An east-to-west traverse across the greatest cycling climbs in the Alps — from the canals of Venice through the Dolomites and over the legendary passes to the 21 hairpins of Alpe d'Huez.
Starting from Venice, each climb takes you deeper into the Alps. The Dolomites give way to the Italian giants, then the high passes of Piedmont carry you across the border into France.
The Gateway Climb — Summit: 5,823 ft
Your first big climb after Venice. Monte Grappa offers 10 different routes to its 1,775 m summit, with the classic approach from Borso del Grappa being one of the toughest. Sustained double-digit gradients and sweeping views over the Venetian plain make this a perfect warm-up for the Dolomites ahead.
The Three Peaks — Summit: 7,503 ft
Your first climb after leaving Venice. A toll road leads to the Rifugio Auronzo beneath cycling's most photographed backdrop: the three iconic limestone towers. The climb from Misurina is short but fierce, with sustained double-digit gradients on a narrow road and increasingly surreal views.
Cortina's Warm-Up — Summit: 5,935 ft
A short, sharp climb just outside Cortina d'Ampezzo, often used as a warm-up or recovery ride before tackling Passo Giau. Don't let its brevity fool you — the steep gradients through dense forest open to stunning views of Cristallo and Sorapis. A perfect opener for your Cortina days.
The Hidden Gem — Summit: 7,336 ft
Often called the most beautiful pass in the Dolomites, Giau combines brutal climbing with otherworldly scenery. The south side from Selva di Cadore features exposed switchbacks high above the treeline, surrounded by an amphitheatre of craggy peaks. The final miles above 6,500 ft feel like cycling on the roof of the world.
Pale di San Martino — Summit: 6,509 ft
A long, steady HC climb through forests and alpine meadows beneath the dramatic Pale di San Martino massif. The 22 km approach from Falcade is one of the Dolomites' great rides — less steep than its neighbours but relentless in length, with the iconic pale towers looming above.
At the Foot of the Glacier — Summit: 6,749 ft
The road to Marmolada, the Queen of the Dolomites. From Canazei, the climb rises through the Avisio valley before a punishing final ramp to Lago di Fedaia at the base of the Marmolada glacier. Steep, exposed, and spectacular — this is one of the Giro d'Italia's most dramatic high-altitude finishes.
The Heart of the Dolomites — Summit: 7,346 ft
Rising between the Sella and Marmolada massifs, Pordoi is the highest pass on the classic Sella Ronda loop and a regular Giro d'Italia feature. Its wide, sweeping switchbacks offer jaw-dropping views of towering Dolomite walls. While here, ride the full 32-mile Sellaronda circuit over four passes.
The King of Alpine Passes — Summit: 9,045 ft
The highest paved pass in the Eastern Alps and one of cycling's holiest climbs. The Bormio side features 40 numbered hairpins carving through an almost vertical valley wall. First raced in the 1953 Giro d'Italia, it remains the roof of Italian cycling. This is the centrepiece of your trip.
The Steepest Beast — Summit: 6,076 ft
Feared by Giro riders since 1990, the Mortirolo from Mazzo di Valtellina is one of the hardest climbs in professional cycling. Sustained double-digit gradients and a narrow road through dense forest make this a true test of will. A monument to Marco Pantani marks the spot where Il Pirata attacked.
Hampsten's Snowstorm — Summit: 8,599 ft
Forever etched in cycling lore by Andy Hampsten's ride through a blizzard in the 1988 Giro. The climb from Ponte di Legno is relentless: 10 miles at nearly 8% average, gaining over 4,190 ft. At 8,599 ft, it's one of the highest passes in the Alps, with raw, exposed scenery even in summer.
Cycling's Holiest Climb — Summit: 2,474 ft
Home to the chapel of the patron saint of cycling and the Museo del Ciclismo, Ghisallo has been part of the Giro d'Italia since 1949. The climb from Bellagio rises steeply above Lake Como through chestnut forests. At the top, a chapel filled with jerseys, bikes, and memorabilia of cycling's greatest champions.
The Infamous Wall — Summit: 3,661 ft
Once removed from the Giro di Lombardia for being too steep, the Muro di Sormano was reopened in 2012 and remains one of cycling's most brutal short climbs. At 15.5% average with ramps hitting 27%, it's barely over a mile but feels like an eternity. The narrow concrete lane through the forest is a test of pure power.
The Dirt Road of the Giro — Summit: 7,146 ft
The only major Giro climb with an extended unpaved section. The last 5 miles are on white gravel roads carved into the mountainside, making it one of the most dramatic finishes in Grand Tour history. The gradient rarely dips below 9%, and the exposed dirt switchbacks near the summit are utterly unforgettable.
The Roof of the Border — Summit: 9,003 ft
At 9,003 ft, this is the highest paved border crossing in the Alps. The Italian side from Casteldelfino is a monster: 14 miles with the upper half from Chianale averaging 10%. You cross into France at the summit, with jaw-dropping views into the Queyras valley. A perfect gateway between Italy and the French Alps.
The Casse Déserte — Summit: 7,743 ft
A Tour de France legend defined by the haunting Casse Déserte near the summit: a barren, otherworldly moonscape of eroded scree and rocky pinnacles. From Guillestre, the climb winds through forests before emerging into this alien landscape. Memorials to Coppi and Bobet mark the hallowed ground.
The Roof of the Tour — Summit: 8,668 ft
One of the most frequently climbed passes in Tour de France history. From Valloire, the road winds through alpine pastures before a brutal final ramp to the col. The panoramic views from the summit, with Mont Blanc visible on clear days, are staggering. Just one valley separates you from the finish line.
The Most Famous Climb in Cycling — Summit: 6,102 ft
The grand finale. The 21 numbered hairpins rising from Bourg-d'Oisans have been a Tour de France fixture since 1952, and every switchback is named after a stage winner. The gradient hits hard from the first pedal stroke and rarely relents. After 500 miles and 16 legendary climbs, this is where you raise your arms.
While on your traverse, these curated Strava routes combine nearby passes into monster single-day rides.
The ultimate Italian Alps triple crown. Start from Bormio, summit the Stelvio, descend and tackle the brutal Mortirolo, then finish over the Gavia. Three Giro legends in one unforgettable day.
View Route on StravaLoop the Sella massif over four iconic Dolomite passes: Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella, and Gardena. Often called the most beautiful bike ride in the world. Perfect for a rest-day ride from Corvara or Canazei.
View Route on StravaThe classic 160 km perimeter loop of Lake Como. Start from Ghisallo, descend to Bellagio, and ride the entire lakeshore through charming villages, dramatic tunnels, and stunning waterfront roads. Combine with the Ghisallo climb and Muro di Sormano for an unforgettable day.
A classic French Alps double from Briançon. Tackle the Galibier via the Col du Lautaret, descend to Valloire and return, then head south over the Izoard. Two TdF giants in a single ride from cycling's ultimate Alpine town.
View Route on StravaThe best towns to stay and ride from, with world-class climbs right outside your door.
Dolomites Foothills · Gateway from Venice
Your first stop after Venice. Monte Grappa offers 10 routes to the 1,775 m summit — a perfect warm-up before the high Dolomites.
Dolomites · Pale di San Martino
A quiet Dolomite village at the foot of Passo Rolle. The 22 km HC climb through forests and meadows to 1,984 m is one of the region's great rides.
Dolomites · Heart of the Sella Ronda
The ultimate Dolomites base. Ride the Sella Ronda loop over four passes, or tackle Passo Fedaia to the foot of the Marmolada glacier.
Dolomites · Queen of the Alps
Italy's most glamorous mountain town. Passo Giau is right on your doorstep, and the shorter Passo Tre Croci makes a great opener or recovery ride.
Legendary Climbs · Thermal Baths
The epicentre of Italian cycling. Stelvio, Gavia, and Mortirolo all start from or pass through Bormio. Soak in the ancient thermal baths after a triple-crown day.
Lake Como · Cycling's Patron Saint
Home to the Madonna del Ghisallo chapel and cycling museum. Ride the lake perimeter (160 km) or tackle the infamous Muro di Sormano wall.
French Alps · Europe's Highest City
The highest city in France and the ultimate base for the Tour's greatest passes. Ride the Galibier–Izoard loop as a day ride before your final push to Alpe d'Huez.
Late June through mid-September. High passes like Stelvio, Gavia, Agnello, and Galibier typically open in late May and close in October. July and August are warmest but busiest.
Allow 10–14 days for the full traverse, mixing big climbing days with transfer and rest days. Base yourself in Cortina (Dolomites), Bormio (Stelvio area), Susa (Finestre), and Briançon (French Alps).
Pack a wind vest and arm warmers — descents from 8,000+ ft are cold even in summer. Compact gearing (34/32 or lower) is essential for Mortirolo, Finestre, and Agnello. Consider 28mm+ tires for the Finestre gravel.
Fly into Venice Marco Polo (VCE) to start. Fly home from Lyon (LYS) or Geneva (GVA) after finishing at Alpe d'Huez. Bike boxes can be shipped ahead via SendMyBag or similar services.
You'll cross from Italy to France at Colle dell'Agnello. No border checks within the Schengen Area — just a sign and a spectacular view. Carry ID/passport anyway for hotel check-ins.
Look for Sella Ronda Bike Day (June), Stelvio Bike Day, and the Étape du Tour in France for car-free climbing. These events draw thousands and are unforgettable experiences.