Pico de las Nieves: Cycling Climb

The climb · Spain

About Pico de las Nieves

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Simon Warren’s 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs of Spain

Pico de las Nieves is the highest point on the island of Gran Canaria, a climb of epic proportions. The gradient is moderate on average, but the sheer length and altitude gain make it a serious undertaking, demanding sustained effort and mental endurance.

The climb weaves through forests, volcanic landscapes, and winding roads, offering dramatic views at every stage. Midway, the road presents steeper ramps that break the rhythm and test the legs, while the higher slopes expose riders to strong winds and open skies.

Reaching the summit is a triumph, with panoramic vistas stretching across the island and the Atlantic Ocean. Pico de las Nieves is long, varied, and unforgettable—a true Gran Canaria classic that tests body and spirit alike.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 104 m · Summit 1,932 m

Gradient by distance45.06 km / 2,170 m gain

0 km9 km18 km27 km36 km45.1 km

02 / The crux

Where it gets difficult

Choose a distance to find the steepest continuous section of the climb.

Steepest 500 m average

10.9%

Where to find it

35.60–36.10 km from start

Net height gained: 55 m
Section length: 500 m

The whole climb45.06 km

0 kmFinish

03 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 45.06 km
Elevation gain: 2,170 m
Average gradient: 4.1%
Climb category: HC
Start elevation: 104 m
Summit elevation: 1,932 m

Current weather

At the climb start

Loading weather…

Weather data: MET Norway

04 / Your effort

How long would it take?

Enter the power you could hold for the whole climb. We calculate a moving time from the elevation profile and the forces you ride against.

Sustained power

W/kg

Use your intended climbing effort, rather than FTP unless you can hold it for the predicted duration.

Rider weight (kg)

Bike + kit weight (kg)

Bike + kit includes clothing, bottles and luggage.

Advanced settings

Defaults represent a road-bike scenario. Adjust these settings to match your tyres, drivetrain and riding position.

Effective drag area (CdA) (m²)

Rolling resistance (Crr)

Drivetrain efficiency (%)

Modelled moving time

2 h 46 min

Power throughout: 225 W
Average speed: 16.3 km/h

Based on the 45.06 km elevation profile. Assumes steady power, with no stops, braking or drafting. Rounded to the nearest minute.

The science behind the calculation

For each part of the stored profile, we solve the steady-state cycling power equation for speed, then add distance ÷ speed across the climb. Gravity uses rider + equipment weight; available power is W/kg × rider weight. This uses the profile’s distance and elevation together, without mixing in another route’s metrics.

Power × efficiency = gravity + rolling resistance + air resistance + bearing losses

The resistance equations are adapted from Martin et al. (1998), Validation of a Mathematical Model for Road Cycling Power. Air density changes with profile altitude using NASA’s standard-atmosphere model. This calculator’s adaptation has not been independently validated.

It predicts travel at the power you enter, including on descents. It does not model acceleration, cornering, braking, traffic, wind, changing weather or fatigue. At altitude, choose power you can sustain there: thinner air reduces drag, but this model does not predict its effect on your ability to produce power. Profile quality and assumed equipment settings also affect the result.

05 / On the ground