Can I drive through Col de Rosael?
France, europe
28.3 km
2,993 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're hunting for an epic high-altitude adventure in the French Alps, Col de Rosael is calling your name. We're talking seriously high – 2,993 meters (that's 9,819 feet!) – making it one of Europe's loftiest drives.
Find it nestled in the Vanoise massif, connecting the ski paradise of Val Thorens with the charming village of Orelle. Forget smooth sailing, though. This is a rugged, unpaved road, a ski-lift service route that'll test your mettle.
Clocking in at 28.3 km (17.58 miles), prepare for a wild ride with 55 hairpin turns – each one helpfully signed and numbered, so you know exactly what you're getting into! The climb is relentless, averaging a 10.4% gradient, but punching up to a butt-clenching 17-18% in those corners.
The views? Absolutely mind-blowing. Imagine panoramas stretching across the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps, a sea of summits as far as the eye can see.
Heads up: this beast is strictly for 4x4 vehicles. The road tends to shadow the chairlift, passing beneath it at times. And plan your trip wisely – Col de Rosael is typically only open in July and August, so time it right for an unforgettable summer adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 28.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,993 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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