How hard is Mortirolo?

Classified as Super Hors Catégorie, Mortirolo is one of the most demanding climbs you’ll face — save your best legs for this one.

How long is Mortirolo?

Mortirolo is 12.2km long with 1,326m of elevation gain. At a typical climbing pace, expect the ascent to take roughly 1 hour and 13 minutes.

Where does Mortirolo start?

Mortirolo starts on the Strada in Lombardy, Italy. The starting coordinates are 46.2547°N, 10.2522°E.

What is the steepest section of Mortirolo?

The steepest 100-metre section of Mortirolo hits 17.7%. A brutal pitch that demands commitment and the right gearing. The average gradient across the full climb is 10.8%.

How many hairpins does Mortirolo have?

Mortirolo has 33 hairpin bends. Each switchback offers a brief respite from the gradient before the road kicks up again.

SHC Strada

Mortirolo

Lombardy, italy

Mortirolo is one of cycling's great tests — 12.2km of sustained climbing, gaining 1,326m from base to summit. Averaging 10.8%, the road kicks to 17.7% at its steepest — a brutal pitch that demands respect. The 33 hairpin bends define this climb — each switchback a landmark, each straight a test of resolve. The road reaches 1,868m — high enough to feel the altitude on tired legs. Located in Lombardy, Italy.

The crux hits between km 3 and km 8 — 28km above 10% averaging 13.7%.
More vertical gain than 98% of climbs in Italy.
Higher summit than 98% of climbs in Italy.
One of only 119 Super Hors Catégorie climbs in the database.
The 9th climb in Lombardy by difficulty.

Mortirolo

Lombardy, italy

12.2km 1326m 10.8%

SHC

Distance

12.2km

Avg Gradient

10.8%

Max Gradient

17.7%

Elevation Gain

1326m

Summit

1,868m

Wall Rating

7.6

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Conditions

Best time to ride: Spring to Autumn

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Temperature

3.2° Cold

7.1° Cool

9.1° Cool

11.9° Cool

16.4° Mild

22° Warm

23.7° Warm

23° Warm

19.4° Mild

14.9° Mild

8° Cool

4.4° Cold

Rainfall

54mm Light

48mm Light

71mm Light

132mm Wet

178mm Wet

159mm Wet

168mm Wet

191mm Wet

123mm Moderate

199mm Wet

153mm Wet

125mm Moderate

Wind

5km/h Calm

6km/h Calm

7km/h Calm

6km/h Calm

5km/h Calm

What things cost

Typical prices in Italy

€1.50

Coffee

€5.00

Beer

€12.00

Meal

€1.00

Water

The Story

Where the Road Rides You

The Mortirolo is the climb that riders fear most. At 10.5% average gradient with sustained sections above 15%, it is not a climb you ride — it is a climb that rides you.

The Climb

From Mazzo di Valtellina, the road climbs 1,300m in just 12.4km through dense forest on a narrow, winding road. There are no hairpins to offer respite — the gradient simply doesn't relent. The first 3km average 12%, and it only gets harder.

The steepest section, around km 7-8, touches 18%. At this point, even the lowest gear feels insufficient and the only strategy is survival. The forest provides shade but also an oppressive, enclosed feeling — you can't see the summit, you can't gauge your progress, you can only suffer.

The Legend

Marco Pantani's attack on the Mortirolo in the 1994 Giro d'Italia is one of cycling's defining moments. He gained minutes on the field, dancing on the pedals where others could barely turn them. The stone memorial to Pantani near the summit is a place of pilgrimage.

Pro Tip

Use a 34x32 or lower. Seriously. Even strong climbers need their lowest gear here. The road surface is rough in places — stay seated to maintain traction. There is no water on the climb.