28.9
PDI
8.1 mi
DISTANCE
3,793 ft
GAINED
8.9 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
INTRO
Monte Zoncolan via Sutrio climbs from the village of Sutrio to Sella Zoncolan at 1,739 m (5,705 ft) - 13.1 km (8.1 mi) at an average grade of 8.8%, gaining 1,156 m (3,793 ft). It's the gentlest of Zoncolan's three approaches (the others start from Ovaro and Priola), but "gentlest" on this mountain is a relative term.
The first 11 km hold a manageable 7-8%, passing beneath the Ravascletto ski area and Rifugio Moro. Then, from the Stavolo Suart farmhouse, the road turns vicious - roughly the final 3 km average close to 14%, with ramps reported as steep as 25-27% in the last kilometer. Near the top the route ducks through three narrow, unlit tunnels shared with the other two approaches - bring a headlight and taillight even for a daytime ride, since a car can only just fit through alongside a cyclist.
This is the side the Giro d'Italia used the last time it climbed Zoncolan, in 2021; the mountain's more famous ascent from Ovaro has hosted seven Zoncolan stages since 2003, but the Giro skips Zoncolan entirely for 2026, sending its Friuli-region finale to Piancavallo instead. We currently rank this climb #375 in the world - still a serious test, even as the mildest of the mountain's three faces.
Sutrio itself, at the base of the climb, is worth lingering in - a small Carnic village built around a centuries-old wood-carving tradition, with workshops open throughout the historic center and an annual wood-carving festival held each September.
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. Zoncolan via Sutrio gains 1,156 m (3,793 ft) over 13.1 km (8.1 mi) at an average grade of 8.8%. That average is deceptive: the first 11 km (6.8 mi) hold a rideable 7-8%, but the final roughly 3 km (1.9 mi) beyond the Stavolo Suart farmhouse average close to 14%, with pitches reported as steep as 25-27% in the last kilometer before the Sella Zoncolan summit at 1,739 m (5,705 ft). Pace the first two-thirds conservatively - there's nothing easy waiting at the top.
Roadway: Narrow, paved road in good condition the entire way. Near the top the road passes through three short, unlit tunnels shared by all three Zoncolan approaches - they're tight enough that a car can only just fit through alongside a cyclist, so bring a headlight and taillight even for a daytime ride.
Traffic: Generally light on weekdays, but this is also the access road to the Ravascletto ski area, so expect more cars and camper traffic on summer weekends.
Parking: There isn't a dedicated cycling lot at the start in Sutrio. Riders typically use the industrial area just past the SR52bis junction, or the lot near the supermarket on the state road before the bridge junction (only when the shop is closed).
Provisions: Sutrio has shops, bars, and cafes for a pre-ride stock-up. There are no services on the climb itself until the summit area, where a water/snack cart is common on weekends in season.
Gear: The gentle first 11 km can lull you into an underestimating gear choice - don't be fooled. The final 3 km average near 14% with ramps into the mid-20s%, so bring the lowest gearing you have; a compact chainring and a wide-range cassette are strongly recommended.
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.
Sutrio is a small, walkable Carnic village built around a centuries-old wood-carving tradition - workshops throughout the historic center sell carved furniture and statues, the Museo della Casa Carnica gives a glimpse into 17th- and 18th-century local life, and an annual wood-carving festival fills the streets each September. It's a worthwhile overnight base, and considerably less busy than Ovaro, where riders tackling the mountain's steeper Ovaro and Priola approaches tend to stay.
Seriously consider riding the other two routes up Zoncolan while you're in the area - Monte Zoncolan (Ovaro) and Monte Zoncolan (Priola) are both significantly harder, and each offers a genuinely different character of climb up the same mountain. Our Routes in the Area tool is a good way to see what else is nearby before you plan the trip.
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