Where is Rifugio Barbara Lowrie?
Italy, europe
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Italy, near Turin, itching for an adventure. Head towards the Cottian Alps because that's where you'll find Rifugio Barbara Lowrie, sitting pretty at a seriously high elevation.
The hut is nestled right in the heart of a plateau, surrounded by dreamy larch woods and grazing pastures, with the imposing Monte Granero watching over the scene. Getting there? That's where the fun – and the challenge – begins!
The road...well, let's just say it's an experience. We're talking unpaved, and not in a charming, rustic way. Think rough, with some seriously steep sections hitting a max gradient of almost 15%! It’s a proper workout and makes for one of the most challenging cycling climbs in Italy, so much so that they hold a race there.
The road to the rifugio is just shy of 7 miles, climbing almost 3,000 feet. Keep in mind this is a mountain road in the Alps, which means it's usually closed during the winter months. So, if you're planning a visit, aim for the warmer seasons for a truly unforgettable Italian adventure with views that'll knock your socks off!
Related Roads in europe
hardStralegg
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Stralegg Pass: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Nestled in the stunning Appenzell Alps of Switzerland's St. Gallen canton, just a stone's throw from the Liechtenstein border, Stralegg Pass sits at a breathtaking 1,675 meters (5,495 feet). This isn't your average mountain drive—it's an adrenaline-pumping experience that'll test both your skills and nerves. Fair warning: this road is seriously steep and cramped. You'll be navigating hairpin turns and switchbacks with a gnarly 18% gradient that'll have your hands gripping the wheel. Most of the route is paved (thank goodness), but brace yourself for the final 2.5km where the road transitions to gravel. It's rough, it's rustic, and it's absolutely wild. If you're after jaw-dropping Alpine scenery combined with an edge-of-your-seat driving experience, Stralegg delivers on both fronts. Just make sure you're confident behind the wheel before tackling this beast—it's not for the faint of heart!
hardWhere is Col de Salèse?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French Maritime Alps, not far from Italy, smack-dab in the Mercantour National Park. You're headed for the Col de Salèse, a mountain pass that tops out at a cool 2,036 meters (that's 6,679 feet for my imperial system friends!). The route? It's a tale of two roads, really. You start on the M89 from Mollières, a smooth, paved road that winds its way up to the Parking de Salèse at 1,663 meters. So far, so good, right? But here's where it gets interesting. Past the parking lot, the pavement ends, and the fun REALLY begins. For the last 4.3 kilometers (2.67 miles) to the summit, it's unpaved and closed to private vehicles. And trust me, it's a climb! This part of the road is a real challenge. It's steep, with gradients hitting nearly 12% in places. Oh, and pro tip: don't even THINK about trying this between November and March—it's usually snowed in. But if you can tackle it, the views are incredible!
moderateA paved road to Coe Pass in the Venetian Prealps
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo Coe Tucked away in Italy's Trentino-Alto Adige region, Passo Coe sits pretty at 1,610 meters (5,282 feet) above sea level. This mountain pass is a serious climb that'll test your driving skills—and your patience. The route up is via Strada Provinciale 143 (SP143), starting from Calliano. You're looking at 19 km (11.8 miles) of steady ascending with a brutal 1,428 meters of elevation gain. That works out to an average gradient of 7.5%—totally doable, but definitely demanding. The good news? The entire road is paved and generally well-maintained, so at least you won't be wrestling with a rough surface while you're grinding your way up. This climb has serious pedigree too—it's a former Giro d'Italia mountain stage, so you'll be following in the tire tracks of professional cyclists who've conquered it. Once you reach the top, you'll find a decent-sized parking lot (paid), plus a handful of bars and restaurants where you can catch your breath and grab some fuel. There's also a mountain refuge if you're planning to stay overnight. One thing to keep in mind: the upper sections can get sketchy during winter. Snow and ice might force temporary closures from late autumn through early spring, so always check local conditions before heading up if you're visiting outside the warmer months.
hardTravel guide to the top of Mont'Arrubiu
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure awaits in Sardinia! Let's talk about Monte Arrubiu, a sweet little peak sitting pretty at 442 meters above sea level, right in the Province of Cagliari. The road up? Think rugged! It's all unpaved, but don't worry, most cars can handle it. Just follow Strada della pineta and Via Monte Arrubiu, and get ready for a fun climb. The road gets a bit narrow in spots and throws in five hairpin turns to keep things interesting. Now, hold on tight, because this climb is STEEP. We're talking a maximum gradient of 17% in places! Starting from Soleminis, you've got about 3.9 kilometers to conquer, climbing 238 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of 6.10%, so get ready for a bit of a workout! What you get at the top is pure Sardinian bliss!