An epic enthralling road to Col di Caneva Pass

# Passo di Col di Caneva: A Mountain Pass Worth the Climb

Tucked away in Belluno Province in Italy's Veneto region, Passo di Col di Caneva sits at a respectable 1,835 meters (6,020 feet) above sea level—and getting there is half the fun.

The route follows SP22, a recently resurfaced road that's equal parts charming and demanding. Starting from Cima Sappada, you're looking at a 9.1 km ascent that climbs 540 meters with an average gradient of 5.9%. Sounds manageable, right? Well, here's the catch: some sections hit a punchy 16.4%, and the road playfully shifts between almost-flat stretches and wickedly steep hairpin turns before settling into a proper high-altitude mountain climb.

What makes this pass special is the variety. You'll weave through the Val Sesis valley, passing a couple of tempting stops along the way—Ristorante Piani del Cristo (1,410m) and the Rhododendron Hut (1,468m)—before the valley opens up to reveal views of M. Chiadenis and M. Peralba. Push through another kilometer and you'll reach Rifugio Sorgenti del Piave, a cozy mountain refuge right at the summit.

Fair warning: this pass can shut down without notice when snow blocks access, so check conditions before heading up. Beyond the summit, a short gravel track leads to a small chapel, but that's where the road ends for good.