The Passo dello Stelvio is for many cyclists, one of the must do bucket list climbs. The fact that it is the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps. Often designated the Cima Coppi in the annual running of the Giro d’Italia. The shield at the pass summit indicates a height of 2,760 metres. From the pass a short paved side road to cafeteria Tibethütte (c. 2,770 m) and additionally that there are three different routes to choose from to the summit makes it possibly even more appealing.
The Stelvio Pass road is the SS38 and it connects the town Prato allo Stelvio with the town of Bormio.
Typically, we base ourselves in the vibrant town of Bormio and ride the Passo dello Stelvio from that side. At 21.6KM @7.2% it’s a true climbers delight.
Bormio has many renowned Cycling friendly hotels, great restaurants, and a number of bike shops to service your needs. It is possible to stay there and ride multiple different routes.
The Climb from Bormio begins fairly steeply, with little time to warm up, which is not ideal but adds to the challenge. There are a series of lit tunnels from about Km 7-10 which are fine the you are climbing but are something good to remember when you are descending back to town, as the light can change quickly. The gradient for the lower half of the climb has a number of steep sections and one at 14% for a short stretch. The second half of the climb takes you up through a number of switchbacks and past a raging waterfall, which is a sight to behold, and then on through a valley. The final 3km to the summit suddenly get considerably steeper with sections of 12% gradient.
The climb for Prato allo Stelvio, is what many people consider “The classic Side” with its 48 hairpin bends. At 24km averaging 7.6%, This is the hardest side to climb.
Starting out of the town of Prato allo Stelvio, which is small but does have a few cafes if you need some nourishment, the climb begins with a relatively gentle first 8km averaging about 5%. I would typically use this a a nice warm up and save my energy for what is to come. Shortly after this, you encounter the 48 hairpins that take you to the summit. The bends are numbered which helps considerably. The gradient kicks up and the road leads you up out of the forested valley floor to some incredible mountain scenery. The best photos of the Hairpins are generally close to the summit, which is fortunate because I often felt the need for a rest at this point.
The “Third side”, wait, what?….Yes there is potentially a third way to reach the summit of the Passo dello Stelvio. This route climbs first up the Umbrial Pass from the town of Santa Maria, Switzerland. and then joins the last few Km of the Bormio side. The climb is 16.5km averaging 8%. Another good climb but typically I ride down it as it forms a good loop out of Bormio.
All roads lead to the summit! of the Passo dello Stelvio, which is a spectacle in itself. The summit has something of a party atmosphere, with Its numerous small kiosks selling cycling souvenirs, crazy sausage slinging BBQ’s and cafes to warm up in. It is generally busy with tourists from all over, enjoying themselves and well worth spending a moment to soak in the atmosphere.
Whichever way you decide to reach the summit, I would highly recommend that you have warm clothing to start the descent back down. I have been on many trips in the middle of summer when the weather has changed quickly and on one occasion it even started snowing!.
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