Cycling col du Nivolet on MTB

Описание: After a catastrophic mechanical failure sidelined my road bike, I wasn’t ready to give up on one of the most iconic climbs in the Italian Alps — the Colle del Nivolet. So today’s Plan B? Tackle Italy’s third-highest paved road on a mountain bike.

This climb to 2,641 meters starts from Ceresole Reale and winds its way past dramatic alpine lakes and historic hydroelectric service roads. It’s a 40 km+ out-and-back climb that’s as challenging as it is beautiful. The climb itself is brutal on a mountain bike — heavier, slower, and less efficient than a road setup — but the descent? That’s where this setup shines.

You’ll see how I:

Tackle the entire climb on full suspension

Battle strong headwinds, altitude fatigue, and extra gear weight

Ride past stunning glacial lakes like Lago di Ceresole and Lago Serrù

Reach the summit of one of Italy’s most beautiful and remote roads

Drop into a wild, high-speed descent using a dropper post and beefy 4-pot brakes for full control and fun

This ride quickly became one of my all-time favorites. The climb is a true gem — breathtaking views, near-zero traffic, and a sense of total isolation in the mountains. If you’re planning to ride Colle del Nivolet, this video shows you what to expect (especially if you end up doing it the hard way).

🚵‍♂️ Ride Details:

Route: Out-and-back from Ceresole Reale

Summit: 2,641m (8,665 ft)

Road type: Paved, remote, historic

Bike used: Full-suspension MTB (due to road bike damage)

Distance: Approx. 40 km round trip

Max gradient: ~14%

Features: Lakes, hydro dams, summit switchbacks, incredible descent

🎯 Perfect For:

Cyclists researching the Colle del Nivolet climb

Riders wondering if a mountain bike can handle a full alpine pass

Viewers looking for raw, real-world riding stories

Fans of high-mountain adventure and epic descents

📍 Route link + GPX file in the description.
📽️ I’ll also be uploading the full uncut descent separately for those who want to see it uninterrupted!

👍 Like the video if you enjoyed the ride, subscribe to the channel for more European cycling adventures, and drop a comment if you’ve climbed the Nivolet — or plan to!

Ride the route yourself:   / strava  

Follow me on Strava:   / strava  

Join me on instagram   / driftergrifter  

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