From Edolo (2,293 ft / 699 m) to the Passo del Mortirolo (6,076 ft / 1,852 m) via Monno it’s 10.7 miles (17.2 km) at an average of 6.7%, with 3,783 ft (1,153 m) of climbing. salite.ch and Italian Wikipedia give the same numbers; CyclingCols measures the same climb at 10.7 miles (17.2 km) and 3,835 ft (1,169 m). It’s the “friendly” side of a climb that’s famous for the other one.
What the climb is like
- Edolo to Monno. The first miles follow the Val Camonica valley road, with traffic, and then turn toward Monno (3,497 ft / 1,066 m). This is the gentlest part.
- Monno to the pass (about 6.8 miles / 11 km). This is where the real climb begins. There are some demanding bends at first and then a fairly steady grade of 6-7%, according to Italian Wikipedia. Around kilometer 14 (mile 8.7) there’s a brief false flat before the final stretch.
Don’t expect the endless 12-14% ramps of the Mazzo side here: the gradient changes less and you can climb at a steady rhythm.
History
For years the Mortirolo was an unpaved track called the Passo della Foppa. It entered the Giro d’Italia in 1990, on a stage from Morbegno to Aprica, and it was climbed precisely from Edolo. The descent on the Mazzo side turned out to be so steep and dangerous that in later editions the organizers turned it around and started climbing it from Mazzo, the side that made it legendary.
Since Marco Pantani’s death in 2004, the first rider over the Mortirolo in the Giro wins the Cima Pantani. In 2006 a monument to Pantani was placed at kilometer 8 of the climb from Mazzo.
When to go, water and traffic
The pass isn’t as high as the great Alpine giants and is usually open from late spring to fall, but there can be snow in April and November. The valley section to Monno has traffic; from Monno on it’s a quiet road. Fill your bottles in Edolo or Monno: don’t count on finding water higher up.
What gearing to use
At 3 W/kg (watts per kilo of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 7.6 mph (12.3 km/h) on 7%; with a 34x28 that’s about 80 rpm. This side doesn’t call for the extreme gearing of Mazzo: a 34x28 or 34x30 is enough for almost everyone. Compare options in the gear calculator.
Tips
- If you want the “real” Mortirolo, climb from Mazzo and descend via Monno.
- Be careful on the descent toward Mazzo: it has ramps above 15%.
- Pair the climb with the Gavia or the Aprica, both close by.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb the Mortirolo via Monno?
From Edolo, a 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 1 h 21 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 1 h 36 min at 2.5 W/kg and 1 h 02 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
Is the Mortirolo easier via Monno than from Mazzo?
Much easier. Via Monno it's 10.7 miles (17.2 km) at 6.7% from Edolo; from Mazzo, 7.7 miles (12.4 km) at 10.5%, with long stretches above 12%.
Where does the climb from Monno start?
Monno sits at about 3,497 ft (1,066 m). From there it's about 6.8 miles (11 km) to the pass; before that you climb from Edolo on the valley road.