Plan Maison
Italy, europe
N/A
2,552 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Plan Maison, nestled way up in the Italian Aosta Valley, is calling your name. We're talking a dizzying 2,552 meters (8,372 feet) above sea level!
Now, this isn't your typical smooth tarmac cruise. Think rocky, think gravel, think chairlift access trail – because that's exactly what it is. This is seriously one of Italy's highest roads, so bragging rights are definitely on the table.
Be warned, though: "steep" doesn't even begin to cover it. We're talking loose stones, and it just gets steeper and rockier as you climb. The window to tackle this beast is tiny – late August, usually. The wind? Relentless. Seriously, pack layers because even in summer, snow isn't out of the question. Winter? Forget about it – brutally cold. Expect a ski-station service road with some insane sections clocking in at a 10% gradient.
But hey, the summit? Totally worth it. You'll find restaurants, hotels, and shops. A welcome oasis after that climb.
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,552 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardIs the road to Ortzanzurieta paved?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: You're in Navarre, Spain, practically breathing the same air as France. You're about to tackle the NA-2033 to Ortzanzurieta, a seriously cool peak sitting at 1,570m (5,150ft). The road? Totally paved, which is a plus, but get ready for some adventure. It's narrow, missing those helpful central lines, and has seen better days. Think broken pavement adding character! Starting from the Col de Larrau summit at 1,057 m (3,468 ft), you've got a 6km climb ahead of you, snaking up into the Pyrenees. Forget gentle slopes, we're talking a constant climb that never dips below 8%, and brace yourself for a punchy 20% gradient in places. The scenery? Absolutely epic. The thrills? Guaranteed. Get ready for a memorable drive!
hardGet behind the wheels for Mam Tor
🇬🇧 England
Get ready to experience Mam Tor, nicknamed the "Shivering Mountain," a mountain pass chilling at 461m (1,512ft) in the High Peak of Derbyshire, England. This route, known as Mam Tor Road (part of the A625), is entirely paved but be warned: it gets narrow and steep! Due to these conditions, plus a serious 20% gradient, it's off-limits to buses, coaches, and heavier vehicles. As you wind through a cleft, keep your eyes peeled for towering limestone pinnacles. The eastern face is prone to landslips, creating a landscape of unique 'mini-hills' below. These landslips are caused by unstable shale layers, hence the mountain's nickname. Spanning 17.54km (10.9 miles) from Chapel-en-le-Frith to Hope, this pass isn't just for cars. Cyclists tackle it annually in the Tour of the Peak, where it's known as a leg-buster with a maximum 10% gradient! Dating back to 1819, the original road was built to bypass the super-steep Winnats Pass. But, thanks to the local geology, the road almost immediately started to sink. For 160 years, it underwent constant repairs, eventually leading to single-lane traffic in 1977. By 1979, the cost of keeping it open became too high, and the Old Mam Tor Road was permanently closed.
easyWhere is Veretsky Pass?
🌍 Ukraine
Okay, so you're headed into the Inner Eastern Carpathian Mountains for this one. Get ready for Pereval Veretsky, a mountain pass that tops out at a seriously breathtaking elevation. You'll find this pass, also called Volovets Pass, straddling the border between Lviv and Zakarpattia Oblast in western Ukraine. Keep an eye out near the summit for some old bunkers. This spot's got some serious history! It’s been a key route for like, a thousand years. Think ancient migrations, medieval armies, and echoes of World War conflicts—you can even spot remnants of old fortifications up there. Oh, and there’s also a monument marking when the Hungarian people came through. Now, about the road itself…it's paved but...well, let's just say "rustic." From the north, you’ll find some unpaved sections to spice things up. Seriously, the roads around here, especially if you're hitting the Lviv-Ivano-Frankivsk Highway, can be a real adventure. Be prepared for a bumpy ride. Since the new highway opened, Veretsky Pass isn’t really used much. In total, you're looking at a stretch of road roughly 17 km long. Buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable drive!
hardIs the road to Pointe Leysser paved?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: Pointe Leysser, a killer peak in Italy's Valle d’Aosta, towering above Saint-Pierre. We're talking serious views from 2,429m (7,969ft)! The road up? Forget smooth asphalt. It's a 6.6 km (4.1 miles) unpaved adventure from Vétan – all gravel, rocks, and bumps. Seriously, leave your sports car at home. You'll want a 4x4 with some decent ground clearance to handle the loose stones and dirt. Don't let the short distance fool you – this isn't a quick jaunt. You're climbing a fair amount, gaining elevation from Vétan, so expect a steep climb that'll test your engine and your off-roading skills. And hairpin lovers, get ready for a bunch! These tight turns are carved right into the mountainside. Is it worth the effort? Absolutely! The panoramic views from the top are insane. Think breathtaking vistas of the surrounding ranges – easily one of the most scenic spots in the entire Aosta Valley. Just a heads-up: this road is usually closed from October to June. Snow and ice make it a no-go for most of the year.