France
Col de l'Iseran usually opens early june and shuts late october. Those dates move with the snow every single year, so a late spring can hold the opening back by two or three weeks and an early autumn storm can close it without warning.
The pass road runs Val-d'Isere to Bonneval-sur-Arc in Savoie, France, 9.9 miles that take about 30 min if you drive it properly rather than chase it. We score it 9.5 out of 10 for driving and 9.7 out of 10 for scenery.
The highest paved pass in the Alps. Often among the last to open in a heavy year.
Summit
2764 m
Typically opens
Early June
Typically closes
Late October
Country
France
Checked by the Drivers Atlas desk
Scored and written by the Drivers Atlas editorial desk, drawing on driven routes across the UK and Europe, mapping data and member road reports. Opening dates reflect the long term pattern of the pass, not a single season. Always check on the day. How we score roads.
Last reviewed 4 May 2026
The drive
The roof of the Route des Grandes Alpes, a stark granite amphitheatre above 2700 metres.
Hotels
Tracing the road between your start and finish
0%About 20 seconds left
Nearby
6.8 mi away
The road from the Italian Job, hairpins to a lake plateau at 2600 metres.
25.5 mi away
A gravel topped final stretch of tight hairpins made famous by the Giro d'Italia.
31.7 mi away
A punishing Tour de France staple threading pine forest to a panorama of the Vanoise peaks.
31.7 mi away
The historic crossing over the Alps, hospice, dogs and all, with the tunnel below.
39.1 mi away
The spine of the Route des Grandes Alpes, a relentless climb to one of driving's holiest summits.
Common questions
Col de l'Iseran typically opens early june and closes late october. Treat that as a planning window rather than a promise, because the snow decides the date.
The summit sits at 2764 metres in France.
About 30 min for the 9.9 miles between Val-d'Isere and Bonneval-sur-Arc, without stops. Allow twice that if you want photographs and a coffee at the top.
We rate it 9.5 out of 10 for driving and 9.7 out of 10 for scenery, which puts it among the roads worth building a trip around.