From Selva di Cadore (4,311 ft / 1,314 m) to Passo Giau (7,336 ft / 2,236 m) it’s 6.3 miles (10.1 km) at an average of 9.1% with 3,025 ft (922 m) of climbing and 29 numbered hairpins. Salite.ch gives those figures, and Climbfinder agrees on the elevation gain (3,028 ft / 923 m) over 6.1 miles (9.8 km), because it starts a little higher.
What the climb is like
The Giau makes no concessions: the grade stays near 9-10% almost the whole way, with its hardest kilometer above 11% and ramps up to 14%. The road, the SP 638, has excellent pavement and runs through three avalanche tunnels. The upper part, above the meadows, is in full sun with views of the Dolomite walls. There’s a bar and restaurant at the top.
We don’t publish a section-by-section profile because the sources don’t break it down the same way.
Giro d’Italia history
The Giro d’Italia first climbed it in 1973, with José Manuel Fuente first to the top; that year it was also the Cima Coppi, the race’s highest point, as it was again in 2011 and 2021. In 2021, bad weather forced the Pordoi to be cut, the Giau became the stage’s high point and Egan Bernal crested it first before winning in Cortina. Riders first over the top include Leonardo Piepoli (2007), Emanuele Sella (2008), Stefano Garzelli (2011), Domenico Pozzovivo (2012), Darwin Atapuma (2016), Derek Gee (2023) and Giulio Ciccone (2026).
When to go, water and traffic
Go from June to September: in winter avalanches often close the road. On summer weekends there’s quite a bit of traffic, especially motorcycles. There are few fountains and nothing to eat on the climb; at the top, the mountain hut. Other sides: from Pocol, near Cortina (5.3 miles / 8.6 km at 8.3%), and the long south side from Caprile (9.7 miles / 15.6 km at 7.9%).
What gearing to use
For more than an hour at 9-10%, a 34x32. At 3 W/kg and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 5.6 mph (9 km/h) on 10%, which is about 67 rpm in a 34x32. If you’re short on watts, a 34x34. Compare options in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Start easy: the climb doesn’t give you a single yard of rest.
- Wear sunscreen for the upper part.
- Combine it with the Falzarego or the Tre Cime for a Dolomites route.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb Passo Giau from Selva di Cadore?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 1 h 02 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 1 h 14 min at 2.5 W/kg and 47 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
How many hairpins does Passo Giau have?
Twenty-nine numbered ones on the Selva di Cadore side, plus three avalanche tunnels.
Has the Giau been the Cima Coppi?
Yes, in 1973, 2011 and 2021. In 2021, with the Pordoi cut because of bad weather, Egan Bernal was first over the top.