Kühtai
Hors Catégorie24 km
Distance
1488 m
Elevation Gain
6.2%
Average Gradient
14%
Max Gradient
Austria's highest ski resort pass and the defining climb in the Innsbruck cycling arsenal. From Kematen im Ötztal the road climbs 1,488m over 24km to the Kühtai pass at 2,020m — one of the highest paved roads in Tyrol accessible from Innsbruck without a car transfer. The gradient averages 6.2% with sections touching 14% on the middle ramps, but the consistent demands over 24km make this a serious aerobic undertaking. The Tour de Suisse has climbed Kühtai and Tirreno-Adriatico has featured the road in recent editions. The upper section above 1,500m opens onto dramatic high alpine meadows with views back across the Inn valley that reward every metre of the climb.
Pro Tip
Start from Innsbruck city centre for a complete 70km round trip that begins at 574m and summits at 2,020m — a genuine Alpine epic without needing a car. The descent on the Sellraintal side to Kematen offers an alternative return route for a point-to-point experience requiring a car transfer. Fill bottles in Kematen before the final 15km above the snowline in early season.
Part of
Cycling in Innsbruck & Tyrol