How to get to Arete de Sorebois in Valais?

How to get to Arete de Sorebois in Valais?

Switzerland, europe

Length

10 km

Elevation

2,834 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Arête de Sorebois: A Swiss Alpine Adventure

Want to experience one of Switzerland's most thrilling high-altitude drives? Head to Arête de Sorebois, a jaw-dropping peak sitting at 2,834 m (9,297 ft) in Valais canton. It's seriously one of the country's highest roads, and the views? Absolutely worth every white-knuckle moment.

Tucked in the southern Swiss Pennine Alps just east of Lac de Moiry, this route has some serious personality. The name itself tells a story—Sorebois comes from the Latin "supra," meaning "above the forest," and you'll understand exactly why once you're up there.

Starting from the charming village of Zinal, you're looking at roughly 10 km (6.2 miles) of pure mountain intensity. And we're not exaggerating about the intensity: expect a punishing 30% gradient at its steepest, with a surface that's totally unpaved and covered in loose stones. The higher you climb, the rockier and more technical it gets—this is a chairlift access trail that demands serious respect.

Here's the catch: winters are completely off-limits. This road transforms into an impassable frozen gauntlet once the snow sets in, so you'll want to tackle it during the warmer months when conditions are manageable. If you're after an unforgettable Alpine experience that'll test your nerve and reward you with some of the most stunning scenery imaginable, this is it.

Where is it?

How to get to Arete de Sorebois in Valais? is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.2810, 8.2329

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Switzerland
Continent
europe
Length
10 km
Max Elevation
2,834 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
46.2810, 8.2329

Related Roads in europe

Driving to Kistefjell: One of the Gnarliest Roads in Norwayextreme

Driving to Kistefjell: One of the Gnarliest Roads in Norway

🇳🇴 Norway

# Kistefjell: Norway's Peak with a View Kistefjell is a 1,001-meter (3,284ft) mountain peak that stands out in Troms og Finnmark county, Norway—mainly because of the massive TV mast planted right on top. Nestled between Gisundet to the west and Rossfjordvatnet to the east, this summit has some serious broadcasting credentials. That iconic 78-meter-high transmitter—nicknamed Tårnet på Kistefjell—is basically the mountain's claim to fame. Originally standing at 60 meters, it got a growth spurt in summer 2008 when they extended it to 78 meters for the digital TV network rollout. Since 1964, it's been pumping out FM radio signals, and TV broadcasts started flowing in 1966. The mast is visible for miles around and even hosts one of the Norwegian Meteorological Institute's weather stations. Now, here's where things get real: the road to the summit is no leisurely drive. Built back in the 1960s, this entirely unpaved route climbs a punishing 8.9 km (5.53 miles) from the paved Fv86, gaining 988 meters of elevation with an average gradient of 11.10%. You'll need serious 4x4 credentials and nerves of steel to tackle this beast. The weather up here is absolutely brutal, especially in winter. Ice and heavy snow can make the road impassable without warning, and conditions can shut things down at any moment. Seriously, don't attempt this in winter unless you've got genuine mountain driving experience and a death wish.

Chegetjara Pass is a thrilling (scary) off road experienceextreme

Chegetjara Pass is a thrilling (scary) off road experience

🌍 Russia

Okay, buckle up thrill-seekers, because Chegetjara Pass in Russia's Kabardino-Balkar Republic is an *adventure*. We're talking a lung-busting climb to 3,123 meters (that's over 10,000 feet!) in the heart of the Caucasus Mountains. Forget pavement – this 30km stretch of pure, unadulterated dirt is strictly 4x4 territory. We're talking high clearance, folks. This old cattle trail-turned-mine road is seriously steep, with gradients hitting a whopping 30% in places! Open roughly from June to October, linking Upper Balkaria to Beznegi, it's known locally as Pereval Shkol'nyy. Abandoned now, it's a favorite with extreme off-roaders and those hardy herdsmen who prefer a direct GAZ-66 route over a long asphalt detour. Be warned: avalanches can block this beast! It's rumored to be the toughest road in the North Caucasus. Views are out of this world, but trust me, you'll be too busy concentrating on not sliding off the side to fully appreciate them.

When Was Caha Pass Built?hard

When Was Caha Pass Built?

🌍 Ireland

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the N71, straddling the border between Cork and Kerry in southwest Ireland. This is the Caha Pass, and it's an absolute stunner! Built way back in 1842, this 27-kilometer (16.77 mile) stretch of road climbs to a modest 320 meters (1,049 ft) above sea level. Starting in Glengarriff (County Cork) and winding its way to Kenmare (County Kerry), you'll want to budget way more than the quick 25-30 minute drive it *could* take. Trust me, you'll be stopping for photos! This route serves up massive doses of that wild Irish beauty we all crave. The road itself? Let's just say it keeps things interesting. Perched high in the Caha Mountains, this ribbon of asphalt, nicknamed "The Tunnels," is wonderfully curvy and cozy. Keep an eye out for gradients up to 9%! Oh, and about those tunnels? Prepare for some seriously cool moments squeezing through rock-carved passageways, especially on the Kerry side. If you catch a foggy day, even better – instant atmosphere! Just be prepared for more traffic during the summer months; everyone wants a piece of this scenic pie.

A gravel road to Lac de Plan d'Amontmoderate

A gravel road to Lac de Plan d'Amont

🇫🇷 France

Okay, picture this: you're winding your way up to Lac de Plan d'Amont, a stunning alpine lake chilling at over 6,800 feet in the French Alps. You're smack-dab in the Vanoise National Park, surrounded by insane mountain views. The D108 – aka Route des Barrages – is your path, and it's paved the whole way to the parking lot at the end. Heads up, though: the very last bit is paved but closed off to cars. This road's got some history – it was built back in the mid-20th century. And hold on tight because it's a climb! Some spots get pretty steep, pushing past an 11% grade.