Where is Nino Corsi Refuge?
Italy, europe
22.7 km
2,245 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in stunning Val Martello, South Tyrol, nestled in the Italian Alps. You're headed to Rifugio Nino Corsi, a charming mountain refuge (also called Zufallhütte) perched at a breathtaking 2,245m (7,365ft). The area is gorgeous, right in the heart of Stelvio National Park, with views of the Ortler Alps that will knock your socks off. Bonus: there's a cool local history museum and a sweet little mountain chapel nearby.
Now, the drive. It’s about 22.7 km (14.10 miles) from Coldrano, and it's an adventure in itself. Be warned, parts of the road are steep and narrow, so keep your wits about you! Just so you know, the last couple of kilometers are gravel and off-limits to cars, but don't sweat it, the views are worth the walk. Get ready for a climb of 1,343m, this road definitely isn't for the faint of heart, but the payoff at the top is incredible.
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 22.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,245 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateThe road to Alto de Torre-Serra da Estrela, the highest point of Mainland Portugal
🇵🇹 Portugal
# Alto de Torre: Portugal's Sky-High Adventure Want to touch the roof of mainland Portugal? Alto de Torre is your destination. Sitting pretty at 1,996 meters (6,548 feet), this mountain peak marks the highest point you can drive to on the Portuguese mainland, straddling the line between the Guarda and Castelo Branco districts. Nestled in the stunning Serra da Estrela Natural Park up in the northeastern corner of the country, this isn't some sketchy mountain track—the entire 50-kilometer (31-mile) route from Seia to Covilhã is fully paved. But don't let that fool you into thinking it's a leisurely cruise. The road gets seriously steep, with gradients hitting 10.4% in places that'll definitely keep your attention. The summit itself is basically a little mountain village. There's a chapel, a couple of shops, a restaurant to refuel, and these quirky radar domes that give the place a sci-fi vibe. Oh, and there's a historic stone tower right in the middle of the roundabout—a monument King John VI commissioned way back when. Weather-wise, the road stays open year-round, though winter storms occasionally shut things down. Fair warning: this spot holds the record for Portugal's coldest temperatures. On the flip side, winter turns Serra da Estrela into the country's only skiing destination. Clear day? Prepare to be blown away. The views stretch all the way to the Atlantic Ocean over 160 kilometers away. And fun fact: only Mount Pico in the Azores sits higher than this—making Alto de Torre the second-most elevated point in all of Portugal.
hardWhere is Tuc de Costarjàs located?
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Tuc de Costarjàs! This peak sits high up in the Catalan Pyrenees, way up in the province of Lleida. We're talking serious altitude here, so prepare for some epic views overlooking the Aran Valley. The road? Well, "road" might be a generous term. It's more like a rocky, unpaved trail, a little over long. Get ready for some seriously steep climbs – we're talking gradients hitting 18% in places. And don't even think about bringing your sedan; a 4x4 is absolutely essential for this beast. You'll be following what is essentially a chairlift access trail, and there's this crazy straightaway that just shoots right toward the summit. Keep in mind this is ski country. You'll want to plan your trip for the summer months because this road is completely snowed under in winter and spring, becoming a ski run.
extremeColle Barant
🇮🇹 Italy
# Colle Barant: A Wild Alpine Adventure Nestled high in the Province of Turin in Piedmont, Italy, Colle Barant sits at a breathtaking 2,381 meters (7,811 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical mountain pass – it's a heart-pounding gravel track that'll test both your nerves and your vehicle's suspension. Originally carved out as a military road for army vehicles, this route is seriously steep and narrow with sections that'll have your palms sweating. The gravel surface becomes treacherously slippery in places, and the exposed drops on either side mean there's zero room for error. It's the kind of pass that demands respect and careful driving. What makes it genuinely special, though? The incredible history along the way. You'll spot evidence of the old military presence everywhere – abandoned forts, gun placements, and crumbling barracks scattered across the landscape. At the summit, you'll find Fort de l'Infernet standing as a weathered sentinel to the past. Fair warning: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Snow can close this pass anytime, so check conditions before you go. But if you're after an authentic, off-the-beaten-path Alpine experience with stunning scenery and genuine adventure, Colle Barant delivers in spades.
hardWhere is Colle Lauson?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: Colle Lauson, a super-high mountain pass sitting way up in the Italian Alps (Turino Province to be exact) at a cool 8,192 feet above sea level! You'll find it nestled inside the Parco Naturale del Gran Bosco di Salbertrand. We're talking about the Strada Provinciale 173, or what the locals call the Assietta Road. It's nearly 40km of mostly unpaved awesomeness, clinging to the mountainside, almost entirely above 2,000m! Now, here's the catch: this beauty is only open from June to October, and they're super strict about vehicle size. The road was built in the early 1900s by the 3rd Reggimento Alpini. Plus, during July and August you can only drive it on certain days and times: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Plan ahead and prepare for some unreal views!