Key data:

• Val d’Isère to pass summit: 17km
• Bonneval-Sur-Arc to pass summit: 14 km
• Length: 31 km
• Pass height: 2’770 m above sea level
• Country: France
• Winter closure: October to May

Mountain Pass Road

The Col de l’Iséran, at 2,770 m above sea level, is the highest pass in the Alps that can be driven on. It connects Val d’Isère and Bonneval-Sur-Arc.

The Val d’Isère is well known as a winter sports resort with the ski resorts of Tigne and Grande Motte. Part of the ski area is also located on the Col d’Iséran. Therefore, it is closed from October to the end of May. My recommendation: check the current traffic situation before driving.

The view over the valley of the Isére is impressive. Many marmots play in the meadows and sunbathe their bellies. The concrete buildings of the cable car stations below the pass summit appear bizarre. Where there should be green alpine meadows, there are brown slopes. The view of the surrounding mountains looks rough and the rocks stand out sharp-edged against the deep blue sky.

The pass road is good to drive on. But pay attention to the weather forecast. Sudden snowfall can turn the roads into slides, even in midsummer.

More about my trip in Summer 2018 you can find in my travel diary!