Sometimes referred to as the beauty and the beast, the Passo Giau is an extremely harsh and difficult test but is considered by many to be the most picturesque mountain pass in the Dolomites range.
The Giau pass stands at 2,236 metres above sea level and boasts no fewer than 29 hairpin bends to reach it. It’s a relentless challenge of around 9% gradient over 10 kilometres.
The climb links the valleys of Ampezzo and Livinallongo and was the last mountain pass to be built in the area. Could this explain why it has not yet achieved the notoriety you would associate with the Passo Pordoi for example?
The ascent from Selva di Cadore is the sixth pass on the Maratona dles Dolomites granfondo. You reach the Giau with 88 kilometres and 2,500 metres of elevation already in your legs!
Considering its aesthetic appeal and its degree of difficulty, it is surprising that it has only ever been used a handful of times in the Giro d’Italia.
All metrics in this article are approximate.
Highlights of the Passo Giau
The Passo Giau is quite simply one of the most picturesque and stunningly beautiful climbs anywhere in the world.
If you relish a challenge and a ‘proper’ Grand Tour style climb, then make sure the Passo Giau is on your must-do list for this region.
On the forested lower slopes of the Passo Giau in the early morning
Higher up, cycling through the stunning landscape
Summit of the Passo GiauPasso Giau route info
Beginning
Starting outside the Val Fiorentina bar in the tiny commune of Selva di Cadore, take the right-hand fork at the magnificent Chiesa di San Lorenzo onto the SP251. Make the most of the first half a kilometre of downhill because that’s all you will get until you crest the Giau.
As you turn right onto the SP638 you will soon see the marker to signify the official start of the climb.
During the first few kilometres you are surrounded by high sided mountains and dense fir and spruce trees as you grind your way forwards alongside the river Codalonga. The Giau is similar to other climbs in the Dolomites in so much as the roads have been designed and engineered to ascend at a constant gradient – on the Giau it just happens to be a pretty constant 9%!
Middle
This is the period of the climb where you need to conserve as much energy as possible. Depending how many kilometres you have in your legs at this point will determine how well you are able to tackle the final merciless push to the top.
By the time you turn out of hairpin number 18 (tornante
18) about 7 kilometres into the climb you start to realise what it’s actually like climbing in the high mountains. The trees have given way to the classic green pastures of the Dolomites and the view of the enormous rocky peak that is the Nuvolau Alto is simply stunning.
Even on the lower slopes, there are some spectacular views!
Get ready!
Hairpins through the forestEnd
On a long climb it’s nice to have a point of reference at some point so that you know how far you are away from the top – so when you see the Refugio Fedare on your left at tornante
21 you will know that you only have 2.5 kilometres to go. This is where you can push if there is anything left in the legs.
The gradient doesn’t ease, and the switchbacks come thick and fast, but when you get to the Ristorante da Aurelio you can see the tops of the wooden buildings at the summit and that’s when you know you are entering the last kilometre.
But it’s all worth it as the views from the top are simply breathtaking. In the summer months the summit will be busy with tourists, but at least you can have a relaxing drink in the café before you consider your descent.
Climbing up through the meadows on the higher slopes
Mountains near and far!
You might be gasping for breath, but if you have any energy at all try and take in the scenery!Café stops
Options include:
Val Fiorentina Bar at the start of the climb in Selva di Cadore.
Petrol Station after 0.5 kilometres.
Refugio Fedare which is 2.5 kilometres from the summit.
Ristorante da Aurelio at 1 kilometre from the top.
Berghotel Passo Giau at the summit.
Accommodation
Corvara is always a good option as you can access most of the Dolomite climbs from there.
Alternatively, there is a good selection of hotels and apartments in Arabba where you are well placed for the Passo Giau.
Check out our Dolomites guide for more information.
View from Passo Giau
Berghotel Passo Giau with its sunny terrace
Enjoy the descent!Tips
For general tips on riding in the Dolomites, check out our separate article: tips for cycling in the Dolomites.
It’s best to ride the Giau early in the mornings in the summer as many tourists in cars and motorcycles tend to use the road later during the day.
There are water fountains at kilometre 5 and 6 on the climb. Consider using the refugios on the second half of the climb to get food and water, especially during the hot summer months.
In Mountains by Michael Blann, there’s a section written by Mautizio Fondriest which captures a moment from the 1989 Giro d’Italia on the Giau.
Fondriest writes “I was riding through my home region and I was World Champion. I knew the roads and I was determined to do well in front of the Italian crowd. The Giau came in the middle of a 131km stage… It was raining as we started the climb, but as we got higher the rain got more intense and quickly turned to sleet, and then snow. The clouds were low, the skies moody, and it was so dark that it looked like we were racing at night. As we topped the climb I was in the lead, exactly where I wanted to be.”
Other useful information
Maratona dles Dolomites climb number 6 (Arabba/Selva di Cadore to Pocol)
Read on…
Don’t miss our main guide to cycling in the Dolomites – you’ll find loads of information to help you plan your trip and links to all our other Dolomites cycling guides, including Passo Sella, Gardena, Pordoi, Campolongo, Falzarego/Valparola, and Fedaia.
Please support Epic Road Rides
A huge amount of time and effort goes into the article you’ve just read, all with the aim of helping you!
If you found what you’ve read useful, I’d really appreciate it if you dropped something in the tip jar here.
It’s a way you can say thank you and help us carry on creating top quality content with no annoying ads and no pay wall.
Looking for an organised cycling trip?
If you want someone to help you plan and book your cycling holiday, fill out this form. We aren’t a tour operator/agent but we work with lots of people who are and will do our best to put you in touch with someone that can help (within 24 hours wherever possible)!
Clare Dewey is a cyclist with a passion for travel. She set up epicroadrides.com in 2018 to help make it easy for cyclists to explore the world by bike. Today her mission is still inspiring cyclists to discover new places on two wheels – and doing what she can to make sure they have the best possible time while they’re there. Clare has visited 50+ destinations around the world, many of them by bike.
The contents of this website are provided for general information purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on it. You should carry out your own due diligence and take professional advice. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content on our website is accurate, complete or up to date. If you use any information or content on this website, download from, or otherwise obtain content or services through our website, it is entirely at your own discretion and risk. Epic Road Rides Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on the information and content on this website. Find out more here.