Loop Route: Bormio – Umbrail Pass – Santa Maria Prato allo Stelvio – Stelvio Pass – Bormio

From Bormio, take State Highway 38 toward the Stelvio Pass and begin the long climb up the Valtellina side.

After passing the first hairpin turns and tunnels on the Stelvio Road, continue on to the IV Cantoniera area. Just before the final climb toward the Stelvio Pass, follow the signs on the left for Passo Umbrail / Santa Maria Val Müstair, entering Swiss territory.

Reach the Umbrail Pass (2,501 m) and continue downhill along the Umbrail Road to Santa Maria Val Müstair.

From Santa Maria, follow the main road along the Val Müstair toward Müstair – Tubre/Taufers, cross the Italian border again, and continue toward Glorenza/Glurns and then Prato allo Stelvio/Prad am Stilfserjoch.

From Prato allo Stelvio, follow the signs for Passo dello Stelvio/Stilfser Joch, tackling the long climb that passes through Ponte Stelvio, Trafoi, and then the famous sequence of 48 hairpin turns on the South Tyrolean side. The climb ends at the Stelvio Pass (2,758 m).

From the pass, take State Road 38 toward Bormio and follow the entire descent down the Valtellina side back to the starting point.

A quick note on the title: for a tourist guide, I’d make it slightly more readable as “Tour of the Stelvio via the Umbrail Pass and Val Venosta,” possibly using “Bormio – Umbrail Pass – Prato allo Stelvio” – Stelvio Pass – Bormio as a subtitle or route description.

Road bike in perfect condition, with gear ratios suitable for long Alpine climbs, and a helmet.

We recommend:

technical layered clothing; a windproof and rainproof jacket; gloves and warm clothing for descents; at least two water bottles; enough food and drinks for several hours of activity; repair kit with inner tube or tubeless system, pump, and multitool; cell phone; a valid ID for international travel.

Even in the middle of summer, it’s advisable to bring protective clothing for the descent from the Stelvio Pass.

This is a very challenging route, recommended only for cyclists who are in good physical condition and accustomed to long Alpine climbs.

The route follows roads open to traffic, including motorcycles and cars, except on days when the roads are closed to all traffic and reserved exclusively for cyclists. Exercise particular caution on descents and through the numerous hairpin turns.

Before setting out, always check:

that the Stelvio Pass and the Umbrail Pass are open; weather conditions at high elevations; any temporary road closures.

Conditions can change rapidly above 2,000 meters, and temperatures at the Stelvio Pass can be much lower than in the valley below.

The route enters Switzerland for a few kilometers: be sure to bring a valid ID for international travel.

Getting to Bormio by car: Take State Road 38 (SS38) via the Stelvio Pass to reach Bormio. From Milan and western Lombardy, you generally travel through the Valtellina valley, passing through Lecco, Sondrio, and Tirano.

By public transportation: Take the train to Tirano and then continue by local bus to Bormio. Before your trip, check schedules, connections, and whether bicycles are allowed on the bus.

Getting to Bormio by public transportation: Take the train to Tirano, then take the Perego bus line A070 (Tirano – Sondalo – Bormio). The departure stop is located at the Tirano bus station, next to the FS/RhB train station.

If you’re traveling with your own bicycle, we recommend booking bike transport with Perego at least 24 hours before departure.

Check the Perego Bus schedule: https://www.busperego.com

Check the Trenitalia schedule: https://www.trenitalia.com

There are several public parking lots available in Bormio, both free and paid. For those planning to complete the entire loop, it’s advisable to choose a parking lot outside the historic center—one that’s convenient for accessing the Stelvio Road and suitable for parking for several hours.

Among the most convenient options are the parking lots near the Bormio ski lifts and at the entrances to the town; however, you should always check on-site for any restrictions, rates, or temporary traffic changes.

The best time to visit is generally during the summer months and early fall, when the mountain passes are open. However, the opening of the Alpine roads depends on snow and weather conditions.

Given the length of the route and the significant elevation gain, it is important to carefully calculate travel times, rest stops, and the available daylight hours.

On the busiest days, traffic along the Stelvio Pass can be heavy: whenever possible, aim to travel in the early morning hours or on days when the pass is scheduled to be closed to traffic.

Setting out early in the morning allows you to tackle the most challenging part of the day when temperatures are more favorable and, generally, there’s less traffic.

It’s best to pace yourself during the first part of the route: the real challenge of the day begins at Prato allo Stelvio, when you’ll face the long climb up to the 2,758-meter pass.

Plan for at least one stop to restock on water and food before beginning the second major climb.