1. Passo Mortirolo
Our first climb of Christmas 2025 is one I had never been to before this year. It is a real beast of a climb, nicknamed ‘The Bastard’ by the local riders from Bormio. There are many ways up but our group chose to ride the classic route up from Mazzo and the stats are simply terrifying: 12.2km at an average gradient of 10.8% with the steepest 100m reaching 17.7%.
It is of course the Passo Mortirolo. The climb is mostly wooded until you are about 2km from the summit which means it is rare that you get any real sense of progress up this route. Our group rode it on a lovely day in early September and we were lucky with the quiet roads. Plenty of time to contemplate one’s level of fitness and general good sense of taking up cycling in the first place!
However, there is a slightly gentler route up to the top which does give some relief along the way as well as offering some views out over the valley. This climb starts from Grosio and is 12km in length at an average gradient of 9.9% (just ducking under that magic 10%).
Taken together with the Gavia, this is a classic route from Bormio that you can ride on our Bormio and the Stelviopass tour in July 2026, one of our Classic Climbing Tours.
2. Albulapass
Our second climb of Christmas is one of the nicest I have ever ridden. It is located in the far eastern part of Switzerland and begins a short ride down the valley from the internationally renowned ski resort of Davos.
Whilst the road to the foot of the climb can be a little busy, once on the climb itself you are in for 22.5km of heavenly tarmac. The gradient averages out at 6.1% but there are stretches above 9% to get the heart and lungs working hard. You’re accompanied by the Swiss railway for a lot of the climb, with stunning viaducts regularly crossing the road. There’s a great cafe at the top to refresh yourself
It is a stunning and peaceful climb, with an amazing descent down to the town of La Punt in the Engadine valley.
If you fancy coming out and riding this one, get in touch and we can organise you a bespoke trip out the majestic eastern Swiss Alps. This can often be tied in with a trip over to Bormio and the Stelviopass as we did with our group back in September 2025.
3. Passo Gavia
The Gavia, like nothing else I have ever ridden. Combined with the Mortirolo, this climb really is incredible. Taken from the south, a goat track that takes you from Ponte de Legno at 1164m right up to the col at 2622m. Almost 1,500 vertical metres in just under 20km. But the stats don’t tell anything like the full story. The climb winds up through shaded pine forests before breaking out into alpine meadows with cows, horses, sheep and goats to keep you company. The views just get better and better the higher you climb. The road hugs the side of the mountain like a ribbon of pasta, and just keeps going up and up.
The one big watch out is the tunnel a few kilometres from the top of the climb. Make sure you take lights as this tunnel is pitch black, and you’re not alone up there so make sure the cars, motorbikes and other cyclists can see you.
Once out of the tunnel the altitude really kicks in as you struggle the final couple of kilometres to the top where a couple of great restaurants / cafes await. They do great cake at the Rifugo Boneta so be sure to stop for a refuel.
The descent down the north side to Bormio is awesome as well, the views are incredible and the road seems to go on forever.
