Col du Merdassier
France, europe
N/A
1,500 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so picture this: you're cruising through the French Alps, specifically the Haute-Savoie area. You're aiming for the Col du Merdassier, a sweet mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,500 meters (that's around 4,921 feet!).
The road, known as the D160, is paved, so no worries there. BUT, pro tip: this high up, snow can shut things down without warning. Plus, the area gets super misty, which can make for a white-knuckle drive if visibility drops. Keep an eye on the weather!
The views though? Totally worth it. Think classic Alpine scenery, fresh air, and bragging rights for conquering another awesome pass. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,500 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardParpaner Rothorn
🇨🇠Switzerland
# Parpaner Rothorn: A Swiss Alpine Challenge Ready for some serious altitude? Parpaner Rothorn sits pretty at 2,857 meters (9,373 feet) in Switzerland's Graubünden canton, nestled within the stunning Swiss Plessur Alps. This isn't your typical scenic drive—it's a chairlift access trail that demands respect. The road itself? Think rocky, gravelly terrain that gets progressively wilder as you climb. We're talking slopes steeper than 30%, with loose stones scattered everywhere, becoming increasingly rocky the higher you go. And those views come with a price: relentless winds that howl year-round, even during summer months when surprise snowstorms can catch you off guard. Winter? Brutally cold. Like, really cold. Here's the kicker—you've got a tiny window to tackle this beast. Late August is basically your only shot, and that's assuming ideal conditions. This is legitimately one of Switzerland's highest road routes, so only attempt it if unpaved mountain roads are genuinely in your wheelhouse. The landscape is spectacular, no doubt, but Parpaner Rothorn doesn't give up its rewards easily. Come prepared, come experienced, and come in that narrow summer window if you want to conquer it.
moderateBocco Pass is an epic climb in the Apennines
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo del Bocco: A Mountain Pass with Stories to Tell Nestled at 962 meters (3,156 feet) along the border between Emilia-Romagna and Liguria, Passo del Bocco is a gem hidden high up in the Apennines. This isn't your typical gentle scenic drive—expect steep climbs, plenty of hairpin turns, and a completely paved road that'll keep you alert the whole way up. When you finally reach the summit, you'll find a welcoming restaurant and parking area to catch your breath and soak in the views. This pass has some serious cycling pedigree. It was the stage that made Yevgeny Berzin a champion during the 1994 Tour of Italy, but it's also marked by tragedy—it's where Belgian cyclist Wouter Weylandt tragically lost his life during the 2011 Tour of Italy in May. **Two Ways to the Top** There are two routes to choose from depending on where you're starting: **Via SP26bis**: The shorter option at 18.5 km (11.49 miles), this route runs from Borgonovo up to the Emilia-Romagna border. Perfect if you want a quicker, more direct assault on the pass. **Via SP49**: The longer route at 34.7 km (21.56 miles), this one winds from Varese Ligure through Borzonasca. More road time means more time to appreciate the stunning Apennine scenery.
extremeCaval di Novezzia
🇮🇹 Italy
# Caval di Novezzia: A Alpine Adventure Worth the Challenge Nestled in the Italian Alps at a respectable 1,553 meters (5,095 feet), Caval di Novezzia is a mountain pass that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Also known as Malga Novezza or Passo Cavallo, this route is accessed via Strada Provinciale 8—a paved road that's definitely not for the faint of heart. Here's the thing: this pass is legitimately steep and narrow, which means you'll want your wits about you behind the wheel. The real challenge? Mother Nature. Winter brings unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards that can make driving feel like piloting a car through a whiteout. Avalanches, heavy snowfall, and landslides are all part of the package here, and treacherous patches of ice appear without warning, adding another layer of complexity to the drive. The road has earned its reputation for being seriously dangerous, and frankly, it's not without reason. Come winter, the pass can shut down entirely when snow hasn't been cleared, so you'll need to keep your wits about you and check conditions before attempting this drive. **Bottom line:** Only tackle this road in good weather. When conditions turn ugly, stay home. But on a clear day? The dramatic Alpine scenery makes it absolutely unforgettable.
moderateIs the road to Coll de Laquell difficult to drive?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in the Spanish Pyrenees, almost close enough to wave to Andorra, and you stumble upon Coll de Laquell. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a rugged 4x4 adventure deep in Catalonia, about 7,093 feet up! Forget the crowds; this pass is hidden in a wild landscape of towering peaks and windswept pastures. It's pure, raw Pyrenees. Think solitude, dramatic scenery, and weather that can flip on a dime. Now, about that road... "difficult" is an understatement. You *need* a high-clearance 4x4. We're talking rocks, potential mud after rain, and a whole lotta climbing. Oh, and winter? Forget about it. Snow usually shuts this place down, and even late spring might bring unwelcome snow surprises. Get ready for a workout! This 5.53-mile route packs in 15 hairpin turns as it claws its way up the mountain. Every curve demands your attention, especially with loose gravel under your tires. You start from Camà de Coll de Conflent and head north, following ancient shepherd paths that now lead adventurers like you to some of the most epic views in the Catalan Pyrenees. It's a journey into the heart of the mountains, far from civilization and absolutely unforgettable.