Climbing Passo Pennes Penserjoch, Italy by Bike

Italy Passo Pennes Penserjoch

Passo Pennes Penserjoch Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

33.3

PDI

8.4 mi

DISTANCE

4,123 ft

GAINED

ELEVATION GAINED

9 %

AVG. GRADE

AVG. GRADIENT

FULL CLIMB STATS

INTRO

Passo Pennes (Penserjoch in German) climbs out of Vipiteno (Sterzing) in South Tyrol, just 10 km from the Austrian border, gaining 4,123 feet over 8.4 miles (13.6 km) to the 2,211-meter pass at a 9% average grade - one of the steeper climbs in this part of the Dolomites, with the closing kilometers holding well into double digits. The upper half of the climb opens into wide, treeless grazing land, with cattle pastures running right up to the roadside and long views back down the valley toward Vipiteno. The roadway is in great shape throughout, and on our ride traffic felt light and safe the entire way up. It's a quieter alternative to better-known South Tyrol passes - as far as we can find, it's never been included in the Giro d'Italia. The pass connects Vipiteno's Wipptal (Isarco/Eisack valley) with the Sarntal (Val Sarentino) on the far side toward Bolzano, and its position this close to Austria makes it the northernmost of PJAMM's ranked Italian climbs. It's currently ranked #219 in the world.

PLAN YOUR ROUTE

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Passo Pennes from Vipiteno runs 8.4 miles (13.6 km) and gains 4,123 feet at a 9% average grade - one of the steeper sustained climbs in this part of South Tyrol. The opening quarter mile is the sharpest single stretch at over 16%, and the steepest full kilometer, just above halfway up, holds around 13%. The upper miles through the open pastureland ease slightly but stay in the high single digits all the way to the pass.

Roadway: SS 508 is paved and in great shape for the entire climb, with no notable surface issues reported. Like most South Tyrol passes, it closes for winter - typically from mid-December to the end of March, depending on snow - so check current status before a shoulder-season ride.

Traffic: Traffic is minimal outside of local farm and cattle traffic in the upper pastures. There's a ban on vehicles over 12 meters (except buses) between Vipiteno and the pass, which keeps large trucks off the road. One day each August, the road closes to cars entirely for the Grand Prix Passo Pennes cycling race.

Parking: The climb starts just south of Vipiteno near the SS 508/A22 junction - street parking is available in Vipiteno itself, a full-service town with a historic center a short ride from the base.

Vipiteno is a well-equipped South Tyrolean town with bike shops, grocery stores, and cafes at the base of the climb. There are no services once you leave town until the guesthouse at the summit, so top off water bottles before you start. Given the steep opening pitch and sustained 9% average, a compact or wide-range gearing setup is worth having; the open, treeless upper half can also be windy, so pack a layer for the descent even on a warm day in Vipiteno.

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.

Vipiteno (Sterzing) is a well-preserved medieval town on the old Brenner trade route, with arcaded streets and a 15th-century clock tower worth a walk before or after the ride. The pass itself is closed through the winter, so plan for a late-spring-through-autumn visit; the Grand Prix Passo Pennes each August briefly closes the road to cars for a race, worth working around if you're not there to watch. Check conditions at the summit before you go with our Weather tool, since the exposed upper pastures can see very different weather than Vipiteno at the base.