Refuge de Saint-Laurent
Switzerland, europe
N/A
2,492 m
hard
Year-round
# Refuge de Saint-Laurent: A Summer Alpine Adventure
Perched at a dramatic 2,492 meters (8,175 feet) in the Swiss canton of Valais, the Refuge de Saint-Laurent is a serious mountain destination for serious drivers. Located in the Nendaz municipality, this remote alpine hideaway sits in one of Switzerland's most spectacular corners.
The road up is not for the faint of heart—it's a narrow, unpaved gravel route that barely fits two cars side by side (so single-file traffic is basically mandatory). Expect steep grades and multiple hairpin turns as you wind your way up alongside a pristine mountain lake. But here's the payoff: the drive offers absolutely stunning views overlooking the Val de Nendaz, with panoramic vistas stretching all the way to the dramatic Bernese Alps chain. It's genuinely beautiful, genuinely remote, and genuinely unforgettable.
Fair warning: this is strictly a summer adventure. Come November through May, the snow shuts this road down completely, and even during the official season, conditions can force closures without notice if the access road isn't properly cleared. Check conditions before you head up.
Feeling extra adventurous? A rough gravel track continues beyond the refuge itself, climbing another 66 meters to 2,558 meters (8,392 feet). If you've made it this far, you might as well go the distance.
Where is it?
Refuge de Saint-Laurent is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.8705, 8.8742
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,492 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.8705, 8.8742
Related Roads in europe
hardThe inhumane Mur de Monieux with 21% ramps
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: You're in southeastern France, surrounded by the beauty of Provence-Alpes-CĂ´te d'Azur, ready for a cycling challenge. Then you meet the Mur de Monieux. This isn't your average hill; it's a beast of a climb packed into just 1.5 kilometers. You'll start on the D1 at 836 meters above sea level, thinking, "How bad can it be?" Oh, you'll find out! The road is paved, sure, but narrow, and the gradient quickly kicks up. You'll be grinding your gears as you try to conquer the 175-meter elevation gain. The average gradient is a leg-burning 11.66%, but that doesn't tell the whole story. Prepare for sections hitting over 21%! Trust me, this climb is brutal. Some say it makes even the infamous Sormano feel easy. But the views from the top (661 meters) are worth the pain... maybe.
hardHow to get by car to Duca degli Abruzzi Refuge in the Aosta Valley?
🇮🇹 Italy
# Rifugio Oriondé-Duca degli Abruzzi Perched at a breathtaking 2,809 meters (9,215 feet) in Italy's Aosta Valley, this high mountain refuge is a true alpine gem. Built back in 1929 by Aimé Maquignaz (a legend in mountaineering circles), it was completely rebuilt in 2012 to welcome modern adventurers. Here's where things get spicy: the road up from Breuil-Cervinia is an absolute adrenaline rush. We're talking 6 km of totally unpaved, white-knuckle driving with more than 30 hairpin turns that'll test your nerves and your vehicle. The elevation climbs a whopping 665 meters with an average gradient of 11.08%, making this one of Italy's highest roads. Those dizzying drops? Yep, they're real, and they're spectacular. Fair warning—if heights make you queasy or you're worried about landslides, maybe reconsider. A sturdy 4x4 is seriously your friend here. The road hugs the dramatic Graian Alps in the western reaches of the Alps mountain range, offering views that'll make your jaw drop (once your heart rate comes back down). The refuge is generally accessible from late June or early July through October, so plan accordingly. Outside that window, snow turns this mountain road into an impassable fortress.
moderateMuro di Campeggio: a devastatingly steep paved road
🇮🇹 Italy
Muro di Campeggio is a short but absolutely brutal climb tucked away in the Metropolitan City of Bologna, Italy. If you're into cycling, you've probably heard the whispers—this place is legendary for being one of the most punishing climbs anywhere in the world. You'll find it just north of Pergoleso in Emilia-Romagna, right in the heart of northern Italy. The road is fully paved, but don't let that fool you. Despite being less than two kilometers long, it packs an average gradient of 15.9%—with some sections hitting a teeth-grinding 29%. We're talking the kind of climb that makes even notorious steep roads look like a leisurely cruise.
moderateThe road to Prato Piazza Pass isn’t an easy one
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo Prato Piazza: A Mountain Pass Adventure in South Tyrol Nestled in the Casies/Gsies Valley in South Tyrol, Italy, Passo Prato Piazza (also known as Plätzwiesensattel) sits at a breezy 1,993 meters (6,538 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—it's a proper mountain challenge that'll test both your nerves and your vehicle. You've got two ways to tackle this beast, and they couldn't be more different. **From the north**, the road starts out friendly enough with smooth asphalt that transitions into a well-maintained forestry road. The early switchbacks are wide and forgiving, but don't get too comfortable—once you pass Ponticello at 1,491 meters, things get serious. The gradient kicks up to around 7%, and when you finally break out of the dense forest, you're hit with a brutal 13% stretch. The whole northside climb stretches 12 kilometers with 788 meters of elevation gain (averaging 6.6%), culminating in a short but sharp ramp right at the pass. **From the south**, the adventure gets grittier. Starting from Carbonin at 1,450 meters, this graveled strada sterrata is the road less traveled—you'll often share it with hikers on nice days. You'll cruise along packed gravel through the forest for a couple kilometers, then surprise! A beautiful asphalt section appears out of nowhere for about 1.5 kilometers. But don't celebrate too early—the final stretch up to the plateau is genuinely rough and unforgiving. This isn't a casual cruise. Come prepared and respect what this mountain demands.