Stelvio Pass: Bormio to Prato allo Stelvio by Motorbike

The Passo dello Stelvio (2,758 m) is the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps and one of the most famous rides in the world — a stack of tight hairpins climbing far above the tree line. You drive on the right. The road is seasonal, usually open from around late May to early November and closed the rest of the year, so check the dates before you set off — the exact opening depends on the snow and weather each year. It gets busy with bikes, cyclists and cars in summer, so ride it early in the morning, use the pull-offs and take your time on the switchbacks. The tight hairpins, the long climb and the summer traffic make it much slower going than the distance suggests.

Day 1 — Bormio to Passo dello Stelvio (22 km)

From the spa town of Bormio, climb the south-western ramp with its long series of about 40 numbered hairpins, passing through a few short tunnels as you gain height. Near the top the Umbrail Pass branches off to Switzerland and the Val Müstair. To reach Prato allo Stelvio, stay on the Italian pass road; many riders do it as a loop instead, up from Prato and back down over the Umbrail. Reach the summit at Passo dello Stelvio, where the huddle of kiosks and hotels sits under the glaciers. Sleep at the pass for the views, or drop back down to Bormio.

Day 2 — Passo dello Stelvio to Prato allo Stelvio (24 km)

Take on the famous northern descent: 48 numbered hairpin bends stacked down the mountainside toward South Tyrol, with the ice of the Ortler group on your shoulder. The road passes Franzenshöhe, Trafoi and Gomagoi, eases into larch woods and drops to Prato allo Stelvio (Prad am Stilfserjoch) in the Vinschgau valley. From here you can loop back over the pass, or carry on toward Merano.

Costs

Use the cost calculator to price fuel and nights for your exact dates. The Stelvio itself has no toll, but it is high, cold and seasonal — pack warm layers even in summer, and never rely on the pass being open outside the warmer months. Mountain accommodation at the top and in Bormio fills up fast in July and August, so book ahead.

This trip is also in the free Roadcut trip planner: change the number of days and where you sleep each night, pick your vehicle to see the fuel cost, check the weather on the road, and open each day in Google Maps, Apple Maps or Waze.