The Passo Giau is one of the most beloved and photographed climbs in the Dolomites, and a favourite proving ground for road cyclists visiting the Belluno area.
Quick facts
- Start: Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Finish: Passo Giau (2,236 m)
- Length: 15.9 km
- Elevation gain: 1,071 m
- Average gradient: 6.7% (max 11.5%)
- Surface: paved
- Difficulty: very demanding
From Cortina d’Ampezzo the road climbs at a steady gradient up to Pocol, then flattens briefly before rising decisively through its hairpin bends to the pass, at 2,236 metres. The views along the way are among the most spectacular in the Dolomites: the walls of Nuvolau, the Cinque Torri and, behind you, the Marmolada crown every pedal stroke. At the top, Rifugio Passo Giau is the perfect reward for a coffee or a plate of canederli before the descent. Riders looking for a gentler alternative can climb from the Selva di Cadore side, slightly easier in its central section.
Did you know?
The Passo Giau has repeatedly hosted memorable stages of the Giro d’Italia: in 2021 Egan Bernal consolidated the pink jersey here on his way to overall victory, while over the years the climb has crowned champions such as Ivan Basso and Vincenzo Nibali.
