Dal Piaz Refuge

Dal Piaz Refuge

Italy, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

1,993 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

# Rifugio Dal Piaz: A Heart-Pounding Alpine Adventure

Perched at a breathtaking 1,993 meters (6,538 feet) in the Belluno province of Veneto, Rifugio Dal Piaz sits deep in the stunning Parco Nazionale Dolomiti Bellunesi in northern Italy. Getting there? That's half the adventure.

The track leading up to this mountain shelter is definitely not your typical drive. We're talking gravel, seriously steep grades, and sections so narrow you'll be holding your breath. This old military road winds its way through some jaw-dropping terrain, but here's the thing—in many spots, there's nothing between you and a drop of hundreds of meters except thin air. No guardrails to catch you. Yeah, it's legitimately nerve-wracking, and honestly, plenty of people decide it's just too intense.

The final stretch? That's reserved for hikers and adventurers on foot—vehicles aren't allowed up there.

If you're the type who gets a rush from challenging yourself on mountain roads and soaking in some seriously dramatic Alpine scenery, this could be your next bucket-list drive. Just make sure you're prepared for the intensity.

Where is it?

Dal Piaz Refuge is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.4123, 12.0166

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
1,993 m
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
42.4123, 12.0166

Related Roads in europe

Izdebki Serpentines, an absolute must for road lovershard

Izdebki Serpentines, an absolute must for road lovers

🌍 Poland

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Brzozów County in Poland, and you stumble upon the legendary Serpentyny Izdebki. It's a super short but sweet paved road, barely over a mile long, packed with a wild eight hairpin turns. Nestled in the village of Izdebki, this route isn't just a scenic drive; it's a playground for drifters! Weekends and holidays? Forget about it – it's practically a drifting competition zone. Don't let the short length fool you, though. This road is STEEP. We're talking about a maximum gradient of 9% in places, with an overall elevation gain of 92 meters. That’s an average gradient of 4.60%, so hold on tight!

WRC on skis? Watch this rapid mountain descentmoderate

WRC on skis? Watch this rapid mountain descent

🇳🇴 Norway

# Two Norwegian Legends Race Against Time on a Mountain Road When you're Aksel Lund Svindal, one of alpine skiing's greatest champions, or Andreas Mikkelsen, a rising star in world rally racing, speed is literally your business. Both these Norwegian athletes have built their careers on beating the clock and pushing limits. So what happens when you throw them together on a snowy mountain road with a ferry deadline? Pure adrenaline. These two teamed up for an epic challenge: could they make it down the mountain fast enough to catch the last ferry of the day on Lyseveien? The stakes were real, the conditions were gnarly, and the competition was fierce. Svindal attacked the descent like he was carving down a ski slope, launching over every obstacle without hesitation. Meanwhile, Mikkelsen absolutely shredded the same road in his VW Polo R WRC, hitting every turn with precision and aggression on the snow-covered, banked surface below. It's the kind of stunt that only works when you've got world-class drivers willing to push a perilous mountain road to its absolute limits. Watch these two Norwegian legends do what they do best – go impossibly fast and make it look effortless.

Colle Barantextreme

Colle Barant

🇮🇹 Italy

# Colle Barant: A Wild Alpine Adventure Nestled high in the Province of Turin in Piedmont, Italy, Colle Barant sits at a breathtaking 2,381 meters (7,811 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical mountain pass – it's a heart-pounding gravel track that'll test both your nerves and your vehicle's suspension. Originally carved out as a military road for army vehicles, this route is seriously steep and narrow with sections that'll have your palms sweating. The gravel surface becomes treacherously slippery in places, and the exposed drops on either side mean there's zero room for error. It's the kind of pass that demands respect and careful driving. What makes it genuinely special, though? The incredible history along the way. You'll spot evidence of the old military presence everywhere – abandoned forts, gun placements, and crumbling barracks scattered across the landscape. At the summit, you'll find Fort de l'Infernet standing as a weathered sentinel to the past. Fair warning: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Snow can close this pass anytime, so check conditions before you go. But if you're after an authentic, off-the-beaten-path Alpine experience with stunning scenery and genuine adventure, Colle Barant delivers in spades.

Peñón del Torohard

Peñón del Toro

🇪🇸 Spain

Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to Andalusia, Spain, and you've got a serious itch for off-roading, Peñón del Toro is calling your name. This mountain pass, nestled in the Sierra de Castril Natural Park, tops out at a cool 1,857 meters (that's 6,092 feet for my American friends!). Now, fair warning: this ain't your average Sunday drive. The road is gravel, and it gets seriously rocky and bumpy in spots. You'll definitely want a 4x4 for this one, and be prepared for some steep climbs. Oh, and did I mention the wind? It's practically a permanent fixture up here, so hold onto your hats! But trust me, the views are SO worth it. Just imagine: you, your trusty 4x4, and miles of breathtaking scenery. Peñón del Toro is an adventure you won't soon forget.