Panic over? Snow threat recedes as Colle delle Finestre set to be ready for Giro d’Italia

In the lead-up to the 2025 Giro d’Italia, concerns had mounted over the condition of the Colle delle Finestre, one of the race’s most iconic and challenging climbs. In recent weeks, images of the pass buried under heavy snow circulated online, fuelling fears of another weather-related disruption for the Italian Grand Tour.

The Giro has a long history of being shaped by mountain weather, with snow often forcing route changes or stage cancellations. Last year’s edition, for example, saw dramatic scenes on Stage 16 when riders refused to start amid foul conditions, as race organisers and the peloton clashed over safety.

The original high-altitude route, which would have reached nearly 2500 metres, was deemed too dangerous due to persistent rain and snow. The stage was ultimately shortened to 121 kilometres and rerouted, though not without controversy.

This year, however, there’s cautious optimism. Local authorities have now confirmed that work is underway to prepare the Colle delle Finestre for the Giro’s passage.

“Next week, weather permitting, routine maintenance operations will begin in preparation for the summer reopening, which include checking the dry stone walls upstream and downstream from the roadway and removing vegetation that could potentially obstruct traffic,” the Metropolitan City said in a statement.

“Once the dirt road has been adequately repaired and dried, the final rolling of the road surface is planned in preparation for the Giro d'Italia, a now consolidated practice for the passage of important cycling races.”