Escalada al Pico de Las Nieves

Escalada al Pico de Las Nieves is a road cycling gran fondo on Gran Canaria, starting from Arucas or Plaza de San Juan in Telde, depending on the format. It is part of Gran Canaria Bike Week, carries UCI accreditation, and sends riders toward Pico de las Nieves, the high mountain point that gives the race its name. The event offers multiple distances, with shorter options around 31, 55, or 71 km and longer gran fondo routes of 125 km or more, suiting both experienced climbers and riders seeking a shorter test. The race is built around climbing from the island’s towns into the central highlands, with versions running from Arucas toward Pico de las Nieves and shorter formats linked with Artenara, the highest village on Gran Canaria. The hardest route reaches about 1,915 meters of altitude, gains more than 3,500 meters, and includes ramps up to 23%, explaining why Pico de las Nieves is often considered one of Europe’s toughest cycling climbs. Riders pass places such as Temisas and the Pico de las Nieves viewpoint. The field is aimed at cyclotourists as much as racers; club riders, challenge seekers, and less experienced cyclists can choose a distance that fits their abilities.