europe
N/A
2,671 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for a ride up the Boismint lift road in the French Alps! We're talking serious altitude here – a whopping 2,671 meters (8,763 feet) above sea level, putting you right in the heart of the Savoie department. You'll find this gem nestled in Val Thorens, Europe's highest resort.
Now, don't expect a smooth cruise. This is a gravel road that gets rocky and bumpy in spots. This is a lift access road. Basically, you need to be prepared for some off-road action, and unless you're confident on unpaved mountain roads, maybe skip this one. A 4x4 is a must.
Oh, and did I mention the steepness? And heights? Yeah, this isn't for the faint of heart! The road is usually closed from October to June because of the snow, but if you hit it right, you're in for some seriously stunning alpine views. Only experienced off-roaders should attempt this one!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,671 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardHourquette d'Ancizan
🇫🇷 France
# Hourquette d'Ancizan: A Pyrenean Gem for Road Enthusiasts Nestled in the French Pyrenees in Hautes-Pyrénées, the Hourquette d'Ancizan sits at a respectable 1,564 meters (5,131 feet) and offers two distinct routes to the top, each with its own personality. **The Longer Climb from Campan** Starting from Campan, you're looking at a 22.6 km ascent that'll gain you 904 meters of elevation. It's a more gradual affair with an average gradient of just 4%, though sections do kick up to 11% to keep things interesting. The road—D113—is paved throughout, though it's definitely on the narrow side with some legitimately steep pitches. **The Shorter but Spicier Route from Ancizan** If you're feeling spicy, the Ancizan side is only 10.33 km but doesn't mess around. You'll climb 805 meters with a punchy 7.8% average gradient and max out at 12%—this one's definitely more intense. Same narrow asphalt, but expect your calves to know about it. **Cool Details** The pass has earned its stripes as a Tour de France climb, and the French have helpfully placed kilometer markers all along both routes. These milestones show you exactly how far you've come, how much further to go, and what gradients are lurking ahead—super handy for planning your pace. Whether you choose the patient grind from Campan or the spicy sprint from Ancizan, you're in for some stunning Pyrenean scenery with roads that'll test your mettle.
hardWhere is Lake Kapetan?
🌍 Montenegro
Lake Kapetanovo, nestled in Montenegro's Morača region, sits pretty high up there! You'll find this beauty in the western part of the country, tucked into the Moracke Planine mountains. Bonus: there are restaurants and mountain huts around the lake. So, what's the road like? Well, it's got a split personality! A 4x4 is highly recommended, but a high-clearance 2WD SUV can make it if you're careful and the weather is dry. There are two tricky climbs to watch out for — one steep, rocky climb right after the pavement ends, and another up the slopes of Lukavica, also loose and rocky. Things are changing fast, though! More and more of the road is being paved because Kapetanovo is getting super popular. It's *technically* possible to get there mostly on pavement and easy gravel if you know the secret routes, but most maps will send you on the off-road adventures. From Nikšić, the second-biggest city, it's quite a journey. The road starts paved and marked along the Gračanica River. Once you head towards Dragovoljci, things get narrow and steep — barely wide enough for one car, with switchbacks galore. Then, after a small village, the pavement vanishes! That first off-road bit has loose rocks, deep ruts, and some technical climbs. High clearance and 4WD are your friend here, but a careful 2WD SUV with good clearance might manage. A few miles later, the trail smooths out. You'll cruise through shaded forest with the occasional rut and tight bend, which might be a challenge if you’re driving something over 16 feet long. After about 10-15 minutes, the trees open up, revealing wide meadows, and the climb gets easier along Lukavica. Keep an eye out for hidden ruts in the grass and some steeper, rockier patches. On a clear day, you can even spot distant mountains! That scenic stretch takes about 20 minutes. Eventually, you'll hit pavement again, and it’s smooth sailing (mostly) to the lake. The road's narrow and a bit potholed, but it's in pretty good shape. The final push to Kapetanovo is fairly steep. Heavier vehicles might need to gear down for a bit. The last little bit is too narrow for passing, so watch for oncoming traffic. But trust me, once you conquer that final climb, you're rewarded with views of the gorgeous plateau and the turquoise waters of Kapetanovo Lake. It's a wild and beautiful place, totally worth the drive!
hardWhere is Puerto de Valdelinares?
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Puerto de Valdelinares! Nestled high in the province of Teruel, Spain, this mountain pass, also known as Alto de Valdelinares, tops out at a cool 1,837 meters (that's 6,026 feet!). You'll find it in the eastern part of Aragón, winding through the Sierra de Gúdar mountains. Why is it famous? Well, for starters, it's part of Valdelinares, which claims to be the highest town in mainland Spain! It's also a regular feature in the Vuelta a España, so you know it's got some serious climbs. Speaking of climbs, the paved road (TE-V-3 if you're looking for it on a map) stretches for 25.3 kilometers (about 15.7 miles) from Allepuz to Linares de Mora. Be warned: it's a bit rough around the edges with some narrow bits, steep sections that'll test your engine, and plenty of hairpin turns. The views are totally worth it, though! Usually, you can tackle this pass year-round, but keep an eye on the weather during winter. Snow can cause short-term closures, so plan accordingly!
moderateCol du Campo
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: Corsica, sun on your skin, and you're cruising the D7, headed for Col du Campo. This isn't just any drive; it's a winding adventure up to 452 meters (or about 1,482 feet for those playing at home). The road's paved, thankfully, but get ready for some narrow squeezes. Seriously, keep your eyes on the road. This route connects Lucciana and Vignale and has some serious exposure. Think dramatic drops – the kind that make you grip the steering wheel a little tighter. In fact, it's so thrilling that it's been part of the Tour de Corse rally! So, buckle up, enjoy the views, and get ready for a ride you won't forget.