
Travel guide to the top of Pointe du Tsaté
Switzerland, europe
10.2 km
2,491 m
hard
Year-round
# Pointe du Tsaté: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure
Ready for a serious mountain challenge? Pointe du Tsaté rises to a stunning 2,491m (8,172ft) in the heart of Switzerland's Valais canton, nestled dramatically between the Hérens and Moiry valleys in the Swiss Pennine Alps.
This isn't your typical scenic drive—it's a proper adventure. Starting from the charming village of Les Haudères at 1,449m, you're looking at a 10.2 km climb with a relentless 10.21% average gradient that'll test both your vehicle and your nerves. That's over 1,000 meters of elevation gain packed into a relatively short distance, so yeah, it gets steep fast.
The road surface? Think gravel, rocks, and plenty of bumpy sections that'll shake your fillings loose. It's genuinely tippy in places, which is why a 4x4 vehicle isn't just recommended—it's practically essential. The dramatic alpine scenery makes it worth the rough ride, though.
Fair warning: this route is a seasonal affair. Weather typically closes it down from October through June, so summer is your window. Plan accordingly, take it slow, and you'll be rewarded with incredible mountain vistas and the satisfaction of conquering one seriously technical alpine road.
Where is it?
Travel guide to the top of Pointe du Tsaté is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 47.2171, 8.1748
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 10.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,491 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.2171, 8.1748
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