D108: Driving the steep ramps to Lac de Plan d’Aval in the Vanoise Massif
France, europe
6.8 km
2,041 m
moderate
Year-round
# Lac de Plan d'Aval: A Short but Seriously Steep Alpine Climb
Tucked away in the Savoie department of France, Lac de Plan d'Aval sits pretty at 2,041m (6,696ft) elevation within the stunning Vanoise National Park. The drive up here? It's short, sweet, and absolutely brutal in the best way possible.
This scenic alpine route starts in the charming village of Aussois and climbs 6.8 km (4.22 miles) with a whopping 558 meters of elevation gain. Don't let the distance fool you—the average gradient hangs tough at 8.20%, with sections pushing up to 11.8%. It's the kind of road that'll make your calves (and your brakes) work for every meter of altitude.
Built between 1945 and 1956 as part of the region's hydroelectric boom, the D108 (Route des Barrages) has evolved into a favorite playground for hikers, mountain bikers, and anyone who loves a challenge. The road itself is fully paved and well-maintained, winding through some seriously gorgeous mountain scenery as you climb toward the twin dams.
When you finally reach the parking area between the two reservoirs, the payoff is worth every switchback. Picture turquoise waters surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Massif de la Vanoise—it's absolutely breathtaking.
One heads-up: this southern-facing route gets hammered by winter snow, so expect closures during the colder months. And if you're coming down on a bike or in a vehicle with manual transmission, go easy on those brakes—they'll be smoking by the time you hit Aussois again.
Where is it?
D108: Driving the steep ramps to Lac de Plan d’Aval in the Vanoise Massif is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.7570, 1.8785
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 6.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,041 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.7570, 1.8785
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhat’s at the Summit of Paljenik?
🌍 Bosnia
Alright adventure seekers, let's talk Paljenik! Nestled in Central Bosnia, this peak clocks in at a serious altitude. What's up top? Well, besides bragging rights, you'll find the Travnik radio prijemnik. Spooky fact: this whole area used to be a military communication hub, complete with underground bunkers back in the day! Now, the road... it's unpaved and, let's be real, pretty rough. Some folks seriously advise against off-roading here. Starting from the paved road near Dolac, you're looking at about 9 kilometers of challenging terrain. Over that distance, you'll climb quite a bit, gaining a lot of altitude. The average gradient is pretty steep, so be prepared! Oh, and a heads up: from October to June, this route is usually snowed in and totally impassable. So, plan your trip accordingly! Get ready for epic views and a true off-road experience on Paljenik!
extremeForcella Pass, The Road That Has it All!
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo della Forcella Looking for an epic alpine challenge? Passo della Forcella sits at a serious 1,824m (5,984ft) above sea level in Udine, in Italy's Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. Also called Malga Losa, this pass is no joke. The road itself is a mixed bag of loose gravel and crumbling concrete, winding its way up a ridiculously narrow corridor with an average gradient of 15%. But here's where it gets spicy—sections hit a brutal 28% steepness, and that's when you'll really feel gravity fighting back. The gravel is loose and rutted with washouts scattered throughout, making every turn a technical puzzle. Fair warning: hit this road after rain or snow and you're done. The mountain sees serious winter precipitation at this elevation, and closures are common when snow covers the route. Cyclists from around the globe make pilgrimage here specifically to conquer these "infernal slopes," but you've got to time it right. This is one of those roads that demands respect and good timing—but if you nail it on a clear day, the views and the achievement are absolutely worth every white-knuckle moment.
moderateWhere is the Strubklammstrasse?
🇦🇹 Austria
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through western Austria, right along the edge of a dramatic, 100-meter-deep canyon. Seriously, the views are insane! This road, which snakes its way behind Hinterebenau, is a total rebuild job from the L-107. Now, heads up, things can get a little dicey here. Those curves that seem charming in summer? They become a real test of skill in winter. Speaking of winter, this road is often closed due to heavy snow, so definitely check conditions before you go. And, just to keep things interesting, avalanches can block the path, especially during those colder months. But trust me, those canyon views are worth a bit of adventure!
hardPyrgari
🇬🇷 Greece
# Pyrgari: A Thrilling Mountain Drive Above Athens Ready for a heart-pumping drive with some seriously stunning views? Head to Pyrgari, a 1,109-meter peak nestled in the North Athens hills. This mountain is part of the impressive Mount Penteli range, and the journey to the top is absolutely worth your time. The road itself is paved but gets pretty narrow in sections, and we're not going to sugarcoat it—this is a steep climb. Starting from Agiou Panteleimonos Road, you're looking at 7.6 kilometers of continuous uphill action with 613 meters of elevation gain (averaging an 8.06% gradient). Your car will definitely feel the burn, and so will your brakes. Once you reach the summit, you'll find an abandoned military base and some communication towers sharing the peak with you. The area is prone to rockslides, so keep your wits about you. But here's the payoff: panoramic views of Penteli Mountain and Athens sprawling out below you are absolutely incredible. There's also some cool history here—this region was famous in ancient times for its marble, the very stone that built the Acropolis and other iconic structures of ancient Athens. So you're literally driving through history while enjoying one of the best views around.