The Colle Fauniera, in the Val Grana in Piedmont, is one of the overlooked giants of the Italian Alps, renamed “Colle Pantani” by the town of Castelmagno in tribute to the Italian climber, whose statue now stands at the summit.
The profile from Pradleves
From Pradleves, via the Val Grana, expect about 22 km and 1,650 m of climbing, with sections reaching 14% gradient. The narrow, winding road wasn’t paved until 1999 to allow the Giro d’Italia through, and tops out at 2,481 m altitude, one of the highest passes in the Alps.
Getting the ride right
The length and unevenness of the gradient, combined with the altitude, call for careful pacing and a compact or triple chainset to avoid burning out before the steepest sections. The pass’s remoteness also means carrying enough water, as refill points are scarce.
When to go
June to September, as the road is closed the rest of the year due to the altitude and prolonged snow cover. Traffic stays light even in peak season, making it a climb well suited to riders seeking solitude.
Good to know
Pradleves, a small Val Grana village known for the Castelmagno cheese produced in the neighbouring valley, offers limited but authentic accommodation, with access to other remote Piedmont climbs such as the Colle del Preit.
