
Preda Rossa
Italy, europe
24 km
1,955 m
hard
Year-round
# Preda Rossa: A Mountain Pass with a Comeback Story
Nestled in Lombardy's Province of Sondrio, Preda Rossa sits pretty at 1,955 meters (6,414 feet) above sea level. But here's the thing—this pass has quite the tale to tell.
Back in 1991, a massive landslide absolutely wreaked havoc on the original road. For over two decades, travelers had to make do with a rough gravel route snaking around the valley as their only option. Not exactly ideal, but that's what it took to get to the top.
Fast forward to 2012, and things got a major upgrade. The road is now mostly paved, with just a short 300-meter gravel section remaining as a reminder of those rougher days. Don't let that fool you though—this pass means business.
Starting from Masino, you're looking at a serious 24-kilometer climb that'll gain you 1,675 meters of elevation. The average grade sits at 7%, but buckle up for some gnarly sections that hit 14%—seriously steep in places. It's the kind of drive that'll test your car and your nerve, but the payoff is a genuine Alpine experience.
Where is it?
Preda Rossa is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 41.8478, 12.9733
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 24 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,955 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 41.8478, 12.9733
Related Roads in europe
hardA curvy paved road to Col de Perty
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Perty: A Scenic Alpine Challenge in Southeast France Ready to tackle one of the Drôme's most thrilling mountain passes? Col de Perty sits pretty at 1,302 meters (4,271 feet) above sea level in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, and the journey to the top is absolutely worth your time. The route follows the D65, a completely paved but delightfully narrow road that snakes its way across 19.8 kilometers of stunning Alpine terrain. Heads up though—this pass doesn't mess around, with grades hitting a jaw-dropping 12% in some sections. Buckle up for the adventure! You've got two main approaches to choose from. Coming from the west via Montauban-sur-l'Ouvèze, you're looking at a 12.5-kilometer push from La Combe, climbing 600 meters at a manageable 4.8% average gradient. If you're coming from the east at Laborel, it's a shorter but punchier 8.5 kilometers, gaining 475 meters with a steeper 5.6% average grade. Whichever way you approach, expect those classic Alpine switchbacks, breathtaking valley views, and the kind of tight curves that make for an exhilarating drive. The narrow pavement means you'll want to take it steady and enjoy the scenery—which, trust us, is absolutely stellar. This is the real deal for mountain road enthusiasts.
hardThe road to Lac des Dix in Valais, where the tallest gravity dam in the world stands
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Lac des Dix: A Alpine Adventure Nestled high in the Swiss Alps at 2,141m (7,024ft), Lac des Dix is a stunning high-altitude lake tucked away in Valais's Val d'Hérens. This is where serious mountain scenery meets impressive human ingenuity. The main attraction? The Grande Dixence Dam—an absolute beast of engineering that holds the title of world's tallest gravity dam. Built between 1951 and 1965, this 285m (935ft) concrete giant collects glacial meltwater from a whopping 35 surrounding glaciers in the Zermatt region. It's genuinely awe-inspiring, and you can actually visit it yourself from mid-June through September. Getting there is half the fun. The fully paved access road climbs 17.4 km (10.81 miles) from the village of Hérémence, and the last 5 kilometers? Pure hairpin turn heaven. These aren't gentle curves—they're steep, dramatic switchbacks that'll get your adrenaline pumping as you wind toward the dam's base. A parking area waits at the end for you to catch your breath (and the views). Fair warning though: this road is strictly a summer affair. It shuts down from October through mid-June when winter weather takes over the mountain passes, so plan your visit for the warmer months when conditions allow safe passage.
moderateWhat are the highest roads in Romania?
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, picture this: Romania! You've got the Black Sea vibes on one side and then BAM, the Carpathian Mountains rise up like a massive, dramatic spine right through the middle. These aren't just hills, folks. We're talking serious peaks, some pushing over 8,000 feet! About a third of the country is this crazy-cool mountain landscape, but it's balanced out by rolling hills and flat plains – talk about diverse! Because of these epic mountains, Romania boasts some of Europe's most famous high-altitude roads. Think incredible engineering, mind-blowing views, and a chance to really test your driving skills as you carve your way through the heart of the Carpathians. Get ready for an adventure!
moderateHow is the road to Aramon Valdelinares?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in Teruel, Spain, in the Aragon region, ready to climb to the Aramon Valdelinares ski resort, perched way up high in the Sierra de Gúdar mountains. We're talking serious elevation here – some of the highest in eastern Spain! This isn't just any drive; it's a taste of the "Siberia of Spain," a landscape of dramatic limestone peaks and dark pine forests that feels totally unique. This road has even hosted some seriously tough cycling races, so you know it’s got something special. The road itself? It's paved and generally pretty smooth. The climb from the junction just north of Valdelinares (Spain's highest town!) is about **9.3 miles** long. Don't let the average gradient of **6%** fool you, though. It's a rollercoaster of rolling terrain followed by some seriously steep sections that’ll get your engine working. Be ready for ramps that can hit **9%** especially in the last few kilometers as you roll into the parking area of the ski station. Now, winter is a whole different ballgame. As the road to the resort it gets maintained, but this is high-altitude mountain driving, folks! The road is kept open by the crews during the winter season, working constantly to clear snow and ice. The weather changes *fast* up here. Black ice can be a real problem in the shady spots. Chains or winter tires are a must during the cold months – trust me on this one. Short-term closures are possible during heavy blizzards. But the views... oh, the views! You'll get these incredible panoramic vistas of the Teruel highlands and the Gúdar valleys. Outside of ski season, the road is really quiet, offering a peaceful, high-altitude escape. Whether you're a cycling fan chasing the ghosts of races past or just a driver seeking some stunning scenery, the drive up to Aramon Valdelinares is a must-do in the Iberian Peninsula.