How to Get by Car to the Abandoned Haut Asco Ski Resort in Corsica
France, europe
41 km
1,509 m
hard
Year-round
# Station de Ski du Haut Asco: A Corsican Mountain Adventure
Perched at 1,509m (4,950ft) in Corsica's Haute-Corse department, the Station de Ski du Haut Asco is a hauntingly beautiful abandoned ski resort—and one of the island's highest road destinations. The resort shut down permanently in 2019, but a handful of relics from its heyday remain: a cozy bar, a hotel, and a restaurant that still welcome the occasional adventurous visitor.
Getting there is half the fun (or all the adrenaline, depending on your tolerance for mountain driving). The 41 km (25.47 miles) route on D147 stretches east-west from Moltifao to the resort, and it's not for the faint of heart. The road is fully paved—thankfully—but it's narrow, steep, and packed with hairpin turns as it winds through the dramatic Gorges de l'Asco. There are no guard rails to comfort you, and it's essentially a single-lane passage carved into the landscape. Large vehicles over 11m long aren't permitted, which tells you something about the tight squeeze.
Despite these challenges, the road is well-maintained. Here's a fun bit of history: the Foreign Legionnaires actually helped construct parts of this road back in the 1960s, adding to its mystique. If you're hunting for one of Corsica's most dramatic drives with killer scenery and a ghost-resort waiting at the summit, this is it.
Where is it?
How to Get by Car to the Abandoned Haut Asco Ski Resort in Corsica is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.3059, 0.7481
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 41 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,509 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.3059, 0.7481
Related Roads in europe
easyWhere is Pas de Roland?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, so you're heading to the Pyrenees, near Andorra, and you're looking for a thrill? Let me tell you about Pas de Roland! This mountain pass sits pretty at 1,700 meters (5,577 feet) in the Ariege department, Midi-Pyrenees. The road, helpfully named D8, is paved, so no worries there, but don't think it's a walk in the park. This climb is a real leg-burner. You'll be gritting your teeth through some seriously steep stretches, with gradients kicking up to 13% in places and averaging 9.1% overall! It's about 9.3 kilometers from Massat to the summit, running north to south. Perched in the Central Pyrenees, Pas de Roland is typically open year-round, providing access to a ski resort. But, let's be real, those winter months can be brutal, so aim for late April to October for the best conditions. Get ready for some incredible views!
hardHow to get by car to l'Abellera Chapel in Tarragona?
🇪🇸 Spain
# Santuari de la Mare de Déu de l'Abellera Perched at 1,008 meters (3,307 feet) in the Baix Camp region of southern Catalonia, this mountain shrine is absolutely worth the drive. Located in Tarragona province in northeastern Spain, the views from up here? Absolutely stunning. This historic chapel is a beauty with serious history. Built into a cave on a cliff face (possibly dating back to 1570), it's got that legendary vibe—locals say a shepherd found a Virgin statue in an oak tree that mysteriously kept returning to its original spot no matter how many times he moved it. Pretty cool, right? The chapel's also got connections to some serious historical figures, including Queen Margarida of Prades and Friar Bernat Boïl, who actually lived here back in the 15th century. The modest façade we see today was built in stages, with the bell tower added around 1578. Inside, you'll find a single nave and the crowned Virgin statue replica (crowned in 1956). It's become a major pilgrimage site—especially beloved by beekeepers thanks to its historical bee connections. Pilgrims flock here on Easter Monday and September 8, with a traditional procession from Prades around Christmas. The drive itself is pretty straightforward. Starting from the paved T-704 south of Prades, the road (Camí de l'Ermita de la Mare de Déu de l'Abellera) is totally paved but steep and narrow—think winding mountain road vibes. It's only 1.9 kilometers (1.18 miles) long with a modest 64-meter elevation gain and an average gradient of 3.3%. The speed limit is 40km/h, so just take your time and soak in those mountain views along the way.
hardDriving the Scenic F337 Road Through Lunar-like Fields
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're headed to Iceland's Southern Region and craving an off-the-beaten-path experience, you HAVE to check out the F337, also known as Hlöðuvallavegur. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks! Nestled in the Icelandic interior, near the stunning Þingvellir National Park, this 28.9 km (17.95-mile) beauty runs from Road 37 up to Road F338. Think lunar landscapes, a rough lava field at the foot of Mt Hlodufell, and some seriously epic views. Word to the wise: This is strictly 4x4 territory. We're talking high clearance is a MUST. The road is entirely unpaved, and you'll be navigating some seriously rugged terrain, with big stones and sandy spots aplenty. Seriously, leave your little rental car at home. Get ready for a climb! This road is STEEP. We're talking 500 vertical meters in just 4 km, with an average grade of 15%! It tops out at a whopping 681m (2,234ft) above sea level, making it one of Iceland's highest roads. Heads up: it's usually closed from late October to late June/early July due to snow. And be prepared to be totally alone out there. This track is remote, traffic is minimal, and cell service can be spotty. Make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape before you go! But trust us, the views are SO worth it!
hardRoad Trip Guide: Conquering Pancic's Peak in the Kopaonik Mountains
🌍 Serbia
Okay, adventurers, listen up! I've got the inside scoop on Pančić's Peak, a seriously awesome mountain top sitting right on the Serbia/Kosovo border, clocking in at 6,617 feet. The story goes that a famous Serbian botanist, Josif Pančić, loved this spot so much that they renamed it after him and even built him a little granite mausoleum up there, complete with a hiker's plaque! Word is, you're not *supposed* to go inside, but hey, I'm just the messenger. Getting there? Buckle up, because it's a wild ride. We're talking a completely unpaved road that climbs 971 feet over just 2.5 miles from the P211. You'll be hugging the Serbian side of the Kopaonik range. With an average gradient of 7.4%, you'll definitely want to bring a 4x4, especially since winter turns this road into a no-go zone. But trust me, the views are worth every bump and grind! On the Kosovo side? Forget about driving — no roads lead to the top from there! Get ready for some serious photo ops and bragging rights because this adventure is one for the books.