Epic Climbs in Europe: Conquering Telegraph, Galibier, Alpe d'Huez, and More

Sella Ronda, Italy

Distance: 50.58 km Elevation gain: 1,704 m

The Sella Ronda is a loop unlike any other. Located in the heart of the Dolomites, this is a ride through UNESCO World Heritage landscapes, with four stunning mountain passes: Passo Sella, Passo Gardena, Passo Campolongo, and Passo Pordoi. What makes this route so unique is its perfect balance of challenging climbs and breathtaking scenic beauty.

Above: Climbing through the craggy limestone massifs of the Dolomites on the Sella Ronda on ROUVY

Above: A beautiful view of the rugged Dolomite and the Sella Ronda

The loop can be ridden clockwise or counterclockwise, but either way, you'll be greeted with jaw-dropping views, lush green valleys, and rugged mountain peaks. The total distance of 52 kilometres might seem modest, but with an elevation gain of nearly 1,800 meters, you'll feel the burn. Each pass is roughly 5 to 10 kilometres long, with gradients ranging from 6% to 9%. The ascents are challenging, but the scenery will leave you in awe as you crest each summit and dive into the sweeping descents that follow.

• Cycle the loop - Sella Ronda | Italy

Prato to Passo Stelvio, Italy

Distance: 24.22 km, Elevation gain 1,780 m

The climb from Prato to the summit of Passo Stelvio is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic in the world. The Stelvio is synonymous with cycling greatness—a climb that tests not just your legs but your mental resolve. Starting in Prato allo Stelvio, the road rises steadily for 24 kilometres, with a staggering 48 hairpin bends between you and the summit.

The first section through the valley is a gentle introduction, but don't be fooled—the climb soon ramps up with gradients of 7% to 8%, and from here, it's an unrelenting journey upward. The real challenge comes in the last 10 kilometres, where the famous switchbacks twist and turn through a barren, lunar-like landscape. Reaching the summit at 2,757 meters feels like a triumph over both gravity and the elements. On a clear day, the views from the top are unparalleled—magnificent rugged peaks as far as the eye can see.

Above: The Stelvio 48 switchbacks from Prato that you can ride on ROUVY

• Seize the switchbacks - Prato to Passo Stelvio | Italy

Passo Gavia, Italy

Distance: 24.70 km, Elevation gain 1,417 m

Cycling up the Passo Gavia from Bormio via Santa Caterina, which is slightly easier than via Ponte di Legno, is a climb filled with striking landscapes and challenging gradients. The route takes you through some of the most remote and rugged terrain in the Italian Alps, offering a raw beauty that makes the effort feel like a proper mountain adventure.

Above: Santa Caterina from the Bormio side of the Gavia (photo by Lauren Wolff)

Starting from Bormio, the road gradually ascends as you make your way towards the small village of Santa Caterina di Valfurva, which sits at about 1,700 meters. This section is a warm-up, with gradients mainly in the range of 4% to 6%, giving you time to adjust before the real challenge begins. The scenery here is charming, with views of green meadows, forested slopes, and snow-capped peaks in the distance.

Once you leave Santa Caterina, the climb becomes more serious, and the road narrows as you enter a more remote part of the valley. The forest gives way to open alpine pastures, and the switchbacks begin. Gradients kick up to 7% to 9%, and some sections push towards 12%, with little room for respite.

As you climb higher, the landscape transforms into something almost otherworldly. Gone are the gentle meadows; instead, you're surrounded by jagged, towering peaks and rocky outcroppings. Streams of snowmelt cascade down the mountainsides, and sometimes, patches of snow linger late into the season. The higher you go, the more desolate it feels—trees disappear, and you're left with a barren yet beautiful landscape.

Above: Tackle the Passo Gavia from Bormio via Santa Caterina

The final stretch of the climb involves a series of switchbacks that wind through a rugged, exposed section of the mountain. The road is narrow and often clings to the cliffside, making the ascent quite dramatic. In the final kilometres, you'll encounter gradients of up to 14%, with the thin air at this altitude adding an extra layer of challenge.

Above: At the summit of the Gavia at 2,652m above sea level

Reaching the summit at 2,652 metres feels like an accomplishment of epic proportions. The summit itself offers a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks and glaciers, a perfect reward for the strenuous effort to get there. Snow banks often line the road, even in summer, and the sense of isolation and grandeur is incredible. It’s as if you’ve cycled into another world—a wild, untamed place where nature reigns supreme.

Cycling the Passo Gavia is more than just a physical test; it’s an immersive journey through some of the most striking landscapes in the Alps. The ever-changing scenery, the challenging gradients, and the sense of adventure make it a ride you won’t forget.

• Tackle the Gavia - Passo Gavia | Italy

Cycling climbs in Europe, in the Alps and the Dolomites isn't just about conquering steep gradients or checking famous climbs off a list. It's about the experience—the sense of freedom that comes from riding through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, the camaraderie among cyclists on the same journey, and the personal triumph of reaching a summit that seemed so far away when you started. Whether it's the legendary and classic Alpe d'Huez or the remote and rugged Passo Gavia, these climbs challenge and inspire in equal measure.

If you still need to tackle these iconic routes, it's time to start planning your next cycling adventure. Challenge yourself on these climbs on ROUVY next, or if you’d like workouts to improve your climbing strength, try our Climber's Training Plan.