Tonale Pass

Overview

Tonale Pass is a long, patient category 1 climb that trades brute steepness for sheer duration. Over 28.8 km you rise from 638 m to a summit at 1871 m, a net gain of 1233 m at an average gradient of just 4.28%. That number tells you most of what you need to know: this is not a wall to be attacked but a distance to be managed. The total ascent of 1220 m sits close to the net gain, which means the road climbs almost relentlessly upward with little in the way of descending relief to break the rhythm. It is a climb that rewards riders who can settle into a sustainable effort and hold it for a long time.

How the Gradient Unfolds

A 4.28% average across 28.8 km is gentle on paper, but averages hide the shape of a road. The maximum pitch touches 10.8%, so there are ramps here that bite well above twice the average. Expect the climb to breathe in and out: shallower drags where you can carry momentum and shift up, punctuated by steeper kicks that force you back into the saddle and down through the gears. Because the total ascent of 1220 m tracks so closely with the 1233 m of net gain, there is almost no false flat or descent to recover on. The effort is cumulative, and the steep sections landing after many kilometres in your legs will feel harder than their gradient alone suggests.

Pacing Notes

Duration is the defining challenge, so pace by power, not by feel. Aim to sit comfortably below your FTP for the bulk of the 28.8 km, keeping a percentage in reserve to absorb the 10.8% ramps without spiking into the red. Going out too hard in the first third is the classic error on a climb this long — the final steep pitches punish anyone who has already spent their matches. If you do not know your threshold number, use the FTP estimator to set realistic targets before you ride. Fuel and drink early and often; a climb measured in the tens of minutes is decided as much by glycogen as by watts.

Gearing

The modest 4.28% average tempts riders to bring too little gear, but the 10.8% maximum and the fatigue of 28.8 km argue for a wide range. A compact chainring paired with a broad cassette is ideal. A 34×32 covers most of the climb and gives you a bailout for the steeper kicks. If you want more comfort, or if you are climbing on tired legs, step up to 34×34 — the extra spin protects your knees and lets you keep cadence high across the long middle section rather than grinding. There is no penalty for carrying an easier gear you never use; there is a real one for running out of ratios at 10.8%.

Summary

Tonale Pass is a test of endurance and pacing more than raw climbing power: long, steady, and unforgiving in its length, with just enough steep pitches to keep you honest. Manage your effort, gear generously, and let the distance come to you.

Length: 28.8 km
Average gradient: 4.28%
Max gradient: 10.8%
Start: 638 m
Summit: 1871 m
Net gain: 1233 m
Total ascent: 1220 m
Category: 1