Passo Scaparina

Overview

Passo Scaparina is a long, patient climb. Over 22.3 km it lifts you from 270 m at the base to 1119 m at the summit, a net gain of 849 m. On paper the 3.81% average gradient reads as gentle — the kind of number that fools you into starting too hard. But length is its own difficulty, and a Category 2 rating tells you this climb earns respect through sheer duration rather than relentless steepness. The total ascent of 828 m sits just below the net figure, which means the road climbs almost continuously with only the faintest downhill relief along the way.

How the Gradient Unfolds

The defining feature of Scaparina is the gap between its average and its maximum. A 3.81% mean over 22.3 km suggests a smooth, rolling drag, but the 15.17% max gradient proves the road is not uniform. Expect long stretches near or below the average — false flats where you can settle into rhythm and turn a big gear — punctuated by short, sharp ramps that spike well into double digits. Those pitches are where the climb bites. Because the summit sits at 1119 m and only 828 m of that is actual ascent, the profile is honest: what goes up mostly stays up. The challenge is managing effort across a distance long enough that pacing errors compound.

Pacing Notes

On a climb this long, discipline beats ambition. Ride the opening kilometres a touch under what feels comfortable and save something for the steep ramps, where the gradient does the work of raising your heart rate for you. A sensible target is to hold the flatter sections just below your FTP, then allow controlled surges over the 15.17% pitches before easing back to threshold. If you don't know your threshold power, run the numbers through the FTP estimator before you tackle 22.3 km of sustained work — going out too hot here is punished slowly and thoroughly. The 849 m of climbing accumulates fatigue gradually, so protect your legs early.

Gearing

The average is modest, but the 15.17% max is what dictates your cassette. For most riders a compact 34-tooth inner chainring paired with a wide cassette is the right call. A 34×32 will get you up the steep ramps if you have strong legs and don't mind grinding, but on a climb of this length — where those pitches arrive with tired legs deep into 22.3 km — a 34×34 gives you the extra spin to protect your knees and keep cadence high. If in doubt, err toward the easier ratio; you will never regret having one more gear on a long climb.

Summary

Passo Scaparina rewards patience. It is a 22.3 km endurance effort at a friendly 3.81% average, sharpened by a 15.17% maximum that keeps you honest. Pace it evenly, gear it generously, and let the 849 m come to you.

Length: 22.3 km
Average gradient: 3.81%
Max gradient: 15.17%
Start: 270 m
Summit: 1119 m
Net gain: 849 m
Total ascent: 828 m
Category: 2