
Where is Monte Jafferau?
Italy, europe
32.8 km
2,000 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in the Piedmont region of Italy, near the French border, ready to tackle the incredible Monte Jafferau. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks! We're talking about a 32.8 km (20.38 miles) unpaved adventure from Eclause to Gleise that climbs to a whopping 2,805m (9,202ft).
This old military road, called Strada militare Fenil-Pramand-Föens-Jafferau and Strada militare 79, winds its way past old forts, relics from 1886. Expect hairpin turns galore and some narrow sections – around 3 meters wide – with slopes hitting 14%.
Definitely bring your 4x4 with high clearance because this track gets rocky and is prone to rockfalls. You'll be navigating a rugged, high-altitude landscape, as most of the route sits above 2,000 meters. The views? Absolutely stunning. Just be aware this beauty is usually snowed in from late October until sometime in late June or early July. And remember, even in season, bad weather means a hard pass on this adventure. Get ready for an unforgettable, if challenging, ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 32.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,000 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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