Crete de la Serre Thibaud

Crete de la Serre Thibaud

France, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

2,517 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Alright adventure junkies, let’s talk about Crete de la Serre Thibaud! This beast of a peak sits high in the French Cottian Alps, clocking in at a whopping 2,517 meters (8,257 feet). You'll find it nestled in the Hautes-Alpes department of southeastern France.

Now, getting to the top isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a rocky, gravel road that doubles as a chairlift access trail. Think super steep slopes loaded with loose stones that get even more intense as you climb. We're talking potential 30% gradients! The window to tackle this one is tiny – think late August – and even then, be prepared for some serious wind. It's a windy spot all year round, and don’t be surprised if you encounter snow, even in summer. Winter? Forget about it – brutally cold doesn't even begin to cover it. Oh, and did I mention this is primarily a ski-station service road? So yeah, buckle up, buttercups, it's gonna be a wild ride!

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Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
2,517 m
Difficulty
hard

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