The 2025 Alpine Route
Alps, Antics and Absolute Mayhem
No heated seats. Just a £1,000 car, a roadmap, and the open road across five countries. Welcome to the Rusty Rally 2025: Alpine Edition—a gloriously chaotic three-day drive through Europe’s most jaw-dropping mountain passes, all in the name of youth and adventure.
From the lakeside charm of Annecy to the baroque brilliance of Salzburg, this year’s rally cuts through the very heart of the Alps. You’ll tackle hairpin bends in the French Alps, sip vino in Swiss vineyards, and quite possibly breakdown somewhere scenic in South Tyrol. This is no ordinary road trip - it’s a test of wits, willpower and whether your bargain banger can conquer 600 miles of alpine tarmac.
A Rally With Purpose
Every mile raised fuels life-changing outdoor learning with The Outward Bound Trust. Participants commit to raising (or donating) £10,000 per car - with a little extra for third and fourth passengers. It’s not just about revving engines; it’s about sparking confidence, resilience and leadership in young people through the power of the outdoors.
And the community? It’s second to none. Teams return year after year—not for the comfort, but for the camaraderie. Expect roadside repairs, mountain banter, and shared stories over dinner. This isn’t just a driving challenge—it’s a rite of passage in a tin can.
The Route: Peaks and Pit Stops
Day 0: Annecy – A warm welcome, a shared meal, and your first chance to eyeball the competition’s questionable vehicles.
Day 1: France → Switzerland – Straight into the mountains. Switchbacks, summits and a night under the stars in the Swiss Alps.
Day 2: Switzerland → Italy – More epic passes, a vineyard or two and hospitality with a Tyrolean twist.
Day 3: Italy → Austria – The final leg. Think alpine meadows, autobahn sprints and a hero’s welcome in Salzburg.
Day 4: Escape Plans – Fly from Salzburg or hop the train to Munich. We can ship your car home or send it to the scrapyard with honour.
The Car: Your Steed of Steel
Find your chariot—a car worth less than £1,000. eBay, AutoTrader and sheer optimism are your best bets. Comfort counts: check the air-con, boot space, and whether your windows roll down. Once bought, mod it as you like (just tell your insurer) and brand it up with sponsor logos.
Many teams hit their fundraising targets by rallying their networks: bake sales, branded bonnets and matched donations all help.
The Fine Print (But Still Fun)
Min. 2 team members, drivers over 25 preferred.
MOT, tax and European insurance required.
It’s not a race - drive safe and soak in the views.
Mechanics follow the route to help when things (inevitably) go sideways.
Don’t want to miss out? Talk to us!