Where is Val Pelouse?
France, europe
13.5 km
728 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for a trip to Val Pelouse, a totally abandoned ski resort nestled high in the Savoie department of France! Picture this: you're in the southeastern part of the country, heading up to 1,728m (5,669ft) above sea level. What awaits you at the top? A parking lot, and… well, not much else.
So, what’s the story here? Back in the day, during the Alps' winter sports boom, some bright sparks decided to create a ski resort way up here. It started small, just a few lifts and a cozy chalet. Over time, it grew, boasting five lifts serving nine slopes, and even a unique dormitory-restaurant combo. Locals and school groups flocked here, but sadly, it was never a roaring success. The slopes were deemed a bit too intense for families, though off-piste adventurers loved it. Plans for expansion never panned out, and the resort eventually closed its doors.
These days, Val Pelouse is a ghost of its former self, a free flight take-off site, and the starting point for some epic hikes. But let's talk about the road! It's paved, but don't expect smooth sailing. Expect some potholes and rough patches, so keep your eyes peeled, especially on the way down. This relentless, steep climb winds through the woods before emerging above the treeline, offering some gorgeous views. The road may be deserted, but it's also used by hikers and paragliders.
Ready for the numbers? The ascent is a solid 13.5 km (8.38 miles). The first 4 km are a gentle warm-up, but then BAM! The remaining 12.4 km average over 9%, and the last 10 km never dip below that. Be prepared for a challenge!
Oh, and one more thing: the road to the summit is typically closed in winter, only opening to the village of Arvillard at 728m.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 13.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 728 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
easyWhere is Passo della Costazza?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Italian Alps in the Autonomous Province of Trento, heading for Passo della Costazza. This beauty tops out at 2,181 meters (that's 7,155 feet!), tucked inside Parco Naturale Paneveggio Pale di San Martino. The views from the top? Unreal! You'll be staring at the majestic Cimon di Pala. Plus, there's a cool little shepherd's cottage, Baita Segantini, where a 19th-century painter once lived, plus a monument to Alfredo Paluselli. The climb itself is only about 2.9 km (1.8 miles) along Strada Statale 50 (SS50), but don't let the short distance fool you. You'll gain 222 meters in elevation, so it's a decent climb! Keep in mind, though: this road is totally impassable in winter, so plan your trip accordingly. And get this: to get here, you'll be driving a winding paved road from Sospirolo to Gosaldo in Belluno, passing Portella Femmina Morta. Basically, you're in for a serious treat of winding roads and breathtaking Alpine scenery!
extremeIs the gravel road to Pic de l’Àliga suitable for all vehicles?
🇪🇸 Spain
# Pic de l'Àliga: A Hidden Gem in Catalonia's Limestone Country Tucked away on the border between Alt Penedès and Garraf in Catalonia, Pic de l'Àliga (or "Eagle Hill," as locals call it) is a 460m peak that punches way above its weight when it comes to views. Sure, it's not a Pyrenean giant, but this limestone summit in the Garraf Massif delivers some seriously impressive panoramas that'll make your drive worthwhile. The adventure kicks off near Canyelles on the BV-2443, where you'll spot the turn-off onto a gravel track. From there, it's 3.3 km of climbing—gaining about 200 meters with an average gradient of 6%, though you'll hit some gnarlier 12% ramps along the way that'll test your throttle control. Fair warning: the gravel gets loose on these steep sections, so front-wheel-drive vehicles need extra caution. This isn't a paved road experience—we're talking pure limestone gravel and dirt track all the way up. The Garraf's karstic terrain means deep ruts and washboard patterns are a real possibility after rain, so high-clearance is your friend (though careful drivers have managed it in regular cars). Those tight bends come with serious drop-offs and zero guardrails, so keeping things slow and steady is non-negotiable. At the summit sits a weather-beaten fire lookout tower—this peak's day job is keeping watch for wildfires. On clear days, the 360-degree views are absolutely unreal: rolling Penedès vineyards, the dramatic spires of Montserrat, the Pyrenees in the distance, and the Mediterranean sparkling to the south. Winter visibility can be so good you'll spot Mallorca's silhouette. Just bring water and sunscreen—the summit's exposed, and summer heat here is no joke.
hardWhere is Lago Miserin?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: You're in the Aosta Valley, Italy, itching for a high-altitude adventure. Head to Lago Miserin, one of the highest lakes in Italy, nestled way up in the upper Champorcher Valley. This beauty sits within reach of both Mont Avic Regional Park and Gran Paradiso National Park, so you know the scenery is epic. You'll find a cute mountain hut (Rifugio Misérin) and the Santuario Madonna delle Nevi (Our Lady of the Snow) up there, too – the highest sanctuary in Europe! Legend says this spot was chosen because a Virgin Mary statue kept magically returning to the area. Today, the sanctuary is gorgeous, filled with historical art. But, let's talk about getting there. This isn't your average Sunday drive. You'll be climbing a whopping 1,164 meters, averaging an 8.13% gradient! The first bit is paved, lulling you into a false sense of security. Then BAM! It turns into a dirt track, often covered in rocks. 4x4 is pretty much a must for most of it. Beyond the parking lot, it gets even wilder. The last 4km is a seriously rugged dirt track to the right of the refuge, and is closed to private vehicles. We're talking short, steep sections with surfaces that'll make you sweat – even cyclists might have to hop off and push. Some parts of the route even follow the old Royal Hunting Road. Heads up: this road is totally snowed in during winter, so plan accordingly!
moderateWhere is Llogara Pass?
🇦🇱 Albania
Cruising through Llogara Pass (Qafa e Llogarasë) in Albania is like something straight out of a movie – seriously, Top Gear even filmed an episode here! This mountain pass sits way up high at 1,043m (3,422ft) in Vlorë County, smack-dab in Llogara National Park. Think of it as the ultimate connector, linking the Dukat Valley to the north with the breathtaking Albanian Riviera down south. The road, known as SH8, wasn't always a smooth ride; it was originally built back in 1920, and it was rough going until fairly recently. Now, it’s paved, but still offers plenty of thrills. Stretching for 31.5 km (19.57 miles) from Dhërmi to Dukat i Ri, the drive can be a bit wild. Expect narrow sections, hairpin turns, and some serious elevation changes – we're talking an 11% gradient in places! And keep your eyes peeled for those classic Albanian road hazards: old ladies hauling firewood, donkey riders, and flocks of sheep just casually strolling along. But trust me, the views are *so* worth it. Perched in the Ceraunian Mountains, you'll be treated to panoramic vistas of the Albanian Riviera that will leave you speechless. It's the perfect spot to soak in the coastline from above and feel like you're practically touching the clouds.