
Ghiacciaio dei Forni Refuge
Italy, europe
N/A
2,178 m
hard
Year-round
# Rifugio Ghiacciaio dei Forni
Nestled in the Cedec valley of Lombardy's Alps, this mountain refuge sits at a breathtaking 2,178m (7,145ft) elevation. If you're looking for an authentic alpine experience, this is it.
The road up is narrow, steep, and fully asphalted—think winding mountain passes with serious elevation gain. It's definitely not a casual Sunday drive, so save this one for when conditions are perfect. Skip it entirely during bad weather, and be prepared for potential traffic jams on busy days. This is proper mountain driving territory, so if you're new to alpine roads, maybe work your way up to this one first.
The route takes you past iconic landmarks like Cappella Madonna del Cotolivier and through some seriously stunning terrain within the Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio. Those who make it up are rewarded with some incredible vistas and that special sense of achievement that only a mountain road can deliver.
Where is it?
Ghiacciaio dei Forni Refuge is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.4732, 13.2312
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,178 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.4732, 13.2312
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Col du Glandon?
🇫🇷 France
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Col du Glandon! This beast of a mountain pass sits pretty high up in the French Alps, in the Savoie department, clocking in at a cool 1,930m (6,332ft). You'll find it in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. This is no Sunday drive, folks; it's known as one of the toughest climbs around. The road, D927, is paved and stretches for 46.4 km (28.83 miles) from Barrage du Verney to La Chambre. Cyclists, take note: this is the first climb and descent in La Marmotte sportive every July. Heads up though, this beauty is usually closed from early November to mid-May thanks to the alpine weather. But when it's open, you're in for a treat! Expect varied slopes, some seriously steep sections hitting a maximum gradient of 15.5%, and incredible views from the summit. There's even a parking lot and a bar-restaurant up top! The last 7 kilometers are the toughest, and the last two kilometers are over 10 percent with stretches of 12 percent. Starting from Barrage du Verney, the elevation gain is 1.152 meters over 24.12 km. And if you're coming from La Chambre, prepare for a 1.472-meter climb over 21.3 km. Built in 1898, Col du Glandon first appeared in the Tour de France in 1947 and has been a regular ever since. In summer, expect a decent amount of traffic, so keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready!
hardChaz-Dura
🇮🇹 Italy
# Chaz-Dura: Italy's Alpine Adventure Ready for a serious mountain challenge? Chaz-Dura sits pretty at 2,560 meters (8,398 feet) in Italy's Aosta Valley, and getting to the top is no casual Sunday drive. This is pure high-altitude terrain—gravel, bumpy, and unforgiving. We're talking steep switchbacks that'll make your hands grip the steering wheel a little tighter, narrow passages that demand respect, and a surface that's seen better days. Seriously, this route is only for hardcore 4x4 enthusiasts. The trail gets hammered by weather, leaving ruts and washboard sections that'll test both your vehicle and your nerve. Oh, and timing matters. The road basically shuts down from September through June thanks to heavy snow coverage, so you're looking at a pretty tight summer window to attempt this beast. What's it used for? Mainly maintenance access for the ski lifts and mountain lodges up there. But don't let that fool you—this is legitimately one of Italy's highest drivable roads, making it a bucket-list kind of experience for adventurous drivers willing to push their limits. The scenery? Alpine brilliance all the way. Just come prepared, come in summer, and come with a vehicle that can actually handle it.
extremeThe challenging Road 917 to the summit of Hellisheiði Eystri
🇮🇸 Iceland
Ready for an Icelandic adventure? Buckle up for Hellisheiði Eystri, a mountain pass sitting pretty at 644 meters in Northeast Iceland! This isn't just a drive; it's a proper ascent, with some seriously steep sections hitting gradients of up to 15%. Don't let that scare you off though, the views from the top are totally worth it. The road, known as Hlíðarvegur (917), is mostly unpaved and packs a punch with 15 hairpin turns to keep you on your toes. It's a steep and high climb, narrow in places, and can get a bit slick when it rains. Think tight curves, high drop-offs that might make your palms sweat, and those amazing panoramic views as a reward. Clocking in at 70.7 kilometers, this road winds its way north-south connecting Vopnafjörður on Road 85 to Road 1. It's considered the steepest mountain road in the country and one of the first to close each autumn when the snow starts flying. While most cars can handle it in good conditions, a front-wheel-drive motorhome might struggle on the steepest bits, especially if it's wet. Up at the top, you'll find a former weather station, perfect for soaking in views of Héraðsflói Bay. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for the coastal cliffs at Drangsnes and the abandoned Viking ruins at Krummsholt farm. And don't worry about missing out on the scenery – there are a few small parking spots at the summit to pull over and snap those Insta-worthy shots.
hardA66 to Stainmore Summit is a defiant road in bad weather
🇬🇧 England
Alright, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Stainmore Summit! This mountain pass sits pretty on the border between Cumbria and County Durham, England, clocking in at a cool 443 meters (1,453 feet) above sea level. You'll be cruising on the A66, a major, totally paved A-road that cuts right across the north of England, linking Middlesbrough to Workington. The pass itself, also known as Stainmore Gap, is a 21.08km (13.1 mile) stretch running from Brough (Cumbria) to Bowes (County Durham), following the path of the old Barnard Castle to Tebay line. Now, heads up: this Pennines crossing can be seriously tricky. Think snow and gale-force winds! Its high elevation and exposed location make it a real test, often leading to closures for high-sided vehicles. Expect regular disruptions due to incidents and weather – high winds, flooding, and snowfall are common culprits. Winter can be especially wild, with vehicles getting stuck in the snow and trucks occasionally tipping over. But hey, the views are epic!