Ampferehöchi

Overview

Ampferehöchi is a 6.1 km category 3 climb in Switzerland that trades brute steepness for steady, honest effort. It starts at 303 m and tops out at 580 m, a net gain of 277 m at an average gradient of 4.57%. That average tells most of the story: this is a rolling, sustainable climb rather than a wall. The steepest recorded pitch reaches 7.79%, firm enough to sting but never so severe that it forces you out of the saddle for long. With a total ascent of 257 m across the ride, the road gives back a little in short reliefs, keeping the climbing honest without stacking up cruel ramps.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The gap between the 4.57% average and the 7.79% maximum is the key number to hold in your head. Roughly three percentage points separate the typical slope from the hardest section, so the climb is far more even than lumpy. Expect long stretches at or just under the average, punctuated by a firmer pitch or two where the road tilts toward that 7.79% figure. The difference between the 277 m net gain and the 257 m total ascent hints at brief flatter or gently descending moments, small recoveries where the gradient eases. Read the climb as a single sustained effort rather than a series of discrete kickers.

Pacing Notes

Because Ampferehöchi is steady, it rewards riders who pace by power rather than by feel. A climb of this length at 4.57% lands squarely in the zone where holding a consistent percentage of your FTP beats surging. Aim to ride the bulk of the 6.1 km at a controlled tempo, then allow yourself a little more on the 7.79% pitch without redlining. If you do not know your threshold, run the numbers through the FTP estimator first so your target wattage is grounded in real data. The 277 m of net elevation gain is small enough that a well-paced rider should crest feeling strong, not shattered.

Gearing

For a category 3 climb averaging 4.57% with a 7.79% ceiling, most riders will be comfortable on a compact setup. A 34×32 lowest gear gives plenty of range to spin the steeper sections without grinding, and it keeps your cadence high across the sustained middle of the 6.1 km. If you prefer to sit and spin, or you are carrying fatigue from earlier climbing, a 34×34 buys a touch more headroom on the 7.79% pitch. Neither is essential for a fit rider, but both make the effort more repeatable across a long day.

Summary

Ampferehöchi is a fair, rhythmic 6.1 km climb: steady enough to pace cleanly, with a single 7.79% high point to respect. Ride it on power, gear for comfort, and enjoy the 277 m of clean elevation gain from valley to summit.

Length: 6.1 km
Average gradient: 4.57%
Max gradient: 7.79%
Start: 303 m
Summit: 580 m
Net gain: 277 m
Total ascent: 257 m
Category: 3