Val Thorens: One of the Longest and Biggest Climbs in France
France, europe
36.5 km
2,300 m
hard
Year-round
Val Thorens is a ski resort perched at a seriously impressive 2,300m (7,545ft) above sea level in the Savoie department of southeastern France. You'll find it nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, deep in the Tarentaise Valley, and it's the gateway to one of Europe's most legendary drives—the road to Orelle.
The D117 is absolutely wild. This narrow, paved route climbs all the way up to 3,007m (9,865ft), making it one of the highest roads on the continent. What makes it truly thrilling? Tight hairpin turns, a bumpy surface, and—here's the kicker—zero guard rails in some sections. It's the kind of road that gets your adrenaline pumping.
Val Thorens holds the title of Europe's highest ski resort, and it's been a star of the Tour de France for good reason. The climbing route starting from Moutiers (old-school name: Tarentaise) is genuinely epic: 36.5km (22.68 miles) of pure alpine challenge featuring 20 hairpin turns. You're looking at a 1,807-meter elevation gain with an average gradient of about 5%—definitely not a casual cruise.
Whether you're a cyclist, road tripper, or thrill-seeker, this corner of the French Alps delivers some seriously unforgettable scenery and driving.
Where is it?
Val Thorens: One of the Longest and Biggest Climbs in France is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.0633, 2.8038
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 36.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,300 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.0633, 2.8038
Related Roads in europe
hardAn epic road to Port de Bales in the French Pyrenees
🇫🇷 France
# Port de Balès: A High-Alpine Adventure in the Pyrenees Sitting pretty at 1,760m (5,774ft) in the heart of the Occitanie region, Port de Balès is one of France's most thrilling mountain passes. Straddling the border between Hautes-Pyrénées and Haute-Garonne—just a stone's throw from Spain—this is seriously dramatic territory. The fully paved route (D925 and D51D) is no joke. This narrow, winding climb demands respect, with vertiginous drop-offs, zero guardrails, and some seriously hair-raising sections that'll get your adrenaline pumping. The good news? You'll barely see another car up here. The bad news? There's absolutely nothing at the summit, so come prepared. The road has quite the backstory. Until 1980, this was literally a mule track. When it finally got paved, Mother Nature had other ideas—winter snow and neglect trashed it so badly it became nearly impassable. Enter the Tour de France organizers in 2006, who resurfaced the entire route while scouting new Pyrenean stages. Talk about a dramatic makeover. This 25.3km (15.72-mile) route climbs from Bourg-d'Oueil in the south to Mauléon-Barousse in the north, with maximum gradients hitting a punishing 13.3%. Both the Tour and Vuelta have tackled this beast. Winter? Forget about it—snow closures are the norm for extended periods. But when conditions allow, you'll reach a spectacular broad summit with jaw-dropping 360-degree views of snow-capped Spanish peaks. Absolutely worth the white-knuckle drive.
hardPanta de Cavallers: a steep paved road to the reservoir
🇪🇸 Spain
Pantà de Cavallers is a stunning high mountain reservoir perched at 1,770m (5,807ft) in the Lleida province of Catalonia, Spain. This gem sits in the northeastern part of the country, nestled in the beautiful Boi valley within the Aiguestortes i Estany of Saint Maurici National Park. The reservoir was built back in 1958, and there's a small parking area right at the dam. Getting here is definitely an adventure. The road—also called Estanys de Tor—is the L-500, and while it's fully paved, don't let that fool you. It's seriously narrow—so tight that two average cars literally cannot pass each other. You'll be navigating through endless curves and hairpin turns, so honest warning: reversing skills are pretty much essential. If you're not comfortable backing up on a mountain road, this isn't the drive for you. Starting from Caldes de Boí, you're looking at a 4.6 km (2.85 miles) climb with 7 hairpin turns to tackle. You'll gain 299 meters in elevation, averaging a 6.5% gradient with some sections hitting 10%. The good news? The road stays open year-round, though winter weather can occasionally force temporary closures. Pick a good weather day, take your time through those curves, and you'll be rewarded with an unforgettable mountain experience.
hardA nightmare road to Lockyers Hill
🇬🇧 England
Okay, gear up for Lockyers Hill, a hidden gem in Kent's Gravesham area! Tucked away in some seriously beautiful woodland, this climb is short but brutal. We're talking just a few hundred metres, taking you from 96m to 157m above sea level, but don't let the distance fool you. This isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is super narrow – think "squeeze-past-a-bike" narrow – and the surface is a bit rough around the edges. Prepare to dodge some potholes and navigate a bit of gravel. Oh, and did I mention the gradient? We’re talking a lung-busting 20-25% incline for pretty much the entire climb! So, pop it into low gear and get ready for a leg-burning adventure through some stunning Kent countryside.
moderateA very steep (19%) mountain road to Riedberg Pass in Germany
🇩🇪 Germany
# Riedbergpass: A Bavarian Alpine Adventure Ready for some serious elevation gain? Riedbergpass sits pretty at 1,407m (4,616ft) in the Oberallgäu district of Bavaria, just a stone's throw from the Austrian border. This is proper mountain pass territory. The 19.1 km (11.86 miles) route runs west-east from Austria to Fischen, and let me tell you—it doesn't mess around with the grades. The western approach hits a lung-busting 16%, while the eastern side from Fischen? That's a brutal 19% climb. Buckle up for that one. The good news? The road itself—officially called Riedbergstraße (OA9)—is completely paved and in excellent condition. It stays open year-round, so you can tackle it in any season. Just note that heavy vehicles aren't allowed through here, keeping the pass peaceful and less congested than you'd expect. At the summit, you'll find a parking area where you can catch your breath and soak in the Alpine scenery. If you're into hiking, there are several dedicated parking lots scattered around. Plus, there's a quirky little side road that branches off near the top leading to the mountain village of Grasgehren—worth a quick detour if you're exploring. Located within the stunning Allgäu Alps, this pass delivers both challenge and reward. Whether you're a cyclist hunting for a brutal climb or a driver looking for an engaging mountain route, Riedbergpass delivers the goods.