19.1
PDI
8.6 mi
DISTANCE
3,108 ft
GAINED
6.8 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
INTRO
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. The climb averages 6.8% over 13.9 km (8.6 mi), gaining 947 m (3,108 ft) from 363 m (1,192 ft) to 1,297 m (4,256 ft), with only about 13 m (44 ft) of descent along the way.
It opens with three steady kilometers at 7.3-7.7% through Villar Dora and Rubiana, eases to 4.2% for km 3-4, then settles back to about 7% to Mollarbrunatto. Km 6-7 is the breather at just 1.7%, and km 7-8 stays gentle at 4.7%.
The back half is where the climb bites. From km 9 the grade builds - 7.8%, then 9.1% for km 10-11 into Mompellato, then 8.3% and 8.6% - before easing to 6.4% for the last stretch to the pass. The steepest 0.5 km averages 9.3%, the steepest 1 km 8.8%, 2 km 8.7%, 5 km 8.3% and 10 km 6.9%. FIETS score: 6.6.
Roadway: Paved the entire way on the SP 197. The surface is serviceable rather than pristine - riders rate it a notch below Piedmont's best roads, but nothing rough - and the upper road is narrow and winding through the woods. In mid-April 2025 a landslide of mud and rocks covered the SP 197 at Tetti Sabbionera in Rubiana; it was cleared and the road reopened in May 2025 after new barriers and rockfall nets were installed. Check the Città Metropolitana di Torino road notices after heavy rain.
Traffic: The first 5 km or so run through densely built hamlets with cars and local buses, including a narrow, traffic-light-controlled pinch that is easy to miss - take it carefully. Above Rubiana traffic thins out a lot. Heavy vehicles are banned over the pass, so through traffic is limited, but expect motorcycles and plenty of other cyclists on weekends.
Parking: Park in Villar Dora or Almese near the start and ride straight up. If you're starting from the top for a descent-first loop, the pass has a large hikers' car park beside the memorial.
Provisions: Stock up in Villar Dora, Almese or Rubiana - there is little on the road once it leaves the villages. At the summit, a public fountain by the car park dispenses fresh spring water at the push of a button, so you can refill before heading down.
Gear: A compact crankset with a 28-30 tooth sprocket handles the 7-9% grades comfortably. You finish nearly 950 m (3,100 ft) above Almese, so pack a vest or jacket for the descent, which is tighter and more technical at the top and faster and more flowing below Rubiana.
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.
Villar Dora and Almese sit at the mouth of the Val di Susa, west of Turin, whose Caselle airport and main stations are the natural arrival points; Avigliana, just across the valley, is the nearest stop on the Turin-Susa railway.
Before or after the ride, Almese's Roman villa at Grange di Rivera is worth the short detour. Built around the 1st century AD, it covered some 5,000 m² on several levels around a large porticoed courtyard, and it is described as the largest extra-urban Roman building in northern Italy. It opens for visits in spring, summer and part of autumn - confirm times before you go.
At the top, the former road-keeper's house (casa cantoniera) beside the memorial tower has housed an ecomuseum of the Resistance since 2000. For a full day out, descend the north side to Viù and loop back through Lanzo, a ride of around 80 km (50 mi), or pair the Lys with the Colle della Dieta. Use our Routes in the Area tool to see other climbs nearby or build a custom route from here.
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