Passo dello Stelvio from Bormio

The Passo dello Stelvio from Bormio stands as a true monument of the Italian Alps. You feel the history of the famous Giro d'Italia race with every pedal stroke as you leave the valley floor. The route offers a rugged and wilder character compared to the famous hairpins on the other side of the mountain.

The lower sections lead you through a series of narrow tunnels and steep ramps built into the mountain. The road curves upward through a beautiful canyon before the landscape opens into high mountain meadows.

As you reach the high valley, the famous final zig-zag turns come into view. This stretch demands all of your energy as the air becomes thin and the summit still looks very far away. Reaching the top provides a massive sense of achievement and a view that stretches across the snowy peaks.

Preparation is key because the weather changes very quickly at this high altitude. You should pack a warm jacket for the long ride back down to Bormio regardless of the temperature at the start. It is a very tough challenge but standing at the peak of the Passo dello Stelvio makes every bit of your effort worth it.