From Misurina, at 5,778 ft (1,761 m), to Rifugio Auronzo at 7,612 ft (2,320 m), at the foot of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, it’s 4.5 miles (7.2 km) at an average 7.8% and about 1,840 ft (560 m) of climbing. The average tells you nothing: the climb has an almost flat first section and a brutal finish.
The climb, section by section
- Misurina to Malga Rin Bianco (1.9 miles, or 3.1 km, at 2.5%). Cruising past Lake Antorno. This is the moment to drink and get ready.
- Malga Rin Bianco to Rifugio Auronzo (2.5 miles, or 4.1 km, at 11.7%). On the toll road, at an almost constant grade with 18% ramps. It’s one of the hardest summit finishes in the Giro d’Italia.
The final section comes from salite.ch (4.06 km and 476 m, from 1,844 to 2,320 m) and matches the roughly 12% the Giro gives; the first section is what’s left from Misurina.
A note on the numbers
The Giro gives 7.2 km and 547 m of climbing; salite.ch, 7.2 km and 576 m, though it measures up to 2,333 m. We use the start at Misurina (1,761 m) and the finish at Rifugio Auronzo (2,320 m), which give 559 m. The Giro also says the first mile (1.5 km) is over 10%, which contradicts its own description of the flat section and the altitudes, so we leave it out.
Giro d’Italia history
In 1967 the Udine-Tre Cime stage was annulled because spectators had been pushing riders: Felice Gimondi had crossed the line first. The next year, on June 1, 1968, in rain and snow, Eddy Merckx clawed back about 10 minutes on the breakaway, won the stage and took the maglia rosa on the way to his first Grand Tour win. Other winners here include José Manuel Fuente (1974), Beat Breu (1981), Lucho Herrera (1989), Riccardo Riccò (2007), Vincenzo Nibali (2013, in a snowstorm that sealed his Giro) and Santiago Buitrago (2023).
When to go, water and traffic
The final road, from Misurina to Rifugio Auronzo, is a toll road for cars, with limited capacity, and a Dolomiti Bus also runs up it. Many cyclists say they don’t pay but have to pass the barrier, where lines form; we haven’t found an official rule. July and August are very crowded. You can eat at Rifugio Auronzo. There are longer versions from Auronzo di Cadore, from Carbonin and from Passo Tre Croci.
What gearing to use
For 2.5 miles (4 km) at 11-12% with 18% ramps, a 34x32 or 34x34. At 3 W/kg (watts per kilo of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 4.7 mph (7.6 km/h) on 12%; on a 34x34 you’ll pedal around 60 rpm. Compare in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Don’t burn matches on the flat by the lake: all that counts is the final 2.5 miles (4 km).
- Go early to avoid the toll lines and the buses.
- At the top, walk around the Tre Cime: it’s one of the most famous hikes in the Alps.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb the Tre Cime di Lavaredo from Misurina?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 39 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 47 min at 2.5 W/kg and 30 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
Do cyclists pay the toll at the Tre Cime?
The final road to Rifugio Auronzo is a toll road for cars. Many cyclists say they don't pay, but we haven't found an official rule confirming it.
Who has won at the Tre Cime di Lavaredo?
Eddy Merckx (1968), José Manuel Fuente (1974), Beat Breu (1981), Lucho Herrera (1989), Riccardo Riccò (2007), Vincenzo Nibali (2013) and Santiago Buitrago (2023).
What is the steepest grade on the Tre Cime?
18% according to the Giro d'Italia; Italian Wikipedia mentions peaks of 19%.