
Forcella Pass, The Road That Has it All!
Italy, europe
N/A
1,824 m
extreme
Year-round
# Passo della Forcella
Looking for an epic alpine challenge? Passo della Forcella sits at a serious 1,824m (5,984ft) above sea level in Udine, in Italy's Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. Also called Malga Losa, this pass is no joke.
The road itself is a mixed bag of loose gravel and crumbling concrete, winding its way up a ridiculously narrow corridor with an average gradient of 15%. But here's where it gets spicy—sections hit a brutal 28% steepness, and that's when you'll really feel gravity fighting back. The gravel is loose and rutted with washouts scattered throughout, making every turn a technical puzzle.
Fair warning: hit this road after rain or snow and you're done. The mountain sees serious winter precipitation at this elevation, and closures are common when snow covers the route. Cyclists from around the globe make pilgrimage here specifically to conquer these "infernal slopes," but you've got to time it right.
This is one of those roads that demands respect and good timing—but if you nail it on a clear day, the views and the achievement are absolutely worth every white-knuckle moment.
Where is it?
Forcella Pass, The Road That Has it All! is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.1968, 12.6014
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,824 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 42.1968, 12.6014
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