
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
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