Bunderchrinde Pass

Overview

Bunderchrinde Pass is a Category 1 climb in Switzerland, running 10.7 km from a start elevation of 1,005 m to a summit of 1,768 m. That gives a net elevation gain of 763 m over the ascent, at an average gradient of 7.13%. On paper, this reads as a steady alpine grind — a length and average that put it firmly in serious climbing territory without tipping into the extreme.

But the average understates the work. The total ascent is 1,200 m, well above the 763 m net gain. The difference — 437 m — is climbing you do and then give back, meaning the route undulates: it kicks up, drops, and kicks up again rather than rising in one clean line. For your legs, that 437 m is real effort with nothing to show for it on the elevation ledger. Budget for it. This climb costs more than its net profile suggests.

How the Gradient Unfolds

A 7.13% average hides a lot. Undulation means some of the gradient budget is spent on descents and flatter recovery, which pulls the average down — so the climbing pitches are steeper than 7.13% to compensate. Expect sharp ramps punctuated by brief relief.

• Flatter and recovery sections where the road eases or dips, giving you a chance to soft-pedal
• Repeated short climbs that stack up to the 1,200 m total ascent
• The steepest ramp, which bites hardest and dictates your gearing choice

Pacing Notes

On a smooth climb you can hold even effort and let speed sort itself out. Bunderchrinde's undulation rewards that discipline even more: chase even speed and you will spike over every ramp and blow up. Anchor your effort to a sustainable power output instead, holding it steady up the pitches and easing on the recovery dips rather than hammering to keep the numbers up. If you do not know that number, use the FTP estimator before you go. Meter the ramps; let the flats come to you.

Gearing

The steepest ramp governs your setup, not the average. Come with a compact or sub-compact chainset and a wide-range cassette — a 34×32 or 34×34 gives you the low gear to spin the steep pitches instead of grinding them. On a climb this long, staying seated and cadence-focused saves your legs for the repeated efforts. Check your chainset and cassette before the ride; you cannot fix gearing on the mountain.

Summary

• Length: 10.7 km
• Average gradient: 7.13%
• Net elevation gain: 763 m
• Total ascent: 1,200 m
• Category: 1

Bunderchrinde Pass is a climb where the total ascent, not the net gain, tells the truth. Pace to sustainable effort, gear for the steepest ramp, and treat the undulation as the real challenge it is.