Climb 17 of 22Lombardy, Italy
Passo Gavia
In 1988 the Giro d'Italia raced over Passo Gavia through a snowstorm. The pass sits high in the Italian Alps of Lombardy, between Ponte di Legno and Bormio.
- km long
- 17.3
- metres up
- 1,322
- steepest part
- 16%
- Flat
- Gentle
- Steady
- Hard
- Steep
How long does it take to ride up Passo Gavia?
For a rider who weighs 75 kg, riding at a steady pace with no stops:
- New to exercise: about 4 hr
- I ride now and then: about 2 hr 44 min
- I ride most weeks: about 2 hr 12 min
Put in your own weight and fitness to see your time.
Ride Passo Gavia at home
In Couch to Climb, the plan for Passo Gavia is 14 weeks, with 3 rides a week on your smart trainer. It is climb 17 of 22. You start on Box Hill for free, then work up the climbs one at a time.
About the climb
This climb starts in Ponte di Legno, on the south side. Much of the road on this side is single track, and in places it is too narrow for two cars to pass. It gets steeper in the second half. At the top, at 2,621 m, you can stop by a lake called Lago Bianco.
On 5 June 1988, snow was falling as the Giro d'Italia crossed the Gavia. Erik Breukink won the stage. The American Andy Hampsten took the race lead that day and went on to win the Giro.
Riding it for real
The pass is only open in summer, usually from early June to the middle or end of October. A mountain hut, the Rifugio Bonetta, sits right on the pass.
Questions about riding Passo Gavia
In 1988 the Giro d'Italia raced over Passo Gavia through a snowstorm. The pass sits high in the Italian Alps of Lombardy, between Ponte di Legno and Bormio.
What happened on the Gavia in 1988?
The Giro d'Italia crossed the pass in a snowstorm on 5 June 1988. Andy Hampsten took the lead that day and went on to win the race.
When is Passo Gavia open?
It is usually open from early June to the middle or end of October. Snow closes it the rest of the year.
How high is Passo Gavia?
The top of the pass is 2,621 m above sea level.
Updated . Written by Next Big Leap Ltd, who make the Couch to Climb app.
Ride up a famous climb on your indoor bike
Couch to Climb is a step by step plan for a smart trainer at home. It takes you from the sofa to the top of a real climb, with no stops. Your first climb, Box Hill, is free.
