
Where is Bellecombe?
Italy, europe
12 km
2,602 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're carving through the Alps, right on the French-Italian border, heading for Bellecombe. This peak sits way up high at 2,602 meters! Forget paved paradise, though; this 12-kilometer stretch is all rugged, unpaved adventure. You'll be linking Savoie in France to the Aosta Valley in Italy, with Mont Blanc looming in the distance. Word to the wise: you'll definitely need a 4x4 to tackle this one. Oh, and pro tip: don't even think about it in the winter – this road is buried in snow. But when it's open? Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery, with views for days!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 12 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,602 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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