Known in Italian as the Passo di Monte Giovo and in German as the Jaufenpass, this high pass has crowned three separate Giro d’Italia legends over its long history as one of South Tyrol’s classic climbs.
A long, demanding ascent from the Passeiertal
From San Leonardo in Passiria, it’s 19.5 km for 1,410 m of elevation gain, averaging 7.2%, with sections reaching 12.5%. The road climbs steadily through the Passeier valley before a final push to the 2,094 m summit, the northernmost pass in the Alps entirely within Italy.
Three Giro legends over one summit
The pass has featured in the Giro d’Italia in 1961, when Charly Gaul crested first en route to victory, in 1994 with Marco Pantani leading the way, and again in 1995 with Oliverio Rincón first over the top — three names that define the climb’s place in Giro history.
Getting the ride right
Arm and knee warmers earn their keep here: the long, shaded lower stretches through the valley run noticeably cooler than the exposed final kilometres, and the descent off a 2,094 m summit gets cold fast.
When to go
June to September — snow gates close the pass outside the summer season, and the upper switchbacks can hold snow into early June.
Good to know
A shorter, slightly gentler alternative climbs from Casateia/Gasteig on the northern side, 14.9 km at 7.6%, useful for a there-and-back ride that avoids repeating the harder Passeier ascent on the return leg.