Welcome to the cutting-edge of uphill cycling
and world's most famous ascents of each of the continents

The Canary Islands offer outstanding climbs with enormous distances and altitude differences that cannot be matched by individual climbs in the Alps. On Tenerife, La Palma and Gran Canaria, you can start at the coast and climb the volcano in the centre of each island on a road bike. The Pico de las Nieves on Gran Canaria described here is not as high as the other two mentioned, but it actually has more altitude to offer due to several counter-climbs. To put it into perspective: with the return trip, the distance and altitude correspond to half of the Ötztal Cycle Marathon.
Start: Maspalomas 34m
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The profile shows several drops in altitude, which are painfully noticeable on the way back.
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In January 2026, there was an unusually large amount of snow at home, so off we went to Gran Canaria to Pico de las Nieves ('Snow Peak').
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The tour starts with a rented bike at sunrise by the hotel pool.
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First, we climb 500 metres to the Mirador Astronomico viewpoint. Here you can see the descent towards Arteara on the right.
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This is followed by a 150-metre descent.
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Camel farm on the way to Fataga
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The small village of Fataga is reached as an intermediate destination.
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Las Palmas :-)
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Behind it, the road winds its way up to San Bartolomé de Tirajana in wide curves.
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The landscape changes along the way. Up here, everything is a little friendlier and greener than near the coast.
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In San Bartolomé, at an altitude of around 1,000 metres, you can stock up on supplies in small kiosks or cafés. You are now halfway there.
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You cycle for a long time towards a wide rock face, which you have had in front of you since the start of the tour. At the end of it, there is a gap in the rock on the far left, which you have to cycle through.
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Behind it, the route descends slightly and then climbs up to Ayacata. At this church, turn off towards Roque Nublo, the landmark of Gran Canaria.
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And again, there are beautiful hairpin bends.
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At Mirador de la Goleta, you can enjoy the view of the 80-metre-high basalt rock – Roque Nublo.
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Shortly afterwards, you will see the radar dome on the summit of Pico de las Nieves for the first time – fortunately without snow.
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There is no sign of the expected almond blossom. Instead, there are burnt trees.
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Only after 43 kilometres you see the first sign to the summit.
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We gather our strength once more and tackle the final climb to the summit. Unfortunately, the end of the cul-de-sac is completely blocked by parked cars.
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But we are rewarded with an impressive view down.
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And finally, after climbing almost 2,300 metres, a beautiful picture of the summit with Roque Nublo in the background and the snow-covered Teide on Tenerife in the far distance on the horizon.