Legendary Climbs: Stelvio

Statistics: Passo Stelvio from Prato, Italy

Length: 23,6 km / 14,66 miles

Elevation Gain: 1840 m / 6038 ft

Average Gradient: 8,2%

When I think about cycling in the Alps, I think about Passo Stelvio. The climb's 48 switchbacks, its steep 8,2% average gradient, and its relentless length makes Stelvio one of the most famous cycling climbs in World Cycling. As of today, Stelvio has been featured 13x in the Giro d'Italia and is often also the "Cima Coppi" or the highest point in the race at 2758m. There are 3 roads to the Summit of Stelvio - Stelvio from Prato, Stelvio from Bormio, and the Umbrail Pass from Switzerland. The most famous side with all 48 switchbacks seen above is the ascent from Prato.

I first ascended Stelvio in October of 2023 with two of my closest cycling friends. On this day, we had the intention of climbing all three sides of Stelvio. The three of us started in Prato and rode past the painted totem poles on the right hand side of the road marking the start of the climb. In this moment, I was both excited and nervous for what lay ahead. (I had climbed some giant Alpine climbs prior, but nothing in comparison to Passo Stelvio.)

The start of the climb begins gradually adjacent to the Suldenbach River. Every time I ride past the Suldenbach, I am always amazed by the sounds and the roar of the river rushing down the mountain. Besides the overwhelming sounds and surroundings, I also use this section to ease my way into the climb before the climb properly kicks-off in Trafoi. I recommend to enjoy these early kilometers because once reaching Trafoi, the gradient stays at a consistent 10% until the Summit. The nearly 50 switchbacks also start in quick succession after reaching Trafoi.

After reaching Trafoi at 8km, Stelvio's road not only becomes steeper but also narrower. When I see the Chapel shown above in Trafoi, I also know that the next 15-16km is going to be a fight to the top. The combination of extreme altitude gain, ultra-steep gradients, and a Summit at 2758m / 9050ft is a climbing challenge that I have never experienced except on the Stelvio. I also have the belief that if a cyclist can reach the Summit of Stelvio then any other climb in the Alps should be feasible or even easy.

Besides the challenge that the Stelvio presents, the road from Trafoi to the Summit of Stelvio is one of the most picturesque and beautiful roads in the World. In my opinion, nothing compares to the 48 switchbacks and views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The road from Trafoi leading all the way to the Summit of Stelvio is without a doubt my favorite road in the world to ride a bike! I have seen everything here from Marmots kissing to some of the most incredible views in the Italian Alps.

In the middle to top sections of the Stelvio, I always try to enjoy and take in the surroundings. Cycling up mountains on switchbacks is one of the joys of my life, and on the Stelvio there is no shortage of either. I always try to take the switchbacks on the outside where it is not as steep. (Tip: If possible, try to spin a lower gear with higher cadence on the outside of the switchback and use the switchback as momentum to "explode" into the straight section.)

On that October day in 2023, I remember also seeing the Stelvio Glacier for the first time. The Glacier can be seen from the middle to upper sections of the climb, and I never forget the perspective I get looking at the enormity of Stelvio's Glacier. At this point in the climb, I always feel like an ant making his way up the mountain.

After completing all 48 switchbacks on the Stelvio, the Summit comes quickly and should be enjoyed. The sense of accomplishment and satisfaction after climbing Stelvio is something I find hard to replicate. On the top of Stelvio, I always feel like I've conquered something big. It is a feeling I never ever forget.

From the top of Stelvio, cyclists have the choice to either ride down to Bormio to ascend Stelvio from Bormio, descend to Switzerland to ride the Umbrail Pass, or descend back to Prato. If possible, I recommend always making a loop. If starting in Prato, a loop can be made by descending into Switzerland and looping back to the start point. (Subscribe to the Gipfel Collective Premium for access to all the best routes on Stelvio.)

In addition, to prevent you from making the same mistakes I made on my first adventure on Stelvio, please pack warm clothes! (A warm cycling jacket, thick gloves, and a good base-layer are essential year round on Stelvio.) On my first ride on Stelvio, we intended to ride all three sides of Stelvio - Prato, Bormio, and Umbrail. However, after making the first two ascents from Prato and Bormio, I had to return home due to being unprepared for the cold weather. (I had never experienced being so cold until I descended Stelvio twice from 2758m in October with thin gloves and just a vest.) Luckily, my friends were better prepared and completed the Triple Stelvio. With better clothing, I came back and completed my first Triple Stelvio in the Summer of 2025.

This article focuses primarily on Stelvio from Prato, but if you have the chance to ride Stelvio from Bormio, as well as the Umbrail Pass from Switzerland, you should do so! All three sides of the climb are incredible! I also recommend riding all three sides of the climb in one day at least once in a lifetime. The ride is approximately 145 km / 90 miles and 5000m / 16400ft of elevation gain.

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