
Cugnai Lift
France, europe
N/A
2,887 m
hard
Year-round
# Cugnai Lift: A Wild Alpine Adventure
Ready for some serious high-altitude thrills? The Cugnai Lift sits at a jaw-dropping 2,884 meters (9,471 feet) in the Savoie department of southeastern France, nestled in the gorgeous Tarentaise Valley. This isn't your average ski resort chairlift—the road to get there is pure adventure.
Fair warning: this is strictly 4x4 territory, and absolutely off-limits when winter rolls around. You're looking at one of France's highest driveable roads, which should tell you something about what you're getting into.
The track itself? Brutally challenging. Narrow and steep sections with gradients hitting 25% will test your nerves and your vehicle's capabilities. The terrain is relentlessly rocky, with slippery conditions that occasionally become downright impossible. You'll be navigating what's essentially a ski piste in some sections—rough, unpredictable, and demanding serious driving skills.
Before you even tackle the summit approach, you'll need to conquer the winding, narrow paved road up to Col du Pradier. It's a spectacular but no-nonsense introduction to what's coming.
This isn't a casual Sunday drive through the Alps. This is an adrenaline-pumping, technically demanding adventure that rewards brave drivers with one of the most spectacular viewpoints in all of France. Just make sure your vehicle—and your nerve—are up to the challenge.
Where is it?
Cugnai Lift is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.9445, 2.1131
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,887 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 45.9445, 2.1131
Related Roads in europe
hardThe Inhumane Climb to Fodara Vedla Refuge with 27% Ramps
🇮🇹 Italy
# Rifugio Fodara Vedla: The Alps' Most Insane Climb Want to experience what might be the steepest road in the entire Alps? Welcome to Rifugio Fodara Vedla, a high-altitude mountain refuge sitting pretty at 1,980 m (6,496 ft) in Italy's South Tyrol region. Tucked within the stunning Fanes-Senes-Braies Natural Park in the Dolomites, this incredible destination is perched on the Sennes plateau. The route to get there follows an old military road built by the Austrian army back in the day—which honestly explains why it's so beautifully intense. The adventure kicks off from San Vigilio di Marebbe and stretches 14.7 km (9.13 miles) total. The first section is straightforward enough—smooth, paved road taking you to Rifugio Pederu at 1,548 m elevation. But here's where things get wild. From Rifugio Pederu onward, the surface changes to concrete for 3 km. Then comes the final section—an unpaved, vehicle-restricted gauntlet that'll test every ounce of your nerve. This is where you'll encounter a legendary sequence of 9 hairpin turns that climb from 1,621 m to 1,767 m in just 550 meters of road. We're talking a gradient steeper than 26.5%—and yeah, it's absolutely brutal in the best way possible. This isn't your average Alpine drive. It's legendary for a reason.
hardHow long is the A27 road?
🌍 Russia
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! The A27 in Kazakhstan is calling your name—if you dare! This beast of a road stretches for a whopping 905 km (562 miles), connecting the tiny village of Zhezdi on the right bank of the Sarysu River near the Russian border to the bustling port city of Aktau. Now, let’s be real: paved it may be, but smooth sailing it ain’t! The A27 is notorious for its rough conditions. Think deep potholes and truck ruts that'll test your suspension (and your patience!). We're talking about 70% of the asphalt practically MIA. Forget speed— passenger cars are lucky to hit 40 km/h (25 mph). You'll probably see locals blazing their own trails alongside the "road." But hey, it's not all bad! The scenery is absolutely gorgeous. Plus, it's the most direct route from Aktau. Just be warned: this is a heavily trafficked route due to its importance, and the potholes can be crazy deep. Night driving? Exercise EXTREME caution, especially when the weather turns foul.
extreme1. Kirkstone Pass, Lake District
🇬🇧 England
Okay, picture this: you're in England, ready for an adventure. But ditch the motorway – we're talking about roads that'll make your palms sweat and your jaw drop (from the views, mostly!). First up: **Kirkstone Pass** in the Lake District. It's the highest road in the area at nearly 1,500 feet. Connecting Ambleside and Patterdale, it's infamous for its steep slopes and tricky bends. Get to the top, and BAM – fog can roll in, turning your epic vista into a white-knuckle drive. Breathtaking views, yes, but keep your eyes glued to the road! Next, **Snake Pass** in the Pennines. Clocking in at almost 1,700 feet, this 26-mile stretch between Manchester and Sheffield is nicknamed for its winding path. Think crazy cambers and sudden hills. Oh, and in winter? Forget about it – this road gets hammered with snow and ice, leading to frequent closures. Then there's the **Cat and Fiddle Road** (A537) in the Peak District. This 7.5-mile route between Macclesfield and Buxton has a reputation for being Britain's most dangerous. Even with speed cameras, it's packed with unexpected twists, turns, and steep drops. Watch out, especially if you're on two wheels! Last, but certainly not least, **Rosedale Chimney Bank** in North Yorkshire. Nicknamed the ‘Chain Breaker’, this hill isn't messing around. With a maximum incline of *33%*, it's one of the steepest paved roads you'll find. It's all about those vertical climbs and quick drops. This one's best avoided in larger vehicles. If it's icy or wet? Forget about traction – you've been warned! Bottom line: These roads are stunning, but they demand respect. Sure, your navigation system is helpful, but it can't replace good old-fashioned common sense. Before you go, make sure your ride is in tip-top shape, check the weather forecast, and prepare for an unforgettable driving experience.
hardCueva del Agua, a road recommended for drivers with strong nerves
🇪🇸 Spain
Cueva del Agua ('Water Cave’) is a natural cave at an elevation of 1.748m (5,734ft) above the sea level, located in the municipality of Deifontes, in the province of Granada, autonomous community of Andalusia, in southern Spain. Nestled in the Sierra Arana/Sierra Harana rango, the road to the rather unique cave (also known as Cueva de la Sabina, Cueva del Asno and Cueva de Deifontes)is unpaved and very steep. It´s a really tough climb. A classical one between cyclists. Unfortunately the entrance to Cueva del Agua is closed due to previous acts of vandalism. It can be visited by making an appointment at the Deifontes town hall and with a guide service. The summit hosts a natural viewpoint called Mirador Cañada Larga, with stunning views. Best visited in winter and spring, when the high mountains around are capped with snow. The road to the cave was built in 1969. Starting from Collado del Torreón (Camino a Iznalloz) the road to the summit is 6km long. The average gradient is 9.6% hitting a maximum gradient of 10% through some of the ramps.It's a really tough climb. Road suggested by: jorge manuel gómez sánchez An Explorer's Guide to Mina de Ventana Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.