
Colle della Vaccera
Italy, europe
N/A
1,461 m
extreme
Year-round
# Colle della Vaccera
Nestled in the stunning northwestern Italian Alps, Colle della Vaccera sits pretty at 1,461 meters (4,793 feet) above sea level. This mountain pass is the real deal for anyone craving some serious alpine adventure.
You've got two ways to tackle this beauty, and they couldn't be more different. Coming up from Luserna San Giovanni? Expect a narrow, steep asphalt road that'll keep you on your toes through some seriously tight switchbacks. But if you're feeling adventurous—or maybe a bit reckless—the gravel route from Crosasso is where the real challenge lies. We're talking hair-raisingly narrow with grades that'll make your palms sweat, and honestly? After heavy rain or snow, this route can become downright impassable.
Once you reach the top, there's a cozy mountain refuge called Rifugio Jumarre waiting to welcome weary travelers with hot food and mountain hospitality. The views from up here? Absolutely worth every white-knuckle moment of the drive.
Where is it?
Colle della Vaccera is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.0141, 13.0308
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,461 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 42.0141, 13.0308
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