Passo di Gavia
From Ponte di Legno · 16.4 km · 8 % average
Photo (illustrative – not this climb): Photo: Raul Taciu raultaciu · CC0
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- Start
- Ponte di Legno
- Summit
- 2,621 m
- Distance
- 16.4 km
- Elevation gain
- 1,319 m
- Average gradient
- 8 %
- Maximum gradient
- Not reliably sourced
- Difficulty
- Extreme (FIETS 12.2)
The climb at a glance
Schematic A straight line at the average gradient – the real road is steeper in places and easier in others.
- Other side from Bormio: 24.9 km, 1,405 m at 5.6 % (Climbfinder).
In the footsteps of the pros
- Giro d'Italia: often on the route and sometimes the Cima Coppi, the race's highest point; Wikipedia lists appearances since 1960.
- 5 June 1988: the race crossed the Gavia in a snowstorm; Erik Breukink won the stage and Andrew Hampsten took the lead and went on to win the Giro (Wikipedia).
How long might it take?
| Sustained power | ≈ Time |
|---|---|
| 2.5 W/kg | 1 h 48 |
| 3.5 W/kg | 1 h 18 |
| 4.5 W/kg | 1 h 02 |
Estimate Physics model at constant power on a constant 8 % gradient: rider 75 kg, bike and kit 9 kg, rolling resistance 0.005, CdA 0.4 m², air density 1.1 kg/m³, 3 % drivetrain loss; W/kg relative to rider weight; no wind, no stops. Real times vary – this is not a standard.
Best season
High-mountain road: typically a summer and early-autumn climb – check pass opening before you travel.
Weather & altitude
Summit at 2,621 m: expect it to be much colder than in the valley – roughly 6–7 °C per 1,000 m in typical conditions.
Surface & traffic
[PLACEHOLDER] Road surface, traffic and tunnels – to verify
Water & food
[PLACEHOLDER] Fountains, cafés and the last shop before the top – to verify
Descent
[PLACEHOLDER] Descent notes – surface, hairpins, cold. Always pack a layer.
Nearby climbs
- Passo del Mortirolo ≈ 18 km away (straight line)
- Passo dello Stelvio ≈ 21 km away (straight line)
- Furka Pass ≈ 161 km away (straight line)
Sources & verification
Data Figures copied from the sources listed, retrieved 14 Nov 2026. Published numbers differ with the exact start and finish – we show one sourced version. Exact start point and date of on-the-road verification: [PLACEHOLDER] to record.