
Col du Tronc
Switzerland, europe
N/A
1,612 m
hard
Year-round
# Col du Tronc: A High-Alpine Adventure in Valais
Nestled in the Martigny district of Switzerland's Valais canton, Col du Tronc sits at a dramatic 1,612 meters (5,288 feet) above sea level. This pass—also called Col des Planches—is pure alpine adventure.
Fair warning: this isn't your typical highway. The route to the summit is mostly gravel, narrow, and seriously steep. It's only open to vehicles under 18 tons, so don't even think about bringing that RV. Winter is when things get really tricky. The high altitude means heavy snowfall is practically guaranteed, and the road can shut down at a moment's notice when conditions aren't safe to navigate.
If you're after that raw, authentic mountain experience with zero pretense, this wild unpaved road delivers. Just check conditions before you go—timing is everything up here.
Where is it?
Col du Tronc is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 47.1385, 8.2483
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,612 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.1385, 8.2483
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