Fuorcla dal Chapütsch

Overview

Fuorcla dal Chapütsch is a Category 1 climb in Switzerland, running 5.8 km from a start elevation of 1,567 m to a summit at 2,097 m. Over that distance it delivers a net elevation gain of 530 m at an average gradient of 9.19%. That average alone marks it as a serious ascent — a climb that rewards riders who arrive with a plan rather than ambition.

But the net figure understates the work. Total ascent is 755 m against just 530 m of net gain, which means 225 m of climbing is effectively repaid by short descents along the way. This undulation is the climb's defining trait: you pay for the same altitude more than once, and every rolling dip forces you to rebuild momentum on the next ramp. Budget your energy for 755 m of vertical, not 530.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The 9.19% average is a blend, not a constant. On an undulating profile like this, some sections sit well below the mean while others spike far above it, and the maximum pitch touches 24.68%. Expect the effort to come in waves rather than as a steady grind.

• Flatter or recovery sections where the road eases and briefly gives back altitude
• Repeated short climbs that stack up to the extra 225 m of total ascent
• A steepest ramp near 24.68% that demands a decisive gear and standing effort

Pacing Notes

The temptation on an undulating climb is even speed — holding the same km/h everywhere. Resist it. Chasing speed on the steep ramps burns matches you cannot get back, and coasting the dips wastes time you already earned. Aim instead for even effort: hold a steady output through the pitches and let your speed rise and fall with the grade.

Anchor that effort to your sustainable power output, riding the steep sections just above it and the flatter sections just below. If you do not know your number, run the FTP estimator before you go, so your pacing target is grounded in data rather than feel.

Gearing

The 24.68% maximum ramp governs your setup. That gradient is too steep to muscle through on road gearing without wrecking your legs early. Fit a compact or sub-compact chainset paired with a wide-range cassette — a 34×32 or 34×34 gives you a bailout gear low enough to spin the steepest pitch at a survivable cadence. Check your chainring and cassette before the ride; discovering you are over-geared at 20% is a mistake you make only once.

Summary

• Length: 5.8 km
• Average gradient: 9.19%
• Maximum gradient: 24.68%
• Net elevation gain: 530 m
• Total ascent: 755 m
• Category: 1

Fuorcla dal Chapütsch is a short climb that fights above its length. At 9.19% average across 5.8 km, with 755 m of total ascent and ramps to 24.68%, it demands even-effort pacing and low gearing. Prepare for both and it becomes a rhythm to manage rather than a wall to survive.