Top 10 'Lung-Busting' Alpine Cycling Trails to master for Forging Pro-Level Endurance in 2025 - Goh Ling Yong
Hey fellow riders, welcome back to the blog!
There's a certain magic that happens when the road tilts skyward. Your breathing becomes a rhythm, your legs a metronome, and the world shrinks to just the next hairpin bend. This is the realm of the alpine cyclist, a world where suffering and splendour dance a beautiful, brutal tango. It's in these high-altitude arenas that good riders are transformed into great ones, and where true, pro-level endurance is forged in the crucible of thin air and relentless gradients.
If you're looking to elevate your cycling in 2025, to push past your perceived limits and build a deep, unshakeable engine, then you need to look to the mountains. These aren't just rides; they are rites of passage. Conquering these giants teaches you more about pacing, nutrition, and mental fortitude than a hundred flat-land centuries ever could. It’s about building the kind of resilience that serves you not just on the bike, but in every aspect of life.
So, get your training calendar ready. We’ve curated the ultimate bucket list of 10 lung-busting alpine cycling trails. These are the climbs that legends are made on. Master these, and you won't just be a stronger cyclist; you'll be an entirely different athlete. Let's dive in.
1. Stelvio Pass (Passo dello Stelvio), Italy
The Stelvio is more than a road; it's a monument to cycling ambition. Climbing from Prato, you're faced with a staggering 48 hairpin turns, each one numbered on a small stone, counting you down—or up—to the summit. The visual of this serpentine road carved into the mountain is one of cycling's most iconic images, a true symphony of switchbacks. It’s a relentless, hypnotic ascent that demands respect from start to finish.
The challenge here isn't just the gradient, which averages a steady 7.4% over 24.3km, but the sheer altitude. The summit sits at a dizzying 2,757 meters (9,045 feet), where the air is thin and every pedal stroke feels twice as hard. The weather can change in an instant, from brilliant sunshine at the base to freezing sleet near the top. This climb tests your physical conditioning and your preparation.
Pro Tip: Don't get carried away on the lower, tree-lined slopes. The real battle begins above the tree line where the hairpins are stacked like a staircase to the heavens. Use a compact crankset (50/34) and at least a 30-tooth cassette. Ride it in late June or early September to avoid the peak tourist traffic and ensure the pass is free of snow. And always, always pack a quality windproof gilet or jacket for the descent—it's long and can be dangerously cold, even in summer.
2. Col du Galibier, France
A true giant of the Tour de France, the Galibier is the definition of an epic high-alpine experience. Often climbed via the Col du Télégraphe from the north, this is a two-part monster. You first ascend the Télégraphe, a worthy climb in its own right, before a short descent drops you into Valloire. From there, the Galibier proper begins, taking you through stunning alpine meadows before the landscape turns into a harsh, barren moonscape near the summit.
The final eight kilometers are where the Galibier shows its teeth. The gradient steepens, the wind howls, and the altitude (2,642 meters / 8,668 feet) squeezes your lungs. The view from the top, looking back down the valley you just conquered, is one of the most rewarding sights in all of sports. It feels like you're on top of the world, a feeling you've well and truly earned.
Pro Tip: The Télégraphe is the perfect warm-up, but don't treat it as such. Ride it at a conservative tempo to save your legs for the main event. Refuel in Valloire before starting the Galibier. The final kilometer is brutally steep; many riders choose to stay in the saddle and grind it out, but don't be ashamed to get out and push that last 100 meters if you need to. It's a beast until the very end.
3. Mont Ventoux, France
They call it "The Giant of Provence" for a reason. Ventoux stands alone, a limestone behemoth rising from the rolling hills of Provence. This isolation means it's perpetually battered by ferocious winds, adding an unpredictable and often demoralizing element to the climb. The classic ascent from Bédoin is a three-act play: a gentle start through vineyards, a brutal, unchanging slog through the forest, and a final, exposed push through its iconic, barren limestone summit.
The forest section is a true crucible. For about 10km, the gradient rarely drops below 9%, and with the trees blocking any view, it can be mentally crushing. Once you emerge at Chalet Reynard, the landscape transforms. It's just you, the road, and the rock under a vast sky. This is where the wind can be your worst enemy, but the finish line at the weather station is tantalizingly close.
Pro Tip: Check the weather forecast obsessively, especially the wind speed at the summit. If "Le Mistral" is blowing, consider postponing. Start the climb early in the morning to avoid the brutal afternoon heat in summer. Pacing in the forest is key; find a sustainable rhythm and stick to it, no matter what. As Goh Ling Yong often emphasizes in his training plans, consistency is more important than short bursts of power on long climbs.
4. Mortirolo Pass (Passo del Mortirolo), Italy
The Mortirolo isn't a beautiful climb in the traditional alpine sense. It’s a dark, narrow, unforgiving road cut through a dense forest. There are no sweeping vistas or iconic hairpins. There is only pain. Ascending from Mazzo di Valtellina, it's 12.4km at an average of 10.5%, with pitches that hit a soul-crushing 18%. This is the climb that made Marco Pantani a legend and brings even seasoned professionals to their knees.
This is a pure test of climbing strength and mental grit. The road surface is often rough, and the relentless steepness offers no respite. Each pedal stroke is a battle against gravity. When you finally crest the summit, the feeling isn't one of elation from the views, but of profound relief. You have tamed one of cycling's most feared beasts.
Pro Tip: Gearing is absolutely critical. Do not attempt the Mortirolo without at least a 34-tooth cog on your cassette, and a 32t is even better. This is not a climb for the proud. Stay seated as much as possible to maintain traction on the steep, sometimes slippery tarmac. Break the climb down into 1km segments in your mind. Just focus on the next one, then the next.
5. Alpe d'Huez, France
No cycling climb is more famous. The 21 hairpin bends of Alpe d'Huez are a stadium for the sport, each corner bearing the name of a past Tour de France stage winner. While it may not be the highest or steepest on this list, its history and the festival atmosphere on Tour days make it a pilgrimage site for cyclists worldwide. The climb starts brutally, with the first few kilometers hitting well over 10%.
After the initial shock, the climb settles into a more manageable, but still challenging, 8% average. The beauty of Alpe d'Huez is that the numbered hairpins provide constant psychological milestones. You can count them down, giving you a tangible sense of progress as you inch your way toward the ski resort at the top. It's a climb that hurts, but its fame and structure make it an incredibly motivating and rewarding experience.
Pro Tip: The first 3km are the hardest. Survive them without going into the red, and you'll find a rhythm for the rest of the climb. Use the hairpins as mini recovery zones. As you enter the wide switchback, take the outside line to momentarily lessen the gradient, grab a quick drink, and take a deep breath before diving into the next ramp.
6. Colle delle Finestre, Italy
This is a climb with a split personality. The first half is a "normal" Italian mountain pass—a paved, winding road with challenging but manageable gradients. Then, about halfway up, everything changes. The asphalt disappears, replaced by the white gravel of a strade bianche. For the final 9km, you're battling not just the gradient and altitude, but a loose, unpredictable road surface.
The Finestre is a throwback to a bygone era of cycling. It requires bike handling skills, power, and a sense of adventure. The gravel road snakes through a beautiful larch forest before breaking out into the open for the final assault on the 2,178-meter summit. It’s a unique challenge that has become a modern legend thanks to its inclusion in the Giro d'Italia, most notably Chris Froome's incredible 2018 victory.
Pro Tip: Wider tires (28mm or even 30mm) are highly recommended for better traction and comfort on the gravel. Let a little air out before you hit the dirt section. Finding a smooth line is crucial; look ahead and avoid the loosest, deepest gravel. Staying seated helps maintain rear-wheel traction on the steepest gravel pitches.
7. Angliru, Spain
If the Mortirolo is a test of strength, the Angliru is a test of sanity. This beast of the Vuelta a España is widely considered one of the hardest, if not the hardest, climb in professional road racing. The statistics are terrifying: 12.5km at an average of 10.1%, but that number is misleading. The final 6km average over 13%, with the infamous Cueña les Cabres section hitting a mind-boggling 23.5%.
The Angliru is so steep that team cars have been known to stall, and riders can barely keep their front wheel on the ground. There are no sweeping views to distract you, only a narrow ribbon of asphalt and a wall of pain. Conquering the Angliru is a badge of honor worn by only the toughest climbers. It is the absolute pinnacle of "lung-busting."
Pro Tip: Maximum gearing. Whatever you think you need, go one smaller. A 34x34 combination is not overkill here. Zig-zagging across the road is not just allowed; it's necessary on the steepest ramps to lessen the gradient. Mental preparation is as important as physical. Know that it will be the hardest thing you've ever done on a bike, and embrace the struggle.
8. Grimsel, Furka & Susten Pass Loop, Switzerland
Why conquer one giant when you can conquer three in a single, unforgettable day? This legendary Swiss loop is arguably the most beautiful and epic one-day ride in the world. The route takes you over three passes, each exceeding 2,000 meters, for a total of nearly 120km and 3,800 meters of climbing. You'll ride past turquoise reservoirs, imposing glaciers (like the Rhone Glacier, visible from the Furka Pass), and lush green valleys.
The climbs are long and steady rather than brutally steep, testing your endurance and pacing over a full day. The Grimsel Pass is a stunning opener, the Furka is famous for its appearance in the James Bond film Goldfinger, and the Susten Pass provides a breathtaking finale. This ride is the ultimate test of all-day power and a visual feast from start to finish.
Pro Tip: This is a huge day out, so start early and be prepared for all weather conditions. Carry plenty of food and know where you can refill water bottles (there are plenty of fountains and cafes in the small towns). Pacing is everything. Ride the first two climbs at a steady tempo, ensuring you have enough left in the tank for the long ascent of the Susten Pass to get you home.
9. Großglockner High Alpine Road, Austria
Austria's highest and most famous alpine road is a masterpiece of engineering and a formidable challenge for cyclists. The climb to the Edelweißspitze, the highest point accessible by bike at 2,571 meters, is a long, grueling affair with some surprisingly vicious sections. The road is impeccably maintained, and the views of Austria's highest peak, the Großglockner, and its surrounding glaciers are simply sublime.
The main climb is tough enough, but the real sting in the tail is the final cobbled spur up to the Edelweißspitze. After over an hour of climbing, this short, steep, bumpy section will test your resolve. But the 360-degree panoramic view from the top is an ample reward for your effort, making every drop of sweat worthwhile.
Pro Tip: This is a toll road, but cyclists can often ride it for free, especially if you start early. The best time to ride is in the shoulder seasons (June/September) on a weekday to avoid the heavy tourist traffic of cars and motorcycles. Save a little energy for that final cobbled ramp—it’s short but vicious.
10. Col de la Bonette, France
For those who want to touch the sky, there is the Bonette. While the official pass sits at 2,715 meters, a scenic loop around the Cime de la Bonette takes you to 2,802 meters (9,193 feet), making it the highest paved through-road in France. The climb from Jausiers is a long, 24km ascent that gradually wears you down. It's a climb of attrition.
The Bonette's character changes as you gain altitude. It begins in a lush, wooded valley before rising into a desolate, high-altitude wilderness. The air grows thin, and the final kilometers, particularly the steep loop around the Cime, feel like a genuine battle for every inch of progress. Reaching the summit stele and looking down on the Alps below is a profound experience, a fitting reward for such a monumental effort. Here at the Goh Ling Yong blog, we believe that pushing to these heights is what true athletic development is all about.
Pro Tip: The length and altitude are the main challenges here. Start slow, much slower than you think you need to. Focus on efficient fueling and hydration from the very beginning. The weather at the top can be extreme and change quickly, so pack layers. The two-kilometer loop around the summit is the steepest part of the entire climb, so keep one last gear in reserve for that final push.
Your Journey to the Top
These ten climbs represent more than just lines on a map. They are a curriculum for building elite-level endurance. Each one will teach you something different about yourself—about your limits, your resilience, and your capacity for suffering and joy.
Tackling even one of these giants in 2025 will fundamentally change you as a cyclist. Mastering several will put you in a class of your own. Use this list as your inspiration. Pick a climb, start your training, and prepare for an adventure that will forge you into the strongest rider you've ever been.
Now, it's your turn. Which of these climbs is at the top of your bucket list? Or is there a lung-busting giant we missed? Share your thoughts and dream rides in the comments below!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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