The Jaufenpass, or Passo Di Monte Giovo, is the northernmost pass that is totally covered on Italian ground. It lies in the heart of South Tyrol and connects the town of Vipiteno/Sterzing to Meran. It is the shortest possible way to get from the Passeier valley to the Eisack valley.

The northeaster climb actually starts from the village of Gasteig/Casateia and is a very steady climb lasting 15,9 kilometers with all kilometers having average gradients between 6% and 8% except for the flatter start and finish of the climb. In the first half, the long and regular switchbacks lead out of the forest to above tree line.

The southwester side of the climb is far more challenging as the heat is often really knocking on the perfect asphalt and since the climb is way longer and starts at quite a low altitude (690m) in the village of Sankt Leonhard in Passerei/San Leonardo in Passiria. The complete climb is shaped in beautiful serpentines, from the deep valley, through the wooded area until the upper Alpine part. Again, gradients are very regular, having 19,4kms at 7% or 8% except for a little rest in the middle with two kilometers at 4-5%.