From Semonzo (705 ft / 215 m) to the summit of Monte Grappa, next to the memorial shrine (about 5,725 ft / 1,745 m), it’s 11.9 miles (19.1 km) at an average of 8.1%, with 5,059 ft (1,542 m) of climbing, according to Climbfinder. CyclingCols starts a little lower, in Semonzetto, and gives 12.1 miles (19.5 km) and 5,207 ft (1,587 m); salite.ch, 11.5 miles (18.5 km) and 5,020 ft (1,530 m).
What the climb is like
The Grappa from Semonzo is a complete climb: almost 5,100 ft (1,550 m) of elevation gain with hardly any rest, from the plain to a viewpoint over the whole Veneto.
- Lower section. You leave Semonzo at the foot of the massif and the road starts stacking up hairpins on the wooded slope. The grade holds at around 8-10% for miles: CyclingCols counts more than 5.6 miles (9 km) above 10% in 100 m segments.
- Middle section. You keep zigzagging upward with the plain dropping farther below. In summer this is where the heat and humidity usually start to bite.
- Upper section. You leave the forest for high meadows and continue to the summit and the memorial.
Sources disagree on the steepest pitch (CyclingCols gives 14% and Climbfinder almost 20% over 100 m), so expect some very hard short ramps.
History
In World War I the Grappa was a key front line. At the summit there’s a large military ossuary, the statue of the Madonna del Grappa and a war museum.
The Giro d’Italia has climbed it many times. According to CyclingCols, in 2014 Nairo Quintana was fastest to the top in the uphill time trial to Cima Grappa; in 2024 the penultimate stage climbed it twice, with Giulio Pellizzari and Tadej Pogačar first over the top; in 2025 it was Lorenzo Fortunato.
When to go, water and traffic
Thanks to its moderate altitude you can ride it from May to October, but in summer the lower slopes are very hot: start early. With so many roads up the mountain, traffic is spread out; on weekends plenty of people drive to the summit. Fill your bottles at the bottom; higher up there are a few mountain huts.
What gearing to use
At 3 W/kg (watts per kilo of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 5.6 mph (9 km/h) on 10%; with a 34x32 that’s about 67 rpm. For nearly two hours with no break at 8-10%, fit a 34x32 or a 34x34. Compare options in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Ride at a low threshold pace: the climb has no rest stretches.
- Avoid the middle of the day in summer.
- Bring a windbreaker: the weather changes fast at the top and the descent is long.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb Monte Grappa from Semonzo?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 1 h 45 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 2 h 06 min at 2.5 W/kg and 1 h 21 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
Why are there so many different numbers for Monte Grappa?
Because there are many roads up it and each database starts at a different point. From Semonzo, Climbfinder gives 11.9 miles (19.1 km) at 8.1%, CyclingCols 12.1 miles (19.5 km) at 8% and salite.ch 11.5 miles (18.5 km) at 8.3%.
What is at the top of Monte Grappa?
A large World War I military ossuary, the statue of the Madonna del Grappa and a war museum.