Hidden face of the Stelvio
Overview
Intro
Two things distinguish the Umbrail pass: at alt. 2501m, it boasts Switzerland’s highest metalled road. It is also the third route to the famous Stelvio pass, high point of the Giro d’Italia, which every cyclist dreams of tackling at least once in their life.
Description
The ascent starts in Santa Maria. Promising more than 1100m of climbing, the loop begins with a series of hairpins in a glorious larch forest. You then ascend along the Muranzina river to the summit, which is preceded by another series of hairpins.
The Italian border is just beyond the Umbrail pass. A brief descent brings you to the road coming up from Bormio. A little over 3km remain to be climbed to reach the next summit, the Stelvio at alt. 2758m. Temperatures can be low at that altitude, even in summer, so check the weather forecast and take warm clothes.
They will be needed for the very long descent punctuated by 48 numbered bends leading to Prato allo Stelvio, 1800m further down.
There then remain another 20 or so kilometres of cycling with 400m of climbing as you re-enter Switzerland and return to Santa Maria.
Just before Santa Maria, you pass through Müstair, Switzerland’s easternmost village. It contains the Benedictine Convent of St. John, which dates from 775 and houses the world’s most important ensemble of frescoes from the High Middle Ages. It has featured in the UNESCO World Heritage List of Cultural Sites since 1983.
Tip from the Grand Tours Project
Why not savour an ice cream in the pretty village square of Glurns/Glorenza?
www.grandtoursproject.com
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Type |
Performance
|
|---|---|
| Start location |
Sta. Maria Val Müstair
|
| Destination |
Sta. Maria Val Müstair
|
| Ascent |
1860 m
|
| Descent |
1860 m
|
| Distance |
62 km
|
| Physical requirements |
Difficult
|
| Season |
July - September
|
