Elisabetta Refuge
Italy, europe
N/A
2,195 m
hard
Year-round
# Rifugio Elisabetta Soldini Montanaro
Tucked away in Italy's Aosta Valley at a seriously impressive 2,195m elevation, this alpine refuge is a hidden gem for adventurous drivers. The journey to get here is half the fun—and trust me, you'll earn those mountain views.
Starting from the charming town of Courmayeur, you'll kick off on the paved strada della Val Veny, which immediately tests your nerve with some steep pitches. It's scenic enough to distract you from the white-knuckle moments, but don't get too comfortable—after a few kilometres, you'll hit La Visaille, where cars have to call it quits and hikers take over.
Keep pushing upward on pavement toward Lago Combal, then brace yourself. The road transitions to gravel, and this is where it gets real. This route dates back to the 1700s when it was built for military purposes, and those incredible hairpin turns are proof of its historic ambition. The surface is legitimately gnarly: oversized rocks, tricky loose gravel, and plenty of washboard bumps that'll keep you focused. It's not for timid drivers, but that's exactly what makes it unforgettable.
If you're up for the challenge, the payoff is alpine excellence.
Where is it?
Elisabetta Refuge is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 41.6680, 11.4210
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,195 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 41.6680, 11.4210
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