Col de Chassoure in Valais is recommended for drivers with strong nerves
Switzerland, europe
N/A
2,739 m
hard
Year-round
# Col de Chassoure: Switzerland's Alpine Adventure
Ready for an unforgettable mountain experience? The Col de Chassoure sits pretty at 2,739m (8,986ft) in the Entremont district of Valais, southwestern Switzerland鈥攁nd trust me, getting there is half the fun.
Starting from Verbier, this unpaved trail is basically the ultimate 4x4 playground. Think hairpin turns that'll make your head spin, a genuinely bonkers tunnel carved into the mountainside, and a succession of other mountain passes that keep the adrenaline flowing. Oh, and the scenery? Absolutely stunning alpine lakes scattered throughout, plus you might even spot a giant stork hanging around.
Fair warning though: the road's no joke. Loose gravel, narrow sections, and steep climbs mean you'll need serious vehicle clearance鈥攐nly 4x4s allowed here, and private cars are firmly off the menu. Mother Nature has the final say too, so snow can shut things down anytime.
One of Switzerland's highest accessible roads, Col de Chassoure is genuinely special. Just don't underestimate what you're taking on鈥攖his peak earns its respect.
Where is it?
Col de Chassoure in Valais is recommended for drivers with strong nerves is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.6587, 8.3982
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,739 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.6587, 8.3982
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Hohneck?
馃嚝馃嚪 France
Okay, picture this: You're in France, cruising through the Grand Est region, specifically the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park. You're heading up to Hohneck, a peak sitting right on the border of the Vosges and Haut-Rhin departments, about 4,468 feet above sea level. What awaits you at the top? A huge parking lot and a cozy mountain refuge called Auberge du Sommet du Hohneck, perfect for a pit stop. This peak basically splits Alsace and Lorraine! And just a hop, skip, and a jump away (1.5km to the east) is Little Hohneck, clocking in at 4,225 feet. Plus, skiers and snowboarders, take note: La Bresse Hohneck is practically on top of the mountain. Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! Get ready for some serious views from high up in the Vosges Mountains. On a clear day, you can see everything from the entire Vosges range to the Black Forest, the Jura, a good chunk of the Swiss Alps, and even the Alps far off in the distance! The road itself? Let's just say it adds a little *spice* to the adventure. It's paved, but it's seen better days. Think seven hairpin turns and some narrow sections, so keep your eyes peeled! The climb from the D430 (Route des Cretes) is a short but sweet 0.86 miles. In that short distance, you'll climb around 374 feet, giving you an average gradient of around 8%, which is pretty spicy! Get ready for a memorable drive with views that will knock your socks off!
hardIs the road to Pedras Blancas in Arag贸n paved?
馃嚜馃嚫 Spain
Okay adventurers, ready for an off-road escapade in the Spanish Pyrenees? Let me tell you about Pedras Blancas, a peak sitting pretty at 2,359m (7,736ft) in Arag贸n's Huesca province. The road up鈥攐r rather, the *pista* as they call it鈥攕tarts from Aras谩n and stretches for 11km (6.83 miles). Don鈥檛 let the first few paved curves fool you; this quickly turns into a well-maintained gravel track, Pista Pedras Blancas, so bring your 4x4 with high clearance. Why "Pedras Blancas?" The name comes from some striking white rocks near the Bisaurri refuge, about 2km from the top. It's a major paragliding spot, so keep an eye on the skies! This climb is no joke. Expect a real workout with hairpin turns and seriously steep sections, hitting a maximum gradient of 10.2%. The average gradient is around 9.68%, so get ready to earn those views. Word to the wise: this road is totally off-limits in winter. At the summit, marked by a wind flag, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views and the chance to share the space with paragliding daredevils and mountain biking fanatics (weather permitting, of course). Get ready for 1,065m of elevation gain, this trek isn't for the faint of heart.
hardDriving the wild road to Mangart Pass in the Julian Alps
馃實 Slovenia
# Mangartsko Sedlo: Slovenia's Ultimate Alpine Challenge Ready for one seriously thrilling drive? Mangartsko Sedlo is Slovenia's highest road pass, sitting pretty at 2,067m (6,781ft) in the Julian Alps near the Italian border. This isn't just any mountain pass鈥攍ocals call it the most beautiful alpine road in the entire country. Starting from Bovec in the Municipality of Bovec, this 23.9km (14.85-mile) beast climbs through charming mountain towns like Log Pod Mangartom and Strmec na Predelu before reaching the summit. Road 902 is fully paved, but here's the catch: it's *narrow*, and those grades? They hit a jaw-dropping 23%. We're talking an elevation gain of 1,630m with an average gradient of 6.82%鈥攖his road means serious business. The experience gets wild real fast. Five unlit tunnels carve through the bedrock, hairpin turns seem endless, and multiple sections have zero barriers between you and a drop of hundreds of meters. You'll need steady nerves, excellent vehicle control, and a genuine comfort with heights. The narrow width means meeting oncoming traffic is always an adventure. Once you reach the peak, there's a one-way loop road leading to the actual highest point鈥攑erfect for soaking in those stunning views over Log Koritnica Valley to the south and Italy's Fusine Lakes to the north. Built back in 1938 by Italian soldiers (the area was part of Italy then), this road didn't get completely paved until 2005. It typically opens in May and closes by November, though weather conditions can shift those dates unpredictably. Want even more adrenaline? The summit doubles as a starting point for climbing Mt. Mangrt (2,678m) or launching into a paragliding adventure down to Koritnica Valley. Just be ready for one unforgettable ride.
hardTop 12 Scenic Alpine Roads in Austria
馃嚘馃嚬 Austria
# Austria's Best Mountain Roads: A Driver's Dream Austria is seriously a playground for road trip enthusiasts. We're talking jaw-dropping Alpine scenery, nail-biting hairpin turns, narrow tunnels carved into mountainsides, and elevation gains that'll make your head spin. If you love twisty roads and stunning vistas, this country absolutely delivers. Here are 12 incredible drives that'll have you planning your Austrian road trip ASAP: **Salzburg to Carinthia** | 48km | Up to 2,504m | Built 1935 36 turns, 12 hairpins, 12% gradient. Open May-October. Toll required. **Carinthia Route** | 16km | Up to 1,732m | Built 1965 116 turns with 7 hairpins packed into a short stretch. 10% gradient. Open year-round. Toll required. **Salzburg Pass** | 12km | Up to 1,628m | Built 1962 8 hairpins, 9% gradient. Year-round access. Toll required. **Carinthia Alpine** | 34km | Up to 2,042m | Built 1979 52 turns with stunning scenery. Open May-October. Toll required. **Carinthia Loop** | 14km | Up to 1,895m 10 hairpins, 10% gradient. Seasonal (May-October). Toll required. **Tyrol-Vorarlberg Route** | 22km | Up to 2,032m | Built 1961 34 hairpins, 12% gradient. June-October. Toll required. **Tyrol Highpass** | 26km | Up to 2,750m | Built 1980 29 hairpins, 12% gradient. Open year-round. Toll required. **Tyrol Challenge** | 12km | Up to 2,479m | Built 1959 60 turns, 30 hairpins, 13% gradient. Intense! June-October. Toll required. **Historic Tyrol** | 13km | Up to 1,806m | Built 1907 8 hairpins, 12% gradient. Open May-October. Toll required. **Tyrol Scenic** | 7km | Up to 1,920m Year-round access. Toll required. **Tyrol Valley Road** | 32km | Up to 1,441m | Built 1923 17% gradient. Open year-round. No toll! **Tyrol Epic** | 48km | Up to 2,020m | Built 1963 A long, rewarding drive through incredible terrain. May-October. Toll required. Ready to experience Alpine driving at its finest? These roads are calling your name.