Stelvio
This beautiful circular route takes you up the Stelvio Pass on the side of Bormio as far as the Umbrail Pass at 2501 m, then descends to Switzerland and Prato allo Stelvio, 907 m, to then return up the pass on the side that the Italian cycling champion Fausto Coppi famously climbed. The upward stretches are very long and require good athletic stamina. From Bormio, take the SS 38 of the Stelvio Pass, going past the IV casa Cantoniera afer 18.5 km, and then the Umbrail Pass is to the left at 2501 m. The gradient of the ascent on the side of Valtellina is an average of 7%, with some peak tracts at 11%. The road, with its 36 hairpin bends, affords beautiful and characteristic views as it climbs higher. After about 7 km there are several tunnels excavated in the rock which let in some light. The climb is more gentle and there are several points where you can stop. At the Umbrail Pass, there is a 16 km descent to Santa Maria (CH), with 4 km along a dirt road where you need to ride with care. At the typically attractive town, turn right in the direction of Merano and, after a few km downhill, you reach the customs and return to Alto Adige following the state road in the direction of Glorenza-Prato to Stelvio-Passo dello Stelvio. The ascent is 24.7 km, with an average gradient of 7.5% and a maximum gradient of 12%. It is one of the “queen” ascents of the Alps, with 48 hair-pin bends affording spectacular views and a final wall that seems insuperable. The real climb starts at Gomagoi, at 1262 m, with the first hairpin bends. You can catch your breath at Trafoi, 1532 m. After 14 km, you can appreciate a broad panorama as the wood thins out. Eight km from the top is a majestic view of the Ortles and the pass with its hotels. The gradient is 8-10% up to the top, with unremitting bends, so you will experience great satisfaction when you reach the so-called “cima Coppi”.
