Where is Col des Gets?

Where is Col des Gets?

France, europe

Length

18.6 km

Elevation

1,170 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! Let's talk about Col des Gets, a sweet mountain pass chilling at 1,170m (3,838ft) in the Haute-Savoie region of France. You'll find it nestled in the Auvergne-RhĂ´ne-Alpes region in southeastern France, right on the famous Route des Grandes Alpes.

This paved beauty, also known as the D902, stretches for 18.6 km (11.55 miles) from the ski haven of Morzine to Taninges.

Now, let's talk climbs! If you're coming from Morzine, get ready for a 7.4 km ascent, gaining 277 meters with an average grade of 3.74% (and a max of 6%). Starting in Taninges? Prepare for a longer 12 km climb, racking up 560 meters in elevation, averaging 4.67% with some sections hitting almost 10%. The views? Seriously stunning. Think classic French Alps scenery, so keep your camera charged!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
18.6 km
Max Elevation
1,170 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in europe

The steep road to Vallter 2000, the roof of Cataloniahard

The steep road to Vallter 2000, the roof of Catalonia

🇪🇸 Spain

# Vallter 2000: Catalonia's Alpine Challenge Perched at 2,156 meters (7,073 feet) above sea level in the stunning Camprodon Valley of Girona, Vallter 2000 is a ski resort that delivers serious thrills for anyone brave enough to tackle the road up. Welcome to what locals proudly call the roof of Catalonia. The C-771 is your ticket to the summit, and let me tell you—it's no leisurely Sunday drive. This asphalt ribbon hugs the mountainside with relentless hairpin turns and grades that'll make your legs feel like jelly (well, your car's transmission anyway). We're talking about a punishing 15% gradient at its steepest sections. Starting from the charming village of Setcases, you're looking at a 12-kilometer climb that gains 896 meters of elevation—averaging a tough 7.46% gradient the whole way up. It's demanding, it's breathtaking, and it's absolutely worth it. The good news? Most of the year, you'll have this road practically to yourself. Traffic is sparse, so you can focus on the incredible views and the technical driving ahead. Winter can throw a curveball occasionally, with weather closures keeping the pass shut down now and then, but generally, you can access it year-round. This road has earned its stripes too—it's been the finish line for stages in both La Volta a Catalunya and La Vuelta a España. That should tell you everything you need to know about how seriously cyclists (and drivers) take this beast.

Palandöken Geçidi is an absolute must for road loversmoderate

Palandöken Geçidi is an absolute must for road lovers

🇹🇷 Turkey

Hey, fellow adventurers! Ever heard of Palandöken Geçidi? This stunner of a mountain pass sits way up high in Turkey's Erzurum province, clocking in at a breathtaking 2,897 meters (that's 9,504 feet!). Winding through the Palandöken Mountains, this fully paved road – they call it provincial road 25-26 – stretches for about 59 kilometers (36 miles). You'll cruise from Erzurum, the province's capital, down to Taşkesen, heading north to south. Fair warning: this eastern Turkey gem can get seriously snowy, so closures are pretty common. But if you catch it right, you're in for some seriously amazing scenery on one of the country's highest paved roads! Just be prepared for some potential delays and pack your sense of adventure!

Driving the Paved Road to Cibiana Pass in Venetohard

Driving the Paved Road to Cibiana Pass in Veneto

🇮🇹 Italy

# Passo Cibiana: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Tucked away in Belluno province in Italy's Veneto region, Passo Cibiana (also called Forcella Cibiana) sits at a respectable 1,535 meters elevation in the southern Dolomites. This 20.7 km paved route connects Forno di Zoldo to Venas di Cadore and delivers some seriously rewarding scenery and riding. The road itself is characterful—narrow, winding, and genuinely challenging in places. You'll encounter grades hitting 13.3% at their steepest, though the average hovers around 7-8% depending on which side you're climbing from. The northern approach (from Forno di Zoldo) spans 10.34 km with 724 meters of elevation gain, while the southern side covers 9.8 km with 762 meters of gain. It's no casual cruise. One thing to keep in mind: the road's prone to rockslides, so stay sharp. Also, if you're driving an RV or truck, note there are restrictions for vehicles over 11 meters long or 17 tons—this isn't a highway, it's a proper mountain pass. The real magic? Head up the gravel track from the summit to Monte Rite via an old WWI military road. You'll spot fascinating wartime fortifications still standing on the mountainside—a haunting reminder of history nestled in these dramatic peaks. Cyclists know this route well; it's featured in the Giro d'Italia. The pass typically stays open year-round, making it accessible for most of the year. Whether you're chasing elevation, history, or just stunning alpine views, Passo Cibiana delivers all three.

A wild paved road to Lago dei Cavagnööhard

A wild paved road to Lago dei Cavagnöö

🇨🇭 Switzerland

# Lago dei Cavagnöö: A Swiss Alpine Adventure Tucked away in Ticino, Switzerland, Lago dei Cavagnöö sits at a breathtaking 2,352 meters (7,716 feet) above sea level. This stunning high-altitude lake is surrounded by dramatic primary rock formations and crystal-clear waters that'll make you forget you're driving on one of the most intense roads in the Alps. The route itself? Totally worth it, but definitely not for the faint of heart. The asphalt road is narrow and relentlessly steep, with endless hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes. You'll be constantly switching between climbing and descending, twisting left then right, navigating exposed sections with minimal guardrails. Even seasoned mountain drivers will find this one challenging. Fair warning: this road is only passable from roughly July through September, weather permitting. Come October, snow and ice take over, making access nearly impossible until late spring rolls around again. The lake itself was created when the reservoir was completed in 1968, and the journey to reach it is nothing short of exhilarating. Those endless switchbacks and narrow passages aren't just obstacles—they're part of what makes this drive so memorable. If you're the type who lives for winding mountain roads and stunning alpine scenery, this is absolutely worth adding to your bucket list.