From Cesana Torinese, at 4,442 ft (1,354 m), to Sestriere at 6,677 ft (2,035 m), it’s 7.1 miles (11.4 km) at an average 6.1% and 2,277 ft (694 m) of climbing, according to Climbfinder. Salite.ch gives 11.5 km and 679 m at 5.9%. This is the short side; the long one climbs from the Chisone valley.
What the climb is like
It’s a steady climb with no big surprises, few hairpins and long straights across the slope:
- Leaving Cesana. You take the road to Sestriere and start gaining height above the valley on 6-7% grades.
- The middle. The road climbs across open slopes, with the odd steeper ramp. Climbfinder measures a maximum of 13.4% over 100 m, though these are very short pitches.
- The finish. The last miles ease off and the hotel towers of Sestriere, the resort’s signature image, come into view.
History
Sestriere was born in the 1930s as a ski resort built by Giovanni Agnelli, the founder of FIAT; the two round hotel towers date from that time. At the 2006 Winter Olympics it hosted all the men’s alpine skiing events.
In cycling it has been a start and finish town for both the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia. The most famous stage is Claudio Chiappucci’s in the 1992 Tour: he attacked alone 78 miles (125 km) from the finish and won at Sestriere. The Giro finished there in 2020 (first to the top, Tao Geoghegan Hart) and in 2025 (Chris Harper), the latter after climbing the Colle delle Finestre.
When to go, water and traffic
It’s the access road to the ski resort; by bike, the season runs from June to September. There’s traffic, especially on weekends. There’s water and cafés in Cesana and Sestriere.
What gearing to use
At 3 W/kg (watts per kilo of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 8.6 mph (13.9 km/h) on 6%; on a 34x28 you’ll spin around 91 rpm. A 34x28 is more than enough; a 34x25 will do if you’re strong. Compare in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Link it with the Finestre: from Sestriere you descend the Chisone valley, where the south side of the Finestre begins.
- If you want a long climb, try the Pragelato side from the Chisone valley.
- Bring a wind jacket: it’s often windy at the top.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb Sestriere from Cesana?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 50 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 59 min at 2.5 W/kg and 39 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
What are the sides of the Sestriere climb?
The short one from Cesana Torinese (about 7.1 miles, or 11.5 km, at 6%) and the long one from the Chisone valley via Pragelato, which from Perosa Argentina runs over 23 miles (37 km) at an average under 4%.
What famous stages have finished at Sestriere?
Claudio Chiappucci's in the 1992 Tour de France, after a 78-mile (125 km) solo breakaway. The Giro d'Italia finished there in 2020 and 2025.