Cycling the Zoncolan
What is the Monte Zoncolan climb from Sutrio like?
Its seasons: Spring, Summer.
In short
From Sutrio to the Zoncolan pass it's 13.7 km with 1,208 m of climbing: the first eleven kilometres rise at 8 per cent, the last three at 14 per cent, with ramps of over 20 per cent. It's the gentlest of the three sides, the one the Giro d'Italia used in 2003 and 2021. Trained riders take 45-60 minutes; on an e-bike allow about two hours.
From the house
The Zoncolan pass, climbing from Sutrio. 45-60 min · 13.7 km by bike
Distances and times from our front door, without traffic, worked out on OpenStreetMap.
From Maurizio Mattia's magazine
SUMMER
What sets Zoncolan apart, beyond its pristine nature and varied landscapes, is its “wild spirit”: along the trails, you can discover wild berries, mushrooms, and herbs among meadows and forests, enjoying a truly immersive sensory experience.
Along the way, you may come across a traditional mountain hut (malga), where you can taste local products and take a rest after the climb.
Zoncolan is also a must-visit for cycling enthusiasts: the famous Kaiser Zoncolan climb, with slopes reaching up to 25%, is one of the most iconic finishes of the Giro d'Italia. In summer, local roads and trails also offer routes suitable for road bikes and mountain bikes, with breathtaking scenery.
The summer chairlift allows you to reach the summit comfortably, enjoying the views from above and turning even a simple walk into an unforgettable experience among the Carnic peaks.
Magazine, page 16
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Road routes and MTB trails immersed in nature of Carnia.
Magazine, page 15
Good to know
- Sutrio side
- 13.7 km and 1,208 m of climbing, from 530 to 1,737 m: the first 11 km at 8%, the last 3 at 14%, with ramps of up to 25%. You finish at the Zoncolan pass, at 1,739 m
- Ovaro side
- 10.1 km and 1,203 m of climbing, at 11.9% on average and 22% at most
- Priola side
- the third, and the shortest
- How long from Sutrio
- 45-60 minutes if you are trained, about 2 hours on an e-bike, at least 3 hours for a touring cyclist
- The Giro d'Italia
- seven finishes: 2003 (Simoni) and 2021 (Fortunato) from the Sutrio side; 2007, 2010, 2011, 2014 and 2018 from Ovaro
- FVG8 cycle route
- 36.7 km from Tolmezzo to Paluzza, via Arta Terme and Sutrio, mostly on cycle paths
Questions
- Is it harder from Ovaro?
- Yes. From Ovaro it's 10.1 km at an average of 11.9 per cent, with ramps of 22 per cent. From Sutrio the road is longer and steadier, and the wall only comes at the end.
- How many times has the Giro d'Italia finished here?
- Seven. In 2003 and 2021 from the Sutrio side; in 2007, 2010, 2011, 2014 and 2018 from Ovaro.
- Is there an easier ride?
- The FVG8 cycle route runs through Sutrio: 36.7 km between Tolmezzo and Paluzza, mostly on cycle paths.
Where to stay
The climb starts in Sutrio: you stay at the foot of it.
Da Nonna Tecla, Via S. Nicolò 6A, Sutrio (Udine, Italy)