Stelvio Pass

The Stelvio Pass (Passo dello Stelvio) on the SS38 is one of the highest paved passes in the Alps and the most famous hairpin road in the world. The northeastern climb from Prato allo Stelvio stacks dozens of numbered hairpins up the mountainside — the image on countless posters.

It is a bucket-list ride for every motorcyclist, and the full experience includes all three approaches: the hairpins from the Trafoi side, the faster southern climb from Bormio and the Umbrail Pass descent into Switzerland.

Highlights

• The 48 numbered hairpins on the Trafoi side
• The summit, with its sausage stands, souvenir shops and crowds of riders
• The view down the hairpins from the top — the classic photo
• The southern climb from Bormio through tunnels and galleries
• The Umbrail Pass into Switzerland's Val Müstair

Best time to ride

Usually open from late May or June to October, depending on snow. Some days are reserved for cyclists in summer — check before you go.

The road

Narrow, with very tight hairpins, many cyclists and heavy traffic on summer weekends. Patches of gravel and cold, wet weather at the top are common.

Riding tips

• Ride early on a weekday to have the hairpins nearly to yourself.
• Look through each hairpin and keep a steady low gear — some corners are almost 180 degrees on a steep slope.
• Combine with the Gavia and Mortirolo passes for a full day.