Road to Pas-de-Maimbré: Driving the 17.71% Service Track in Valais
Located in the canton of Valais, Switzerland, Pas-de-Maimbré is a high mountain peak reaching an elevation of 2,362m (7,749ft) above sea level. Situated in the Valais Alps, the road to the summit is a technical ski-station service track used for the maintenance of the gondola station and the communication tower.
| Road facts: Pas-de-Maimbré | |
|---|---|
| Location | Valais, Switzerland |
| Elevation Gain | 622 m |
| Length | 3.5 km (2.17 miles) |
| Average Gradient | 17.71% |
| Max Gradient | 20% |
| Surface | Unpaved / Loose Stones |
How is the road to Pas-de-Maimbré?
The ascent to Pas-de-Maimbré starts from Route d'Anzère. The road is 3.5 km (2.17 miles) long and is entirely unpaved. This is a chairlift access trail characterized by extreme verticality, overcoming 622 meters of elevation in a very short distance. The average gradient is 17.71%, with several sustained ramps reaching 20%. The surface consists of loose stones and becomes increasingly rocky and technical in the upper section as it approaches the 2,362m summit.
What are the driving hazards on the Pas-de-Maimbré service road?
The primary hazard on the Pas-de-Maimbré track is the extreme slope combined with a loose surface. Maintaining traction on a 20% gradient with crushed rock requires a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle with low-range gearing. The track is narrow and lacks safety barriers, with significant exposure on the switchbacks. Due to its function as a ski-station service road, the path is only accessible during a narrow window in the summer when the track is clear of snow and ice. Sudden weather shifts at this altitude can turn the rocky surface into a high-risk sliding hazard.
What is the driving strategy for the 17.71% gradient at Pas-de-Maimbré?
Navigating the 3.5 km climb requires constant torque management. Drivers must use low gears to prevent the engine from stalling on the 20% ramps. On the descent back to Anzère, engine braking is mandatory; relying on foot brakes on a 17.71% average descent will lead to rapid brake overheating and potential failure. It is necessary to monitor tire pressure to maximize the contact patch on the loose upper sections. The road ends at the summit near the restaurant and the telecommunication infrastructure, where space for maneuvering is limited.
Is the road to Pas-de-Maimbré open year-round?
The road is impassable for the majority of the year due to its integration into the Anzère ski area. Access is restricted to a few months in summer, depending on snowmelt levels. Even during the open season, the track remains a primitive service corridor for technical equipment and is not maintained for standard vehicle traffic. There are no refueling or mechanical services available along the 3.5 km ascent, requiring full vehicle self-sufficiency before leaving the paved roads of the Valais canton.
Pic: Joe Halter