STELVIO PASS: MOTORCYCLE ITINERARY

The Stelvio Pass has always been one of the most exciting and busy motorbike itineraries (but also by car) in the entire Italian Alps. With its 80 hairpin bends and 3 route variants starting from Lombardy, South Tyrol, or Switzerland, it reaches 2,758 meters above sea level and is the highest pass in Italy and the second in Europe. Organizing a motorcycle ride along the Stelvio Pass is a travel experience and an adventure that every motorcyclist should be able to experience at least once in their life.

Located in the center of the Rhaetian Alps and surrounded by the undisputed natural beauty that accompanies every kilometer of the pass, the Stelvio Pass is immersed in the Stelvio National Park, one of the longest-lived protected areas in Italy. It was in fact established in 1935 with the task of safeguarding the immense mountain natural heritage, dominated by the stupendous scenography of the Ortles-Cevedale mountain range.

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STELVIO PASS BY MOTORCYCLE: LEAVE IN THE EARLY MORNING

As mentioned, the Stelvio can be reached from different regions, which allows you to customize the route. Given its wide reputation, we at Roadsitalia will start from Bormio (Valtellina), being the point of convergence the majority of the traffic , and at the same time, the fastest to reach from the main Lombard cities. For this reason - especially to travel the SS36 practically to the Pian di Spagna Nature Reserve - we suggest starting early in the morning, thus avoiding the sporadic traffic queues that form up to Lecco on weekends.

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Traccia GPX - clicca per scaricare

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It starts from Bormio, an enchanting alpine village famous internationally for its spas and ski resorts, towards the road that leads to the Stelvio Pass. Our motorcycle itinerary includes 36 hairpin bends that will escort us to almost 2,500 meters above sea level, where we will then detour towards Switzerland for a short off course. Just before the IV Casa Cantoniera dello Stelvio, it is in fact possible to detour to the Umbrail Pass (Giogo di Santa Maria), a road that connects the Swiss canton of Grisons with Alta Valtellina. It is a slight detour that we recommend, either because of the suggestive and uncontaminated landscape of the Alps, or because of the majestic view it offers over Monastero Valley, Fraele Valley, Valtellina and Trafoi Valley (for this reason a small 'mecca' coveted as “seasoning” motorbike itinerary to the Stelvio Pass by many motorcyclists).

Going back on the SS38, the Stelvio Pass is located a little further, at 2,757 meters above sea level, along a fascinating climb between bends, vegetation that becomes sparser and a few centuries-old trees. Once taken the souvenir photos and had a coffee break (or lunch), you continue on the SS38 towards Prato allo Stelvio (Prad am Stilfser Joch) in South Tyrol, 48 magical bends, considered the most spectacular and most photographed part. If you have time and desire, we also suggest another detour to the characteristic village of Solda (Sulden), reachable from Gomagoi via the SS622. This village, located at the foot of Cima Beltovo, Gran Zebrù and Monte Zebrù - the three impressive and spectacular peaks of the Ortles - offers breathtaking glimpses and views. The road to reach it is fun to ride on a motorcycle and the detour is pleasant to tackle.

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USEFUL ADVICE AND CURIOSITIES ABOUT THE STELVIO PASS

Our advice is to try all the variants of the Stelvio Pass, also climbing once from Prato allo Stelvio and following the itinerary in reverse. Each side offers different emotions depending on whether you go down or up. The Prato allo Stelvio side requires calm and good driving skills, as the hairpin bends are narrow and busy and sometimes low speeds cause you to lose balance. Since the whole Stelvio area is literally stormed in the summer, we recommend traveling the streets at the first light and early in the morning, in peace and with a hearty breakfast behind you.

Same thing on the way back, where the hours of light have a huge impact on these routes and on the quality of the return. Attention also to blind corners: unfortunately many mistake this mountain pass and the motorbike tours for a racing circuit. Finally, always consider the weather variable: in the mountains it changes very quickly, so always start well equipped. In this regard we will make a dedicated post. You can also add the other neighboring and nearby passes to this itinerary, such as the Gavia Pass and the Bernina Pass. And you? Have you ever traveled the Stelvio Pass with your motorbike? Tell us about it or post some photos in the comments below.