Passo dello Stelvio is one of the highest paved cycling climbs in Europe. The ascent form Bormio does not have the same number of iconic hairpins as the Prato side, but it is
still a spectacular ascent, which has graced the Giro d'Italia on numerous occasions.
A regular in the Giro d'Italia, the Stelvio is nearly always a decisive climb. It's altitude, length and gradient is enough to force gaps between professional riders. For cycle tourists it is important to pace yourself and
prepare to be riding for possibly two or more hours in the saddle.
The scenery on the Bormio side really becomes spectacular after the tunnels end. A series of hairpin bends, snaking past a dramatic waterfall finish at a gorgeous open pasture.
From here a few more hairpins take you to the top, where the spectacular view of the Prato side is revealed.
The climb from this side only merits **** simply because of the combination of the traffic and the tunnels on the lower slopes. It is not especially dangerous, but is annoying, and so a better option
is to climb from Prato and descend this side.
Stelvio is usually open from mid-May to mid-October.
Spectacular views looking down towards Bormio
Roads & Traffic
The road surface is in good condition throughout.
Stelvio is quite busy as far as high mountain passes go. Its hairpin bends attract motorbikes and cars as well as cyclists, and, although it is not particularly bothersome, the volume of traffic is a slight nuissance throughout. The tunnels
on the Bormio side are also slightly annoying, and it's worth carrying a rear light with you for these.
The traffic is not constant, at times you get the road all to yourself
Alternative Routes
Passo dello Stelvio can also be climbed from the north, starting in Prato.
The climb to Passo dello Stelvio (from Prato) is one of the highlights of our Dolomites & Italian Alps cycling holiday, which
crosses Northern Italy from Zoncolan to Mortirolo.
In the links below you can find out more about this and some of the other tours that we run in high mountains.
Italy
Spain
France