Driving the steep 13% track to the summit of La Norma
La Norma is a high mountain peak reaching an elevation of 2,584m (8,477ft) above sea level, located in the Savoie department in south-eastern France. Situated in the heart of the Vanoise National Park, the track to the summit is one of the most punishing unpaved climbs in the French Alps.
The road is a high-altitude service track used for chairlift maintenance, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's an easy drive. The environment is raw and exposed, with unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards that can hit even in the middle of summer. Because it sits at such a high elevation, snow and ice keep the road blocked for most of the year, usually making it completely impassable from November until at least June.
| Road facts: La Norma | |
|---|---|
| Location | Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (France) |
| Elevation | 2,584 m (8,477 ft) |
| Length | 8.9 km (5.5 miles) |
| Average Gradient | 13.47% |
| Hairpin Turns | 14 |
| Surface | Unpaved / Loose gravel |
How challenging is the drive to the top of La Norma?
The ascent starts at the Ski Club La Norma and covers a distance of 8.9 km (5.5 miles). What makes this drive legendary is the sheer steepness: you gain 1,199 meters of vertical elevation in less than 9 kilometers. This results in a staggering average gradient of 13.47%. On an unpaved surface, this kind of incline is a massive test of traction and engine power. A 4WD vehicle with high clearance and low-range gears is mandatory to crawl up the steepest ramps without spinning the tires.
The track features 14 sharp hairpin turns that wind up the mountain face. It’s a narrow road with literally no room for error. In many sections, you are driving on a ledge with drops of hundreds of meters on one side and no guardrails to stop you. If the ground is wet, the loose dirt turns into a nightmare, making it easy to lose control on the tight corners. This isn't a road for anyone who gets nervous with heights or steep, unprotected drops.
What are the risks of driving in the Vanoise National Park?
Beyond the technical difficulty of the 13% ramps, the main danger is the weather. At 2,584 meters, visibility can vanish in seconds if the clouds roll in, and a summer storm can turn the track into a washed-out mess. There are no facilities or help nearby, so you need to be completely self-sufficient. The solitude is part of the appeal, but it also means that any mechanical failure or mistake could leave you stranded in a very dangerous spot. For experienced wheelers, the 360-degree views of the Savoie peaks from the summit are the ultimate reward, but the climb to get there is one of the most demanding "chairlift roads" in France.
Pic: http://www.skieur.com/station-ski-webcam-la-norma