Passo dello Stelvio from Prato (North side)
Passo dello Stelvio (or Stelvio Pass) is one of the most famous and dramatic mountain passes in the European Alps. Located in northern Italy, it connects the Valtellina with the Vinschgau Valley and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. At an elevation of 2,757 meters (9,045 feet), it is the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps and the second highest in the Alps overall. Known for its iconic hairpin bends and challenging ascent, Stelvio Pass is legendary among cyclists, motorists, and travelers. Passo dello Stelvio is famous for its 48 hairpin bends (tornanti) on the northern side, making it one of the most challenging and exhilarating drives or bike rides in Europe. The hairpin turns are tight and steep, offering an unforgettable experience as the road winds its way up the mountain. Stelvio Pass is a cycling mecca, especially known for its appearances in the Giro d’Italia. It is one of the most challenging climbs in the race, with a long, grueling ascent and extreme gradients, reaching up to 12-14% in certain sections. The most popular route for cyclists is the northern side, starting from Prato allo Stelvio. The ascent is about 24.3 kilometers (15.1 miles) long, with an elevation gain of 1,808 meters (5,932 feet) and an average gradient of 7.4%.
Region: Trentino-Alto Adige
City: Prato allo Stelvio
Distance: 29.96 km
Elevation Gain: 1802 m
Elevation Loss: 553 m
Difficulty: 1552 (Extreme)
FIETS Index: 14.69 FIETS
Avg Grade: 7.62 %
Max cat climb: HC
Min elevation: 966 m
Max elevation: 2762 m
Ride Category: Epic Climb