The Passo Fedaia, at 2,057 m beneath the glacier of the Marmolada — the highest peak in the Dolomites — owes its reputation to a fearsome final wall on its Veneto side, making it one of the most dreaded climbs of the Giro d’Italia.
A final wall beneath the Dolomites’ highest peak
From Malga Ciapela, the road climbs about 13.9 km for 970 m of elevation gain, averaging 7% — a figure that hides a much harder reality: the first kilometres, fairly rolling, give way to a gradient that steadily steepens past 12% near the top, with ramps close to 18% right before the summit. The pass overlooks Lake Fedaia, a turquoise artificial reservoir, with the north face of the Marmolada and its glacier as a backdrop.
Getting the ride right
The easier opening kilometres can tempt riders to go out too hard: it pays to save something for the final wall, the real difficulty of this climb. The opposite side, from Canazei on the Trentino side, offers a much steadier gradient and makes a less demanding descent or return option.
When to go
July to September, as the road can stay closed by snow until June at this altitude of nearly 2,100 m. The Giro d’Italia has climbed this pass several times, including a decisive mountain time trial stage in 2011.
Good to know
Malga Ciapela, a small resort at the foot of the cable car up to the summit of the Marmolada, offers a limited but useful choice of accommodation, with convenient access to Canazei on the Trentino side to extend a stay in the Dolomites.