Passo di Paione

Overview

Passo di Paione is a hors catégorie climb, the hardest rating on the scale that runs HC, 1, 2, 3, 4. It covers 16.8 km at an average gradient of 8.6%, lifting you from a start elevation of 305 m to a summit of 1747 m. That is a net elevation gain of 1442 m across a single sustained effort. The total ascent of 1412 m sits just below the net figure, which tells you this is an almost uninterrupted upward drag rather than a climb broken by descents or flat recovery.

An 8.6% average held over nearly 17 km is what earns the HC label. There are no soft stretches implied by these numbers — the difficulty is in the duration as much as the pitch.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The shape here is defined by consistency. With a total ascent of 1412 m and a net gain of 1442 m over the same 16.8 km, the two figures are close enough to confirm that the road climbs the whole way, with barely any give-back along the route. The gap between them is only 30 m, meaning downhill or flat sections are effectively negligible.

Because the maximum gradient is not recorded, treat the 8.6% average as your planning anchor. On a climb this long and this steady, the average is the number that matters: expect long ramps that hover around and above 8.6%, with the effort compounding as the metres tick upward toward 1747 m. The lack of relief is the defining feature — there is nowhere to freewheel and reset your legs.

Pacing Notes

The single most important habit on Paione is restraint in the opening kilometres. Gaining 1442 m of elevation demands a metered effort, and going into the red early on an 8.6% grade is punished for a long time afterward.

Anchor your pacing to your FTP. For a climb of this length, most riders should settle in below threshold and hold a steady, sustainable power rather than chasing surges. If you are unsure of your current threshold, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you plan the climb. Ride to your power ceiling, keep your cadence smooth, and let the summit come to you across the full 16.8 km.

Gearing

Bring climbing gears. With an average of 8.6% sustained for 16.8 km, a compact chainring is the sensible baseline, and your cassette choice determines how comfortably you spin.

A 34×32 will get most fit riders to the top of the 1442 m of gain, but it leaves little margin when fatigue sets in over the closing kilometres toward 1747 m. If you want to protect your cadence and your knees on a climb this long, a 34×34 is the safer call. The extra range lets you keep the pedals turning at a manageable rhythm instead of grinding, which matters enormously when the road refuses to ease off.

Summary

Passo di Paione is a pure test of endurance climbing: long, steep, and unrelenting from 305 m to 1747 m. Respect the 8.6% average, pace to your threshold, and gear generously.

Length: 16.8 km
Average gradient: 8.6%
Max gradient: n/a
Start: 305 m
Summit: 1747 m
Net gain: 1442 m
Total ascent: 1412 m
Category: HC