Climbing Passo della Forcella, Italy by bike

Italy Passo della Forcella

Passo della Forcella Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

48.2

PDI

5.7 mi

DISTANCE

4,288 ft

GAINED

ELEVATION GAINED

14.4 %

AVG. GRADE

AVG. GRADIENT

FULL CLIMB STATS

INTRO

Passo della Forcella climbs 5.7 miles at a brutal 14.4% average grade out of Ovaro in Italy's Friuli-Venezia Giulia region - Italy's 4th-hardest bike climb and a Top 50 World Bike Climb. From the first pedal stroke to its finish on a cement traction-grooved ramp, this is one of the steepest sustained climbs we've ridden anywhere in Italy.

It sits right next to Monte Zoncolan, Ovaro's far more famous climb, and makes an excellent pairing with it - go west out of town instead of east and you're on Passo della Forcella within a few kilometers. The road narrows steadily as it climbs, ultimately barely one lane wide, with tight, punishingly steep tornanti that only get harder the higher you go.

If you're already making the trip to Ovaro for Zoncolan, this is a genuine must-do add-on, not a lesser consolation climb - it stands entirely on its own as one of the toughest roads in the Dolomites.

PLAN YOUR ROUTE

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This bike climb is THE REAL DEAL - Climb 9.2 kilometers at 14.4% gaining 1,305 meters at 14.4% average grade!! 😓. This climb has one of the most ominous gradient profiles in Italy and the world. 39% (3.6 km) is at grade 10-15%, 36% (3.3 km) is at 15-20%, and 8% (.7 km) is ≥ 20%. The steepest 500 meters is 21% and steepest two kilometers 17.4%.

See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button.

Roadway: Paved the whole way, narrowing steadily to barely one lane as you climb. The final 1.1 kilometers ramp up onto a cement surface with traction grooves cut into it for grip on the steepest pitches (see photos in Full Summary) - rider reports as recent as late 2025 describe both the asphalt and the cement section still in good condition. Near the top the road passes through three short, unlit tunnels, so bring lights even in daylight.

Traffic: Light - most riders report only a handful of vehicles on the way up, with even fewer past the halfway point.

Parking: There's a parking area about 20 meters from the start of the climb - Map; Street View. It's also an easy 4-kilometer ride out from Ovaro if you're already staying there for Zoncolan.

Provisions: There is public water in Luint at kilometer 1.3 - Map; Street View, and Moine at kilometer 2.5 - Map; Street View, but nothing after that.

Gear: Bring a bike with gearing that can get you up this monster - this is one where there are times your front tire will begin to lift up. We used a modified Specialized Crux with 28t chainring and 42 cog on the rear cassette.

Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.

We stayed in Ovaro and did the three routes up Zoncolan and Passo dell Forcella during our stay.

Use the “Routes in Area” button on the menu bar above to see other bike climbs in this area.