Kope
This climb is part of Koroška region. Kope is a demanding cycling climb above Slovenj Gradec, rising to over 1,500 meters. With steady 7–9% gradients, forested roads, and panoramic alpine views, it offers a true high-mountain Slovenian challenge.Average gradient: 7.2%
Elevation difference: 882m
You start at 480.6m and finish at 1363.1m
Athletes climbed: 682 View on Strava
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Kope – A High-Altitude Cycling Challenge in Koroška
Kope, best known as a ski resort above Slovenj Gradec in the Koroška region, transforms in the warmer months into one of northern Slovenia’s most demanding cycling climbs. Sitting at over 1,500 meters of elevation, it offers not only a serious test of endurance but also some of the most rewarding mountain scenery in this part of the country. For cyclists who enjoy long, sustained climbs with alpine character, Kope is a must-ride ascent. The climb usually begins in Slovenj Gradec, from where the road gently rolls before pointing sharply upward. From the first steep ramps, it becomes clear that Kope is not a climb to underestimate. The gradients hover around 7–9% for extended stretches, with several punishing sections that rise into double digits. Combined with the length of the ascent—well over an hour of climbing for most riders—the climb demands pacing, fitness, and mental grit.
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Kope – Conquering Pohorje’s Hidden Giant
Traffic is minimal, which enhances the experience. The route winds through forests, meadows, and scattered farms, offering a mix of shaded stretches and open sections with wide views over the Mislinja Valley. As you gain altitude, the landscape changes character, becoming more alpine, with cooler air and occasional glimpses of the peaks along the Pohorje ridge. The final approach to the Kope ski center feels particularly rewarding. After conquering the unrelenting gradients, cyclists are greeted with panoramic views stretching across Koroška, to the Savinja Alps, and even into Austria on a clear day. The lodge at the summit makes for a perfect place to rest, refuel, and take in the scenery. Kope is not the most famous climb in Slovenia, but it embodies the spirit of high-mountain cycling: steep roads, stunning landscapes, and the immense satisfaction of reaching a lofty summit after a demanding ascent.
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