Stelvio Pass Cycling Route from Prad
The Stelvio Pass, renowned for its daunting switchbacks and breathtaking scenery, stands as one of the most iconic mountain passes in the Alps. During our road trip through Italy in November 2023, we found ourselves near this legendary climb. And with our bikes in tow, we couldn’t resist the opportunity. This article chronicles our challenge about the Stelvio Pass cycling route from Prad. We also included a detailed guide that you can follow on our Google Maps travel guide Italy.
Reaching the starting point of the cycling route
For our ride over the Stelvio Pass, we picked the most beautiful day of the week. With about an hour’s drive to the starting point, we made sure to rise early. Since we had brought our own bikes, there was no hassle with rentals or equipment. By 9:00 AM, we arrived at the parking area. We chose Santa Maria Val Müstair as our starting point because it was the closest village to our accommodation. However, if you’re coming from Italy, it’s best to park in Prad, as it sits at the foot of the climb.
A Brief Descent into Italy
After parking and preparing our bikes, we double-checked our gear before starting the ride. The initial part of the route is relatively easy, with a continuous downhill stretch to the lowest point of the day before reaching Glurns. We took a right turn and soon arrived in the village of Prad am Stilfserjoch, situated at just under 900 meters above sea level. From here, the real challenge would begin.
The uphill battle: cycling to the Stelvio Pass summit
As we aren’t seasoned road cyclists, we were unsure of what to expect from this legendary climb. The next 25 kilometers would be entirely uphill, so we decided to take it slowly. To our surprise, the ascent was manageable. In what felt like no time, we reached the village of Trafoi at nearly 1600 meters, marking the first part of the elevation gain.
Fun Fact: The Stelvio Pass has appeared in the Giro d’Italia multiple times, and it’s often regarded as one of the most difficult climbs in professional cycling!
After filling up our water bottles at a fountain in the village, we continued on our way. Let’s say this is the second part of three larger segments. The first one from Prad is mainly a straight road. This second part consists more and more about hairpins. Although it got tougher, we maintained a steady pace with brief breaks, which made it quite manageable. Gradually, we approached the tree line. After each switchback, the gradient became steeper, and we decided to stop at the Franzenshöhe restaurant and hotel, located at 2200 meters. A plate of pasta was just what we needed.
The Final Push: Reaching the Stelvio Pass Summit
After a short break and a warm meal, we set out for the third and final stretch. From here, the summit was clearly visible, as well as the remaining 500 meters of elevation gain in full sun! The last part can be really demanding and we saw some cyclists pushing beyond their limits. We could really recommend the brake before this last part, so that you can start fresh on this final section. After about an hour, we reached the summit: success! Although it was crowded at the top, we snapped a quick photo before heading down.
Fun Fact: The Stelvio Pass is the second highest paved mountain pass in the Alps, standing at 2,757 meters (9,045 feet), and was built in 1820-1825 under the orders of the Austrian Empire to connect the Valtellina region to the rest of the empire.
The Descent: Cycling Down via the Umbrail Pass
While the climb up the Stelvio Pass was an unforgettable challenge, the descent is where the real thrill begins! We dropped a short distance and turned right onto the Umbrail Pass. While the Stelvio itself was bustling with cyclists and cars, the Umbrail Pass was almost deserted, making it far more easy and more enjoyable to descend. Within no time, we were back at the car, exhausted from the challenge of the Stelvio pass cycling route from Prad.
Practical Information about the Stelvio Pass cycling route from Prad
The Stelvio Pass is known for being one of the toughest climbs in the Alps, especially from the side of Prad. However, we found it quite manageable, as we were well-prepared and took plenty of time. If you’re planning to ride it, set aside a whole day. There’s ample time to ascend at your own pace and take breaks along the way. We found the Franzenshöhe, just above the tree line the perfect spot for a longer rest, as you’ve already conquered much of the elevation and can approach the final section more refreshed.
Fun Fact: The Stelvio Pass is often called the “King of the Mountains” due to its challenging ascent and frequent appearance in the Giro d’Italia. It’s considered a must-ride for any cycling enthusiast seeking a real challenge.
We wouldn’t recommend riding the route in the opposite direction. The Stelvio is narrow in many places, often crowded with traffic, and the road surface can be rough. On the other hand, the Umbrail Pass offers a much smoother ride, with excellent asphalt and little to no traffic. What we particularly enjoyed was being able to complete a loop, which provided a completely different experience compared to simply cycling up and down a single pass.
If you are planning on doing the challenge yourself, do not forget to bring plenty of water, food and sunscreen!
