
Col de la Petite Forcle
France, europe
N/A
2,481 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Col de la Petite Forcle is a seriously epic mountain pass nestled high in the French Alps, clocking in at a lung-busting 2,481 meters (that's 8,139 feet!). You'll find it in the Savoie department, smack-dab in the stunning Vanoise National Park.
Now, let's be real – this isn't your Sunday drive. The road is a ski-station service route and can be rocky, bumpy, and downright tippy in spots. Think steep, with some sections hitting a 10% grade. We're talking 4x4 recommended territory! Snow can linger well into summer, and winter? Forget about it – this place is usually snowed in from October to June. High winds are practically a given, so hold onto your hats (and your steering wheel!). If you're afraid of heights or lack off-road driving experience, maybe sit this one out. But for seasoned adventurers, the views and bragging rights are SO worth it. Just be prepared for a wild ride!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,481 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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