Where is Col des Montets?
France, europe
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Col des Montets is a seriously scenic mountain pass, sitting pretty in the French Alps. You'll find it in the Haute-Savoie department, right in the southeastern corner of France.
Think stunning views! At the summit, you're greeted by the peaceful Chalet de la Reserve, perfect for spotting classic Alpine flora and fauna.
The road itself, known as the D1506, is fully paved and easy to drive. No crazy steep sections here, with a max gradient of just 8.3% on the steeper bits, and the road surface is generally pretty good.
Stretching for roughly 12 kilometers, this route cruises from Les Houches (at the foot of Mont Blanc) up to Vallorcine, near the Swiss border.
Now, about winter... Col des Montets is usually open, but things can get dicey! Snow and avalanches can cause closures, so winter tires or chains are a must. Always check road conditions before you go. If the pass is closed, don't worry, there's a tunnel alternative on the French side. This tunnel does double duty, used by both trains and vehicles!
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