Col de la Montee du Fond is a brutally tough road in France
France, europe
28.3 km
3,007 m
extreme
Year-round
# Col de la Montée du Fond: Europe's Ultimate Alpine Challenge
Ready for one of Europe's most extreme driving experiences? Welcome to Col de la Montée du Fond, sitting at a jaw-dropping 3,007m (9,865ft) in Orelle, Savoie, deep in the southeastern French Alps.
This isn't your typical mountain pass. We're talking about a 28.3 km (17.58 miles) unpaved ski-lift service road that connects the legendary Val Thorens ski resort with the tiny village of Orelle. And honestly? It's absolutely bonkers.
Here's what you're getting into: a brutal, relentless climb featuring 55 numbered hairpin turns that'll test your nerve and your vehicle's suspension. The numbered corners keep you sane-ish as you navigate gradients averaging 10.4%, with sections hitting a spine-tingling 17-18%. This is 4x4 territory only—no exceptions.
But the payoff? Panoramic views that stretch across a thousand summits spanning France, Switzerland, and Italy. You'll twist and turn through the stunning Massif de la Vanoise range, sometimes driving directly beneath the ski chairlift you're roughly shadowing.
The road is only accessible July and August when conditions allow, so planning is essential. Located east of Col de Rosael and Col de Caron, this is peak adventure territory for serious drivers seeking one of the highest drivable roads in the continent.
Where is it?
Col de la Montee du Fond is a brutally tough road in France is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.1915, 2.8134
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 28.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,007 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 46.1915, 2.8134
Related Roads in europe
hardIs Col des Mosses Paved?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, picture this: You're carving through the Swiss Alps on Col des Mosses, a completely paved beauty! This epic road, also known as Versamerstrasse, winds for 32.4 km between La Lécherette and Aigle in the Vaud canton. Get ready for some steep sections – we're talking gradients hitting a maximum of 13%! The total climb adds up to a solid elevation gain of 986 meters (3,235 feet) from La Lécherette and 979 meters (3,212 feet) from Aigle. Expect an average grade of around 3%, but those steeper sections will definitely keep you on your toes. The ride offers some postcard-perfect scenery, especially as you cruise through charming villages, forcing you to slow down and soak it all in. There's even a thrilling stretch through a gorge alongside a wild mountain river just east of La Lécherette. Generally the roads are better and easier, but there is a bit more traffic, especially around villages. Oh, and the best part? Col des Mosses is usually open year-round, so you can experience its beauty no matter the season!
hardThe ultimate guide to exploring Gorges de la Restonica in Corsica by car
🇫🇷 France
# Gorges de la Restonica: Corsica's Hidden Canyon Drive Ready for one of Corsica's most stunning scenic drives? Head to the Haute-Corse department and take on the D623, a fully paved 14.9 km (9.25 miles) adventure that winds from Corte up through the breathtaking Restonica Valley. Fair warning: this isn't your average leisurely cruise. The road gets seriously narrow in places—we're talking barely wider than a single car in spots. As the gorge walls squeeze in around you, you'll need sharp focus and solid mountain driving skills. The views are absolutely gorgeous, but those steep drops demand respect. Also note that vehicles over 4.5 meters long or 1.9 meters wide aren't permitted, so check your rental beforehand. Summer season brings crowds, and that means congestion on these tight lanes. It's manageable if you stay patient and keep your eyes on the road. The good news? There are restaurants and rest stops scattered along the way where you can grab food or take a refreshing dip in the river. Once you've conquered the drive, park it and hit the trails. A two-hour hike gets you to Lac de Mélo, a gorgeous mountain lake sitting at 6,528 feet. Push further and you'll reach Lac de Capitello, which often stays snow-capped well into summer—or stays frozen entirely outside peak season. This drive rewards confident drivers with some of Corsica's most spectacular alpine scenery.
easyDriving the curves and tunnels of Malta High Alpine Road
🇦🇹 Austria
# Malta-Hochalmstraße: Austria's Alpine Thrill Ride Ready for one of Austria's most exhilarating drives? Head to Carinthia in the southern Alps, just north of the charming village of Malta in Spittal an der Drau District, and discover the Malta-Hochalmstraße—a spectacular toll road that'll have you gripping the steering wheel in the best way possible. This 14.4km (8.94 miles) beauty climbs high into the majestic Hohe Tauern range, winding its way up to Kölnbreinsperre, Austria's highest concrete dam sitting at a jaw-dropping 1,902m (6,240ft) elevation. Originally built to help construct that engineering marvel, the road was later opened to the public as a tourist attraction—and honestly, it's worth every detour. Buckle up for a driving experience that's part scenic tour, part adrenaline rush. The road hugs the Malta river as it snakes through six dramatic natural stone tunnels carved directly into the rock face, complete with tight switchbacks that'll test your skills. With gradients reaching 13% and some hairpin sections narrowing to single-lane, you'll need focus and respect for this road. Two strategically placed traffic lights manage flow at the trickiest points, keeping everyone safe. Just a heads up: this route is only open May through October, between 7 am and 6 pm, and the entire road is perfectly paved. Whether you're driving a car or riding a motorcycle, this is the kind of journey that reminds you exactly why you love the open road.
moderateZlate Navrsi is a steep paved climb in the Czech Republic
🌍 Czech Republic
Okay, picture this: you're in the Czech Republic, smack dab in the middle of Krkonoše National Park, near the Polish border. You're heading towards Zlaté Návrší, a mountain peak that tops out at 1,391 meters (4,563 feet). The road up? Totally paved, though the pavement gets a little rough as you climb higher. Trust me, it's worth it. This road winds 10.6 kilometers (6.58 miles) from Vítkovice, climbing 760 meters, so get ready for a solid 7.16% average grade. Keep in mind, though, the road is closed to private vehicles, and snow makes it impassable during winter. But when it's open, the views are incredible! You're high in the Krkonoše mountains, part of the Sudetes range, so expect scenery that will blow your mind.