Monte Ologno: Driving the steep 13% Giro d’Italia climb in Piedmont
Monte Ologno is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,168 meters (3,832 ft) above sea level, located in the Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, in the Piedmont region of Italy. Rising above the western shore of Lake Maggiore, the climb features steep gradients that were featured in the 2015 Giro d'Italia.
| Road facts: Monte Ologno | |
|---|---|
| Location | Piedmont, Italy (near Lake Maggiore) |
| Elevation | 1,168 m (3,832 ft) |
| Length | 10.4 km (6.4 miles) |
| Average Gradient | 9% |
| Max Gradient | 13% |
| Surface | Paved (Narrow) |
Where is the road to Monte Ologno?
The road is located in northwestern Italy, in the mountains directly above Verbania and Lake Maggiore. The route climbs through dense chestnut and birch forests in the Prealpine hills.
Is the road to Monte Ologno paved?
Yes, the road to the pass is fully paved, but the asphalt is narrow and frequently single-lane. Passing oncoming vehicles requires using the few widened turnouts along the route. The asphalt lacks guardrails along several turns, and water runoff from the mountain slopes leaves gravel and damp patches on the pavement in shaded forest sections.
How steep is the climb to Monte Ologno?
Starting from the lower slopes near the lake, the climb spans 10.4 kilometers (6.4 miles) with a continuous average gradient of 9%. Steep ramps reaching up to 13% hit within the first two kilometers. The gradient remains steadily above 8% for almost the entire ascent, forcing engines to work hard in low gears.
What are the main driving hazards on Monte Ologno?
The primary hazard on Monte Ologno is the combination of the narrow road width and the steep, continuous descent. Drivers descending toward Lake Maggiore must use low gears to engine brake and prevent brake pads from overheating. Fog and heavy moisture from the nearby lake can quickly make the narrow pavement slick.