How steep is the ski station road to Pas de l'Âne?
Pas de l'Âne is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,475 meters (8,120 ft) above sea level located in the Hautes-Alpes department, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, in France. Situated in the Massif des Cerces above Le Monêtier-les-Bains, the unpaved service road climbs 958 vertical meters along the Serre Chevalier ski resort infrastructure.
| Road facts: Pas de l'Âne | |
|---|---|
| Location | Le Monêtier-les-Bains, Hautes-Alpes (France) |
| Coordinates | 44.94263, 6.49144 |
| Elevation | 2,475 m (8,120 ft) |
| Length | 5.5 km (3.4 miles) from Le Monêtier-les-Bains |
| Elevation Gain | 958 vertical meters |
| Average Gradient | 17.41% |
| Surface | Unpaved loose gravel, dirt, and rock track |
| Vehicle Requirement | High-clearance 4WD required |
Where is Pas de l'Âne located?
The pass is situated in the Massif des Cerces at coordinates 44.94263, 6.49144, overlooking Le Monêtier-les-Bains and the Guisane Valley. The 5.5-kilometer unpaved track climbs up the northern ridge lines of the Serre Chevalier ski area.
Is the road to Pas de l'Âne paved?
No. The entire 5.5-kilometer route is completely unpaved, consisting of loose gravel, dirt, and rough stones. Functioning as a ski lift service road, the single-lane track lacks guardrails along steep, unshielded drop-offs.
How steep is the drive up Pas de l'Âne?
The track climbs 958 vertical meters over just 5.5 kilometers, producing a sustained average gradient of 17.41%. The continuous extreme incline causes severe wheel spin on loose gravel, requiring low-range 4WD to maintain momentum.
When is the road to Pas de l'Âne open?
Due to heavy winter snowpack and ski resort operations, the track is impassable for most of the year, typically opening for 4WD vehicles only from late June through September. Summer rainstorms can quickly turn the steep dirt surface into a mud slide.
Pic: Jakub Škuta