Passo Nigra (Prato)

Start Town	Altitude	Elevation Gain	Length	Gradient	Difficulty	Rating
Prato all'Isarco	1,688m	1,279m	26.0 km	4.9%	940	***

Climb Description

The ascent from Prato all'Isarco is probably the 'classic' way to climb to Passo Nigra. It is a varied climb with open scenery, passing through picturesque villages, before entering a delightful forest which continues until the pass.

However, the other two ascents to the pass from the Bolzano side are quieter and we would recommend these as they are a bit more enjoyable to ride.

Passo Nigra is usually open from May to October.

Roads & Traffic

The road surface is generally in good condition although it is slightly broken in places.

The first few kilometres after Prato Isarco is quite busy and the traffi (including buses and a few trucks) is bothersome. However, it does gradually thins out and, after the village of Tires, the road is pretty quiet and enjoyable for riding. Descending this side is less of an issue, as you will probably be going at a similar speed to the traffic and so will get overtaken much less.

Alternative Routes

Passo Nigra can also be climbed from the west starting from Bolzano and Brie.

From the east, the pass is just a short extension of the climb to Passo Costalunga.

Nearby Climbs

Passo Costalunga

Passo delle Erbe

Passo Sella

Passo Pordoi

Passo Campolongo

Passo Gardena

Cycling Holidays

Passo Nigra is climbed on our Dolomites & Italian Alps holiday, which tackles the iconic cycling ascents of Northern Italy from Zoncolan to Mortirolo.

In the links below you can find out more about this and some of the other tours that we run in high mountains.