From Ponte di Legno, Passo Tonale climbs steadily toward the Adamello massif, on a route steeped in history between Trentino and Lombardy.
A steady climb from Ponte di Legno
It’s about 13 km for 630 m of elevation gain, averaging 4.8%, with no marked sections. The summit tops out at 1,883 m, at the foot of the Adamello and Presanella glaciers.
A pass shaped by the Great War
Passo Tonale was an active front of the First World War between Italy and Austria-Hungary. Forts, trenches and military remains still line the area around the pass, now accessible via an open-air museum.
How to approach the ride
The steady gradient allows a sustained pace throughout, making it an ideal climb for getting started with the great Italian Alpine passes without fearing any brutal ramps.
When to climb it
May to October, ideally June to September when the road is fully clear and the surrounding alpine pastures are at their most welcoming.
Good to know
The pass combines easily with a descent toward Vermiglio and the Val di Sole on the Trentino side, or with a link to Passo di Gavia for a more ambitious ride.
