
Where is Erciyes Ski Center?
Turkey, europe
43 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so you're heading to Erciyes Ski Center? Awesome choice! This resort is perched high up in central Turkey, in the historical region of Cappadocia, at a seriously impressive elevation where the peaks are always capped with snow.
Getting there is a breeze. The road, called Kayseri Erciyes Yolu, is totally paved and smooth as butter for 43 kilometers (about 27 miles). You'll find this road just west of the main town.
Now, heads up, you'll be climbing to a significant elevation, making it one of the highest roads in Europe! If you're feeling adventurous after hitting the slopes, I heard whispers of a wild 4x4 trail to Ziyaret Dagi nearby. Just sayin', it's not for the faint of heart! Enjoy the views!
Road Details
- Country
- Turkey
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 43 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardA curvy paved road to Col de Perty
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Perty: A Scenic Alpine Challenge in Southeast France Ready to tackle one of the Drôme's most thrilling mountain passes? Col de Perty sits pretty at 1,302 meters (4,271 feet) above sea level in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, and the journey to the top is absolutely worth your time. The route follows the D65, a completely paved but delightfully narrow road that snakes its way across 19.8 kilometers of stunning Alpine terrain. Heads up though—this pass doesn't mess around, with grades hitting a jaw-dropping 12% in some sections. Buckle up for the adventure! You've got two main approaches to choose from. Coming from the west via Montauban-sur-l'Ouvèze, you're looking at a 12.5-kilometer push from La Combe, climbing 600 meters at a manageable 4.8% average gradient. If you're coming from the east at Laborel, it's a shorter but punchier 8.5 kilometers, gaining 475 meters with a steeper 5.6% average grade. Whichever way you approach, expect those classic Alpine switchbacks, breathtaking valley views, and the kind of tight curves that make for an exhilarating drive. The narrow pavement means you'll want to take it steady and enjoy the scenery—which, trust us, is absolutely stellar. This is the real deal for mountain road enthusiasts.
hardBergstation Grubenkopfbahn
🇦🇹 Austria
# Bergstation Grubenkopfbahn: An Alpine Adventure in Austria Tucked away in Tyrol's stunning Ötztal Valley, the Bergstation Grubenkopfbahn chairlift sits at a breathtaking 2,806 meters (9,206 feet) above sea level. Getting to this mountain summit is not for the faint of heart—it's a proper adventure that demands respect and preparation. The trail itself is pure alpine challenge: rocky, gravelly, and unapologetically steep. As you ascend, the terrain only gets more dramatic, with sections of the ski-station service road hitting grades up to 30%. Loose stones make every step count, especially in the upper reaches where the mountainside gets almost vertical. The wind here is relentless and strong year-round, so brace yourself for some serious gusts. Here's the kicker: you've got a tiny window to attempt this route. We're talking late August—that's pretty much it for summer conditions. Even then, don't be surprised if snow catches you off guard or temperatures drop unexpectedly. Come winter, this place transforms into a frozen fortress with brutally cold conditions that'll test your limits. It's genuinely one of those routes where timing and weather mean everything. If you're after a genuine alpine challenge with stunning mountain scenery and some serious vertical action, this is the real deal. Just make sure you pick your moment wisely.
extremePort d’Aula is one of the most beautiful roads of the Pyrenees
🇫🇷 France
# Port d'Aulà : A High-Alpine Adventure in the Pyrenees Perched at 2,265 meters (7,431 feet) in the heart of the Pyrenees, Port d'Aulà marks the border between France and Spain—connecting Ariège in southwestern France with Lleida in Catalonia. But this mountain pass is more than just a scenic viewpoint; it's a place steeped in history. During Spain's Civil War (1936-1939), desperate refugees fleeing Franco's regime scrambled across these peaks toward France, only to face grim conditions in overcrowded camps. Decades later, French Jews would reverse the journey, using this same route to escape the Nazis during World War II. The mountains have witnessed both hope and heartbreak. Today, the French side offers something truly special: the Route Forestiere du Port d'Aulà . Built in the 1970s and remaining unpaved, this road is a serious contender for one of the Pyrenees' most stunning drives. But don't mistake "beautiful" for "easy." Starting from Couflens, you're looking at a relentless 17.8-kilometer (11-mile) climb with nearly 1,600 meters of elevation gain. The road pitches up to a brutal 12.9% gradient with 43 hairpin turns that demand respect—it's so narrow that two cars simply can't pass. The final stretch? That's reserved for foot traffic and mountain bikers only. As you wind your way up, the Etang de Prat Matau and Etang d'Areau—pristine alpine lakes—will reward your effort with views that make every hairpin turn worthwhile. The Spanish side, by contrast, has no road to the summit at all, making the French approach the only way to reach this isolated high-altitude crossing.
moderateWhere is the D656 Road?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, so picture this: you're cruising through the Var department of France, right? You stumble upon this little gem called the D656. It’s not a long drive, clocking in at only about 5.2 km, but hold on tight because it's a wild one! This road hugs the mountainside, connecting to the D56 (aka Route des Crêtes!) near the Alpes-Maritimes border. It's paved, thankfully, but don't think that makes it easy. Think hairpin turns, steep drop-offs, and spots so narrow you might want to fold in your mirrors. Seriously, newbie drivers might want to sit this one out, and leave the RV at home – this road has a length restriction. But trust me, the views are worth it. You'll be treated to stunning vistas as you navigate this thrilling route. It's a real rollercoaster ride, and one you won't soon forget.