Where is Stelvio Pass?
Italy, europe
46.8 km
2,757 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're in northern Italy, near Switzerland, ready to tackle the legendary Passo dello Stelvio. This isn't just any mountain pass, it's a masterpiece of engineering, snaking its way up the Ortler Alps. The whole thing stretches for about 47 km (29 miles) from Bormio to Prato Allo Stelvio, but the views? Totally worth it.
From Prato, get ready for 48 hairpin turns that climb seemingly forever, switchbacking towards the sky. Trust me, you'll want to pull over at that "balcony" viewpoint to snap some pics of the crazy bends – it's postcard-perfect.
Now, this isn't a Sunday cruise. Some sections are narrow, and the inclines can get pretty steep. Locals have even called it "homicidal," so pay attention! You'll be winding through tunnels and facing those infamous 180-degree corners where a tiny barrier is all that separates you from a serious drop.
The climb from Prato is over 24 km with an elevation gain of 1,808 meters. The average percentage is 7.4%! If you come from Bormio, it’s a bit more gentle: the ascent is 21.5 km long, with an elevation gain of 1,533 meters and the average percentage is 7.1%. Fausto Coppi, a cycling legend, said he felt like he was "going to die" riding it, so yeah, it's challenging!
Heads up: This road is typically open from June to September, but snow can shut it down anytime. The weather here is seriously unpredictable, so pack accordingly.
Fun fact: The original road was built way back in the 1820s! It's stood the test of time, offering a thrilling and scenic route through the Alps.
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 46.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,757 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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