18.3
PDI
6.4 mi
DISTANCE
2,623 ft
GAINED
7.7 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
INTRO
Passo Lavazè from Cavalese is the southern approach to the 1808 m (5932 ft) pass that links the Val di Fiemme in Trentino with South Tyrol's Eggental. Our route climbs 10.3 km (6.4 mi) from the center of Cavalese at 1011 m (3316 ft) to the pass, gaining 800 m (2623 ft) at an average of 7.7%. It ranks #1182 on our list of the world's hardest climbs.
This is the shorter of the pass's two paved sides, and it saves its hardest work for last. The road leaves Cavalese for Varena, whose cobbled main street you ride through within the first 3 km (1.9 mi), then climbs steadily through forest with just one real breather near the halfway point. The sting comes late: the final 3.3 km (2.1 mi) average about 10.5%, with a steepest kilometer of 12.1%, before the road comes out onto the open plateau at the top.
The climb has real racing pedigree. The final stage of the 2023 Tour of the Alps started in Cavalese and went straight up this side of Lavazè, the highest point of that year's race. The forest hides the views for most of the way, so the payoff is saved for the plateau, where the Latemar rises above the meadows.
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. Passo Lavazè from Cavalese climbs 10.3 km (6.4 mi) and 800 m (2623 ft) at a 7.7% average.
0-3 km (0-1.9 mi): About 6-7% out of Cavalese to Varena, easing briefly to about 4% around the village.
3-5 km (1.9-3.1 mi): The first real test, at 8-9% above Varena, with short ramps steeper than the average.
5-7 km (3.1-4.3 mi): The easiest part of the climb, 3.6% and then 6.1% - the place to recover before the finale.
7-10.3 km (4.3-6.4 mi): The crux. The road steepens to 8.8%, then holds 11-12% for 2 km (1.2 mi) before easing to about 9.5% over the last kilometer. The steepest kilometer averages 12.1% and the steepest 2 km (1.2 mi) average 12.0%.
Roadway: Paved and in good condition throughout, starting on town streets in Cavalese and passing through Varena on a short cobbled stretch before the pass road climbs through the forest. Watch for loose grit, which is a recurring hazard on this road, especially on the steep upper section on the way down. The pass is normally open all year, with occasional short closures in severe winter weather.
Traffic: Light to moderate. You'll share the road with locals, summer tourists and, in winter, skiers heading for the Nordic trails on the plateau, but articulated lorries and trucks with trailers are banned between the pass and Cavalese, which keeps heavy traffic off this side.
Parking: Cavalese is the main town of the Val di Fiemme and a busy resort, so use one of the town's public car parks rather than trying to park on the narrow streets near the start, and check signs for time limits. If you only want the steep upper half, the plateau at the pass also has parking beside the lake and the Nordic ski center.
Gear: The final 3.3 km (2.1 mi) average over 10%, so save your lowest gear for the end - a compact crankset with a 32 tooth or larger cog makes the top far more manageable. The plateau at 1808 m (5932 ft) is open and can be breezy and much cooler than Cavalese, so carry a layer for the descent.
Provisions: Cavalese has plenty of cafes, bakeries and shops for supplies before the start. There is little along the forested road itself, and the hotels and restaurants on the plateau are the first real stop.
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.
Cavalese is the historic capital of the Val di Fiemme and worth a wander before or after the ride. The Palazzo della Magnifica Comunità di Fiemme, built in the Middle Ages by the prince-bishops of Trento, has been the seat of the valley's centuries-old self-governing community since 1810 and houses a picture gallery and the Museo fiemmese. Down by the Pieve di Santa Maria Assunta, look for the Banc de la Reson, a stone bench under an old linden tree where the bishop's vicar once dispensed justice.
The valley is a Nordic skiing heartland: the Marcialonga, a 70 km (43.5 mi) cross-country ski race, runs through it on the last Sunday of January. In early September, Cavalese celebrates the Desmontegada de le caore, when the goats come down from their summer pastures.
For the other side of this pass, and more on the lake and ski trails at the top, see our Passo Lavaze page from Ponte Nova. Val di Fiemme is packed with climbs, including our Passo Manghen - Molina page just up the valley, so see other climbs nearby, or build a custom route from here, with our Routes in the Area tool.
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