Traveling is in full bloom again, and Covid restrictions have relaxed in the country: adventures to Italy are again possible. As you plan your vacation, what better way to social distance than challenging yourself on a classic climb through the mountains. We are updating our Classic Bike Climb guide to review which climbs are less crowded and confirm what establishments are still open. We hope you check back regularly and, if there are specific climbs you want reviewed, drop us a DM at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Bike Riding and Touring in Italy means climbing for most bike riders. As you start to understand how to use bike gears and your fitness level increases, it is natural to migrate toward the mountains and wanting to challenge your skills on some of the Classic Bike Climbs. In Italy, there is no shortage of passes and mountain roads throughout the country, however, it is in the Dolomites that most cyclist come to ride. The Dolomites, the Prealps, and the Alps all have a special appeal and a unique setting of their own. In our guide, we wish to help you to plan your next adventure in the mountains, and find a few great routes off the main tourist route, to get you out where the locals ride.

Most American cyclist know about the Dolomites, but other than the 4 passes of the Sellaronda, they are familiar with only a few other well known routes. Classic climbs in folklore of Italian Racing and utilized in the major Gran Fondo's include: Passo Duran, Passo Giau, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and Passo Falzarego. There are several other climbs to enjoy and, planning the right sequence, you can work your way through most of the best of the best in 7 to 10 days.

The Alps are long, isolated climbs to altitudes about 2500 meters. Running across the entire east and west region of the Northern border, the Alps offer some classic routes for bike touring.  Well known routes include the Passo Stelvio, Passo Gavia, the Mortorola and others.  Riding should be planned between the months of July and August for stable weather.  

The PreAlps are the foothills of the Alps, and are mostly located in the Veneto, Friuli Venezia, and Lombardy regions. The mountains are not particularly tall, with most being just over 2000 meters, but most of the roads are steep and follow old migration paths or resupply routes from the First World War. These are great early season climbs and perfect for mixed fitness levels: ride the wine roads and stop in a walled city, then challenge yourself on some of Europe's hardest climbs while your travel partner enjoys the hotel and local area.