Head to head
Two brutal Italian climbs within a valley of each other. Which one earns the day?
Our pick is the Passo di Gavia.
Checked by the Drivers Atlas desk
Scored and written by the Drivers Atlas editorial desk, drawing on driven routes across the UK and Europe, mapping data and member road reports. Verdicts weigh road quality, scenery, traffic and how likely you are to actually enjoy the drive on the day. How we score roads.
Last reviewed 11 March 2026
The numbers
| Measure | Passo di Gavia | Passo del Mortirolo |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers Atlas rating | 9.6 | 8.7 |
| Driving score | 9.5 / 10 | 9.0 / 10 |
| Scenery score | 9.6 / 10 | 8.4 / 10 |
| Length | 31 km | 12.5 km |
| Where | Lombardy, Italy | Lombardy, Italy |
| Season | Closed roughly October to June | Snow possible December to March |
Verdict
The Gavia is narrow, high and genuinely wild, with a summit lake and a descent that keeps your attention. It gives you scenery to go with the effort.
The Mortirolo is the harder road and almost devoid of traffic. If you want difficulty without an audience, that is the one.
The roads
Lombardy, Italy
A narrow, unguarded ribbon past Lago Nero that feels wilder than its famous neighbour.
19.3 mi · Rating 9.6 / 10 · 58 min
Lombardy, Italy
Cycling's cruellest climb doubles as a brutally steep, tightly hairpinned driving test.
7.8 mi · Rating 8.7 / 10 · 23 min