Nufenen Pass

Overview

Nufenen Pass is a hors categorie (HC) climb in Switzerland, one of the highest paved passes in the country. It runs 11.2km from a start elevation of 1,349m to a summit at 2,484m, delivering a net elevation gain of 1,135m. At an average gradient of 10.09% over that distance, it sits firmly in the top tier of alpine climbs and demands respect from the opening kilometre.

The number that reframes the effort is the gap between net gain and total ascent. You climb 1,135m net, but the road actually forces 1,524m of total ascent — 389m of extra vertical spread across the profile. That difference is undulation: the road dips and re-climbs rather than rising cleanly. Every metre lost to a descent has to be paid back with interest, so the metabolic cost is higher than a smooth 1,135m gain would suggest.

How the Gradient Unfolds

A 10.09% average is already severe, but averages flatten out the story. On Nufenen, the 389m of extra ascent means the gradient is not evenly distributed — recovery dips lower the average while punchy ramps push well above it. Do not treat 10.09% as your target grade; it is the smoothed midpoint of a jagged line.

• Short flatter or descending sections where the road gives back elevation — chances to shift up and recover
• Repeated short climbs that follow each dip, forcing you to accelerate back onto grade
• Steep ramps that spike well above the 10.09% average, where the pitch bites hardest

Pacing Notes

On an undulating climb like this, even-effort pacing beats even-speed pacing. Chasing a constant speed forces you to surge on every ramp and coast on every dip, spiking your power output and draining your reserves early. Instead, hold a steady sustainable power output and let your speed rise and fall with the terrain — ease slightly on the steep ramps, keep pressure through the flatter dips rather than freewheeling.

The 389m of re-climbing punishes riders who overcook the early pitches, so anchor your effort to a number you can hold for the full 11.2km. Use the FTP estimator to set that ceiling before you arrive, then ride under it on the ramps and let the dips be genuine recovery.

Gearing

The steep pitches govern your gearing, not the average. On a climb this sustained and this steep, run a compact or sub-compact chainset paired with a wide-range cassette — a 34×32 or 34×34 combination keeps your cadence viable when the ramps bite above 10%. Grinding a big gear here will cook your legs long before the summit. Check your setup before the ride: confirm the cassette and derailleur can handle your chosen ratio, and that the chain length is correct for the largest sprocket.

Summary

• Length: 11.2 km
• Average gradient: 10.09%
• Net elevation gain: 1,135 m
• Total ascent: 1,524 m
• Category: HC

Nufenen Pass is a genuine HC test: 11.2km at 10.09% to 2,484m, with 389m of hidden re-climbing layered on top of the 1,135m net gain. Pace it by effort, gear it for the steep ramps, and treat the average as a floor rather than a target.