Col d'Albanne

Col d'Albanne

France, europe

Length

12.33 km

Elevation

1,652 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the French Alps, specifically the Maurienne Valley in Savoie. You're heading for Col d'Albanne, a sweet mountain pass that tops out at 1,652 meters (5,419 feet).

The road, known as the D81, is paved and ready for action. Your adventure starts in Le Bochet, and from there, it's a 12.33 km climb to the top. Prepare for a serious workout – you'll gain 957 meters in elevation! The average grade is a leg-burning 7.8%, but be ready for pitches hitting nearly 11%. The road's pretty wide and twisty and usually not too crowded... unless it's a Saturday during ski season. Then, all bets are off! The views are totally worth it.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
12.33 km
Max Elevation
1,652 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in europe

An old military road to Lago d'Arponextreme

An old military road to Lago d'Arpon

🇮🇹 Italy

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Lago d'Arpon, straddling the French-Italian border, is calling your name from a lofty 1,830 meters (6,003 feet) above sea level. But fair warning: getting there is not for the faint of heart! We're talking serious 4x4 territory only, folks. This "road" – and I use that term loosely – to Lago dell'Arpone is skinny, gnarly, and forget about it in the winter. Think you've got the skills? This one will test them, along with your courage. If you get wobbly knees looking down, maybe skip this one. Landslides? Yeah, they're a thing. But oh, the views! Seriously, your tires will be singing with joy at the panoramic mountain vistas. Just try not to focus on the hundreds of meters of unprotected drop-offs right next to you. This old military road, carved into the Alps back in the day, is a real piece of history. Get ready for an unforgettable, if slightly terrifying, ride!

Laghi di Champlonghard

Laghi di Champlong

🇮🇹 Italy

Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! If you find yourself in the stunning Aosta Valley of northwest Italy, and you're itching for a real off-road challenge, then Laghi di Champlong needs to be on your radar. We're talking a climb to 2,353 meters (that's over 7,700 feet!), so buckle up. The road? Well, "road" might be a generous term. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lot of bumpiness. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. Not for the faint of heart, this one! Heads up: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Expect the road to be a no-go zone from October to June, thanks to snow. And even in the summer months, be prepared for the possibility of a surprise snow day. It gets seriously cold up here, and the wind? Let's just say it's a constant companion. Heights a problem? Maybe skip this one. But for those who dare, the views are absolutely worth it. Just keep an eye on the weather – thunderstorms can turn that rocky track into a real 4x4 nightmare or even make it impassable. So, experienced off-roaders only for this epic Italian adventure!

The inhumane climb to Monte Tavolinomoderate

The inhumane climb to Monte Tavolino

🇮🇹 Italy

Monte Tavolino (Sefiarspitze) is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.505m (8,218ft) above the sea level, located in South Tyrol, northern Italy, Nestled in the Texel Group of the Ötztal Alps within the Texelgruppe Nature Park, the track to the summit is a chairlift access trail. It’s unpaved. 4x4 vehicle required. Accessibility is largely limited to the summer season (June to September). A nice metal cross is erected on the peak. Starting from Pfelders (Plan) the ascent is 4.5 km (2.79 miles) long. Over this distance the elevation gain is 888 meters. The average gradient is 19.73%. Malga Campobon is well worth the time Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click  to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.

How long is the road to Malga Clef?extreme

How long is the road to Malga Clef?

🇮🇹 Italy

Located in the heart of the , in the northern Italian region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, the road to is a legendary ascent for those who seek the rawest side of the Alps. Reaching an elevation of above sea level, this mountain track is a masterclass in steep, forest-lined driving. The drive is characterized by its deep immersion in the alpine woods, particularly around . As seen in recent photographs, the road is a narrow asphalt ribbon that demands precision, especially when the surface is damp or covered in autumn leaves. The altitude and the central position of this alpine dairy provide some of the broadest and most spectacular views of the mountain ranges of south-western Trentino. Road facts: Malga Clef Paved / Unpaved sections How long is the road to Malga Clef? The journey begins at the intersection with the . From this point, the route to the summit is . However, the road is divided into two distinct sections: the first part is accessible to general traffic, but the last 6 km are strictly closed to private motorized vehicles . This restriction ensures that the final approach to the malga remains a peaceful environment for the local ecosystem and hikers. How challenging is the road to Malga Clef? This road is notoriously "defiant" due to its combination of narrow passages and extreme steepness. The first six kilometers are the most punishing, with an average gradient of approximately 11% . As you navigate the hairpin turns through the forest, the road hits several ramps with a maximum gradient of 18% . These sections require low gears and constant focus, especially for cyclists or authorized service vehicles. The surface transitions from worn asphalt to gravel as the altitude increases. At the summit, the environment opens up into the typical alpine meadows of a dairy farm. Malga Clef is part of a network of local farms where traditional cheese-making is still the primary activity. Travelers can often find local producers selling fresh dairy products directly from the . There is also a small campground area nearby, making it a perfect spot for those who want to experience the silence of the Trentino mountains at night. Safety and Preparation Because much of the road is shaded by dense forest, the asphalt can hold long after the rain has stopped, significantly reducing traction. In winter, the steep 18% ramps are usually covered in deep snow, making the route completely impassable. The best window to visit Malga Clef is from June to late September, when the dairy farms are active and the mountain air is at its most refreshing. Always ensure your braking system is in perfect condition before attempting the descent. Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click  to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.