From Caprile (3,274 ft / 998 m) to Passo Fedaia (6,749 ft / 2,057 m) it’s 8.8 miles (14.1 km) at an average of 7.5% with 3,474 ft (1,059 m) of climbing, according to salite.ch. CyclingCols gives 8.7 miles (14 km) and 3,497 ft (1,066 m). Climbfinder starts higher up and measures 8.0 miles (12.8 km) at 7.8%.
What the climb is like
The average doesn’t tell the story: the Fedaia has a manageable first half and a second half that ranks among the hardest in the Dolomites.
- Caprile to Malga Ciapela. The valley road climbs at moderate grades and passes small villages like Sottoguda.
- Malga Ciapela to the top. This is where it gets serious. CyclingCols counts 3 miles (5 km) above 10%, with one kilometer at 12.7% and ramps of 15%; Climbfinder gives 15.8% for the steepest 330 ft (100 m). Much of this section is a long straight where you can see everything that’s left.
At the top you reach Lake Fedaia, a reservoir at the foot of the Marmolada, the highest mountain in the Dolomites.
History
The Fedaia shows up often in the Giro d’Italia. According to CyclingCols, the first riders over the top included Fortunato Baliani (2006), Emanuele Sella (2008) and Stefano Garzelli (2011). In 2022 the penultimate stage finished at the pass: Alessandro Covi won, and Jai Hindley took the pink jersey there and carried it to Verona. The pass also appears in the movie The Italian Job (2003).
When to go, water and traffic
The best season runs from June to September; the road can close for snow outside those months. It sees far less traffic than the Pordoi or the Sella. Fill your bottles in Caprile or Malga Ciapela: the final straight, in full sun with no shade, feels very long in summer. There are mountain huts and bars around the lake.
What gearing to use
At 3 W/kg and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll be riding about 4.7 mph (7.6 km/h) on 12%; with a 34x32 that’s a cadence of about 57 rpm, and with a 34x34 about 60 rpm. For most riders a 34x32 or lower is essential. Compare options in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Reach Malga Ciapela with something left: the hard part is the last 3.5 miles (5-6 km).
- On the final straight, settle into a rhythm and don’t look at the top.
- If you want an easier version, climb it from Canazei and descend this side very carefully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb Passo Fedaia from Caprile?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 1 h 13 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 1 h 26 min at 2.5 W/kg and 56 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
Where is the hardest part of the Fedaia?
At the top, after Malga Ciapela: CyclingCols counts 3 miles (5 km) above 10% and one kilometer at 12.7%, with ramps that hit 15%.
Which side of the Fedaia is easier?
The Canazei side, at about 8-8.5 miles (13-14 km) at 4.5% and just over 1,970 ft (600 m) of climbing. The Caprile side has almost twice the elevation gain.