Where Is the Terskol Ice Base?
Russia, europe
11.9 km
2,166 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in southern Russia, near the Georgian border, surrounded by the stunning Caucasus Mountains. You're aiming for the abandoned Terskol Ice Base, a relic from 1938 perched way up high at 3,675m (that's over 12,000 feet!). This isn't your average Sunday drive.
Starting in Terskol at 2,166m, you've got a rough and rugged 11.9 km ahead. Get ready for a serious climb – we're talking an average gradient of 12.68%, with some spots cranking up to 18%! That's an elevation gain of 1,509 meters!
Forget pavement. This is an all-dirt, 4x4-only affair. And you can pretty much write off attempting this beast from September to July – it's impassable. Trust me, you'll want high clearance and some serious off-road experience. Even then, bring a buddy (or three) because losing the track is easy. Maybe even find a local guide – it's worth it.
Along the way, you'll find memorials to WWII soldiers and abandoned buildings, with breathtaking waterfalls to keep you company. The views are incredible, but stay focused! This road is steep and unforgiving, but if you're up for the challenge, the bragging rights (and the photos) will be epic.
Road Details
- Country
- Russia
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 11.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,166 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Estany Llong?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: You're in northern Spain, smack-dab in the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, one of Spain's fourteen national parks. Your destination? The stunning Estany Llong, a glacial lake sitting pretty high up in the mountains. There's even a mountain refuge there if you fancy staying a while! Now, getting there is an adventure in itself. The road? Think winding, narrow, and at times, seriously steep. The first bit is paved, even with some concrete sections thrown in for good measure. But hold on tight, because the final stretch turns into a totally unpaved track – definitely a job for a 4x4! The whole shebang is just shy of long, but don't let the distance fool you. You'll be climbing over that distance, with an average gradient of . Along the way, you'll pass the gorgeous Estany de Llebreta (Llebreta Lake). Trust me, the views are worth every bump and turn! Just be aware that the road is closed at certain times of the year.
hardDriving the scenic Strada del Lumiei, the Italian road of the tunnels
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure junkies, let's talk about Strada del Lumiei in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy. Imagine a ribbon of asphalt carved into the mountainside near the Austrian border. This is Strada Provinciale 73, and it's a total thrill! This fully paved road stretches for about 19.5 kilometers from Ampezzo to the Beneto border. Construction started way back in 1919, finally opening up to the public in 1934. The road was redone in 2021. Now, don't think this is a Sunday drive. We're talking countless tunnels (some a bit tight and dark), a dizzying 25 hairpin turns, and a real risk of rock slides. Seriously, leave the RV at home; this road is not for high vehicles. Nestled in the Carnia mountains, expect a 35-45 minute white-knuckle ride (if you don't stop). And you *will* want to stop because the views of Lago di Sàuris and Lumiei Gorge are mind-blowing. Just be careful, and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
hardThe winding road to Maniva Pass in the Alps and its 38 iconic hairpin turns
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo del Maniva Ready for an epic Alpine adventure? Passo del Maniva sits pretty at 1,664m (5,459ft) in Lombardy's Brescia province, and it's absolutely worth the drive. This fully paved beauty—officially called Strada provinciale Bresciana 345 delle Tre Valli (or SP BS 345)—stretches 19.3 km (11.99 miles) from San Colombano to Bagolino, running west to east through some seriously stunning Italian Alps scenery. What makes this pass special? For starters, there's a ski station at the summit, plus it's the gateway to two legendary rides: the gnarly SP345B road heading north and the notorious Anfo Ridge Road dropping south. The views are genuinely incredible, but fair warning—this route isn't a leisurely Sunday cruise. You're looking at 38 hairpin turns, narrow sections that'll keep your palms sweaty, and some seriously steep gradients that hit up to 14.6%. This is a road that demands respect and solid driving skills. If you've got the experience and nerve to tackle it, though, Passo del Maniva delivers an unforgettable ride through some of Europe's most dramatic Alpine terrain.
moderateWhere is Faux Col de Restefond?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about the Faux Col de Restefond! Nestled high in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department of France, this baby sits at a seriously lofty elevation, making it one of the highest roads you'll find in the country. You'll find it in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, smack-dab in the gorgeous Mercantour National Park. Now, the road to the top is paved, BUT here's the deal. It's not *exactly* on the main route to the actual Col de Restefond. However, most people call it good after reaching this point. Be warned, there's a bit of extra gravel road to conquer if you want to claim the true summit. Keep in mind this pass has a mind of its own. Usually, it's closed between October and May, thanks to those pesky winter conditions. So, plan your trip accordingly!