From Bormio (3,993 ft / 1,217 m) to Passo di Gavia (8,599 ft / 2,621 m) it’s 15.8 miles (25.4 km) at an average of 5.6% with 4,695 ft (1,431 m) of climbing, according to CyclingCols. The other sources line up: salite.ch gives 15.9 miles (25.6 km) and 4,606 ft (1,404 m), Climbfinder 15.5 miles (24.9 km) and 4,610 ft (1,405 m), and quäldich 16.2 miles (26 km) and 4,596 ft (1,401 m). CyclingCols adds a bit more because it counts the short dips.
What the climb is like
The 5.6% average is misleading, because the climb has two very different parts:
- Bormio to Santa Caterina Valfurva (about 7.5 miles / 12 km). You head up the valley at gentle grades, around 4%. It’s a long warm-up: save your strength.
- Santa Caterina to the top (about 8.4 miles / 13.5 km). According to salite.ch, from about 5,680 ft (1,730 m) you have 8.4 miles (13.5 km) at 6.5%, with ramps of 11-13% (CyclingCols gives a 13% maximum and Climbfinder 11.2% for the steepest 330 ft / 100 m). The forest disappears and the road climbs through meadows to the Rifugio Bonetta, right on the pass.
About 1.9 miles (3 km) below the summit, on the Bormio side, are the monument and the Rifugio Berni, a starting point for hikes into the Punta San Matteo group.
History
The Gavia is famous for the stage of June 5, 1988: the Giro d’Italia crossed the pass in a snowstorm, climbing from Ponte di Legno and descending to Bormio on this very road. Erik Breukink won, and Andrew Hampsten, second, took the pink jersey and went on to win the Giro. As one of the race’s highest passes, it has been the Cima Coppi several times. In 2013 it was cut because of snow; the last time the Giro climbed it, according to CyclingCols, was in 2014.
When to go, water and traffic
It’s a high mountain pass that closes in winter and can still have snow in late spring: check before you go. Traffic is lighter than on the Stelvio, although there are motorcycles in summer. Fill your bottles in Bormio or Santa Caterina; at the top there’s only the hut. The descent toward Ponte di Legno is narrow and very steep: take it easy.
What gearing to use
At 3 W/kg and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 8.6 mph (13.9 km/h) on 6%; with a 34x28 that’s about 91 rpm. On the 8% ramps you drop to 6.8 mph (11 km/h) and, with a 34x30, about 77 rpm. Check your combinations in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Ride the valley to Santa Caterina below your usual pace: the real climb starts there.
- Bring warm clothes even if it’s hot down low; the weather at the top changes fast.
- Pair the Gavia with its other side: from Ponte di Legno it’s shorter and harder.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb the Gavia from Bormio?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 1 h 43 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 2 h 02 min at 2.5 W/kg and 1 h 20 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
Is the Gavia easier from Bormio or from Ponte di Legno?
From Bormio. It's 15.8 miles (25.4 km) at 5.6%; from Ponte di Legno it's 10.2 miles (16.4 km) at 8.1% on a narrower road.
Where does the hard part of the Gavia from Bormio start?
In Santa Caterina Valfurva, at about 5,680 ft (1,730 m). From there you have about 8.4 miles (13.5 km) at an average of 6.5%, according to salite.ch.