Almost there. The Rettenbachferner is already sending its icy breath down the valley to the lone cyclist.
A challenge for record hunters: the Ötztal Glacier Road climbs to 2,829 metres, higher than any other asphalt road in the Alps.
Built in 1972, the 14.3 kilometre toll road from Sölden to the glacier ski area has become an endurance test for climbers, with a number of steep steps to contend with for racing cyclists. And the ascent doesn't wait long with nastiness: The first six kilometres to the toll station are eleven to twelve per cent steep. At the toll booth, the road flattens out for a few metres, but only to mercilessly climb back up again immediately afterwards. Four endless hairpin bends later, the ice wall of the Rettenbachferner finally seems to be within reach, but before that, a long straight gnaws away at your strength and morale.
You can find the entire passport profile as a PDF download below.
Downloads:
Pass profile: Austria: Ötztal Glacier Road
