Scarfiotti Refuge: A High-Alpine Journey in the Susa Valley
Italy, europe
13.5 km
2,163 m
moderate
Year-round
# Rifugio Scarfiotti: A Alpine Adventure in the Italian Alps
Perched at a breathtaking 2,163m (7,096ft) in the Metropolitan City of Turin, Piedmont's Rifugio Scarfiotti is your gateway to the stunning Cottian Alps near the French border. This historic stone refuge, built way back in 1923, sits tucked into the Comba di Rochemolles—a gorgeous glacial valley at the western end of the Susa Valley—with massive limestone cliffs and cascading waterfalls creating one of the most jaw-dropping backdrops you'll find in the Italian Alps.
Getting here is half the fun. Starting from the charming town of Bardonecchia, you'll tackle a solid 13.5 km (8.38 miles) climb that demands some serious driving skills. The route kicks off on paved roads but quickly morphs into a proper high-mountain track, so you'll need to keep a close eye on your engine as you wind your way upward through increasingly dramatic scenery.
But here's the thing—the refuge isn't actually the end of the road. Push on past Rifugio Scarfiotti and you can continue to the legendary Colle del Sommeiller, sitting at a wild 2,993m and ranking among Europe's highest driveable mountain passes. You'll find the ticketing station for Col de Sommeiller access just beyond the refuge, so you can decide how far your adventure takes you.
Where is it?
Scarfiotti Refuge: A High-Alpine Journey in the Susa Valley is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 41.7450, 13.1208
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 13.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,163 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 41.7450, 13.1208
Related Roads in europe
hardTake the Scenic Route and Discover Alto de la Tornería
🇪🇸 Spain
# Alto de la Tornería: A Thrilling Asturian Adventure Tucked away in Asturias, northern Spain, Alto de la Tornería is a mountain pass sitting at 469m (1,538ft) that'll have your heart racing and your camera working overtime. This isn't your average scenic drive – it's a proper adrenaline rush wrapped in stunning countryside. The road up (LLN-7) is asphalt, but it's narrow, steep, and gloriously twisty. You'll encounter hairpin after hairpin with grades regularly hitting 10% and some sections pushing 15%, so buckle up! The good news? Traffic is basically non-existent, giving you plenty of space to tackle those curves. Winter occasionally throws a spanner in the works with snow closures, but the rest of the year you're golden. What makes this climb truly special are the views. As you wind your way up, the landscape just keeps getting better – unspoilt Asturian countryside giving way to absolutely stunning coastal vistas. By the time you reach the summit, you'll understand why this pass has earned its spot on the Vuelta a España cycling route. Just fair warning: those grades mean you'll be focused on the road more than the scenery, so plan your photo stops wisely. Coming from Parres? That's 6.2 km with 409m elevation gain (6.59% average). From the AS-115 road, you're looking at 9.1 km with 387m gain (4.25% average). Either way, you're in for a driving experience that's equal parts challenging and utterly rewarding.
extreme1. The M6 Motorway: Legions and Long-Haulers
🇬🇧 England
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for a spooky road trip across the UK! Forget boring tourist traps – we're chasing ghosts and urban legends on these haunted highways! **The M6 Motorway: Roman Ghosts and Phantom Trucks!** Get ready for weirdness on the UK's longest motorway! Word on the street is, between Cheshire and Lancashire, Roman soldiers march right across the road – maybe because it's built on their old stomping grounds? Keep an eye out for hitchhikers who vanish into thin air and trucks that appear and disappear in your rearview mirror. This one’s a wild ride! **The A9, Scottish Highlands: Spooky Stagecoach Alert!** The A9 is already known for its crazy isolation and tricky twists, but the real legend here is a phantom coach. Near Berriedale Braes, drivers swear they've been overtaken by a full-on Victorian coach, complete with footmen! It drifts silently through the mountain mist and then poof – vanishes into the hillside. With weather that changes on a dime, the A9 serves up the perfect spooky atmosphere. **Platt Lane, Manchester: Eyes in the Bushes!** This narrow, rural road winds alongside the site of an old mining disaster. Locals and drivers report seeing "gleaming eyes" staring from the bushes, and the feeling of being followed by unseen figures. Hit this one on a foggy autumn night for peak creepiness! **The B3314, Cornwall: Lady in Victorian Dress!** Near the legendary Tintagel, the B3314 twists and turns through the rugged Cornish landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for a lady in Victorian dress standing at the side of the road, waiting for a carriage. Drivers who stop to help often find she's disappeared. The sharp bends and steep coastal drops are already intense, but the ghost story adds an extra layer of suspense! **Drews Lane, Birmingham: Silent Traffic Jam!** Get ready for a weird one! Drews Lane isn't about seeing ghosts; it's about *hearing* them. Drivers parked or waiting at the lights report hearing the sounds of a massive traffic jam – engines, horns, tires – even when the road is totally empty. This is one seriously unique haunting – where the ghost is the sound of the road itself!
hardDriving the Paved Road to Curmatura Vidrutei
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Curmătura Vidruţei Pass in Romania is calling your name! Nestled south of Sibiu, in the heart of the country, this baby climbs to a cool 1,589m (5,213ft) in the Latoriței Mountains. The DN7A, as it's known, will take you on a 40.6 km (25.22 miles) ride from Obârșia Lotrului to Voineasa, packed with twists, turns, and seriously steep climbs. Think hairpin heaven! The road's paved, but let's just say it's seen better days, adding a touch of raw adventure to the mix. Good news: It's usually open all year. The bad news: Winter can throw a temporary wrench in your plans. At the top, you'll find a small parking area and souvenir stalls. Feeling extra adventurous? It's also the jump-off point for the wild road to Belvedere Mogoș. Get ready for some epic views!
hardWhere is Col de Pernante?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay adventurers, let's talk about Col de Pernante, a seriously cool spot high in the Maritime Alps. This isn't just any mountain pass; it's straddled right on the border between France and Italy! Think stunning Alpine vistas mixed with a dose of European military history – a total win-win. **The Deets:** You'll find it nestled on the ridgeline connecting the Alpes-Maritimes in France with the Province of Cuneo in Italy. The journey starts at the iconic Col de Tende, famous for its 46 hairpin turns (yes, you read that right!). From there, it’s a 600-meter jaunt up a high-altitude military road, originally built to link those old-school defensive fortifications. **Road Conditions:** Forget smooth pavement, this is an unpaved adventure! The gravel surface is usually in decent shape, popular with off-roaders and hikers. But remember, weather in the Alps can change in a heartbeat, turning that gravel slick after a storm. A standard 4x4 is your best bet, but stay alert! **The Summit:** At the top, you'll find the trailhead to Fort Pernante. Built way back in 1883, this fort was part of Italy’s border defense system. It was disarmed during WWI, but the ruins are still there, giving you a peek into the past. And the views? 360 degrees of pure, rugged beauty overlooking both French and Italian peaks. **The Challenge:** That 600-meter stretch to the pass is doable for experienced drivers, but the real challenge lies in getting to Col de Tende and then up to the fort. This road is remote! Make sure you're prepped with enough fuel and your vehicle is in top condition. Plus, watch that descent from the fort – it's steep and gravelly, so use low gear. This drive is a unique mix of simple off-roading and historical exploration, perfect for anyone keen on the "Ligne Maginot" or the Italian "Vallo Alpino" fortifications.