Where is Mortirolo Pass?
Italy, europe
23.7 km
1,878 m
extreme
Year-round
Mortirolo Pass: Prepare for a challenge in the Italian Alps! This road, also known as Strada del Mortirolo or SP81, snakes its way between Brescia and Sondrio provinces, topping out at a lung-busting 1,878m (6,161ft).
Located in the Lombardy region near the Swiss border, this 23.7 km (14.72 mile) stretch from Mazzo di Valtellina to Monno isn't for the faint of heart. The Mortirolo climb is notorious for its savage gradients, hitting a maximum of 26%! Forget about easy turnarounds; this narrow road doesn't allow them, and 3-axle vehicles are a definite no-go.
This is serious cycling territory, a favorite of the Giro d'Italia. You'll average over 10% gradients, making it arguably Italy's hardest climb. Look out for the memorial to Marco Pantani, "il Pirata," near the summit.
Allow about an hour to drive it non-stop. The views are amazing. For an even wilder ride, a super-narrow, extremely dangerous road branches off at the summit towards Aprica (Valico di Trivigno). This insane 28.5km (17.70 mile) route is paved (barely!) and crazy steep, with sections around 20%. Keep your speed under 20 km/h – and definitely leave the trucks at home. Closed in winter, this old military track rewards the brave with incredible vistas.
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 23.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,878 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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