The Stelvio Pass by motorbike, with its unspoiled nature, hairpin bends and local foods is one of those trips that every motorcyclist must absolutely do at least once in their lifetime. For travel lovers it is an itinerary not to be missed, not only for the captivating route, but above all for the indescribable charm of the landscape with breath-taking peaks showcasing a wild and unspoiled natural environment. At an altitude of 2,758 metres, it is the highest pass in Italy and the second highest in Europe.
A climb with 42 hairpin bends
Climbing up from the Lombardy side starting from Bormio, you go through 42 hairpin bends on a fairly wide road, covering about 22 kilometres in half an hour. A few stops during the journey are a must to enjoy the view and take some photos, and the route offers a series of areas where you can stop safely. The pass is normally open from the end of May to October, but it is always advisable to check before leaving. The climate should not be underestimated, especially if you decide to cross the Stelvio Pass by motorbike.
It’s a good idea to layer up
Let's not forget that we are at over 2,700 metres asl, so the temperature remains cold for most of the time the pass is open. The advice therefore is to layer up, because if it's hot it's easy to peel off some layers. It is also a good idea to bring a backpack with warm clothing, as in the high mountains the weather changes on a dime, and it is not uncommon for snowflakes to fall even in July and August, so it’s essential to check the weather forecast before leaving.
Relaxing with local foods and wines
The Stelvio Pass must be mastered with technique, concentration and control. Some of the hairpin bends are difficult and taken at around 20 kilometres an hour while on other sections you can reach 40-50 kilometres given the physical limits dictated by the road. If you decide to have lunch up at the Pass, there are many good restaurants and taverns, and among the typical dishes of the valley you can enjoy gnocchi, canderli, spatzle, speck and strudel. There are also excellent wines produced from the Lagrein and Gewürztraminer grape varieties.
