Passo dello Stelvio (Prato)

Start Town Altitude Elevation Gain Length Gradient Difficulty Rating
Prato 2,758m 1,766m 24.0 km 7.4% 1,421 *****






Passo dello Stelvio - Prato - Cycling Profile

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Climb Description

Passo dello Stelvio is one of the highest paved cycling climbs in Europe.

A regular in the Giro d'Italia, the Stelvio is nearly always a decisive climb. It's altitude, length and gradient is enough to force gaps between professional riders. For cycle tourists it is important to pace yourself and prepare to be riding for possibly two or more hours in the saddle.

The Prato side is often regarded as the classic side of Stelvio. The iconic hairpin bends seem to snake endlessly down the mountain, and have resulted in the gradient being remarkably consistent.

Stelvio is usually open from mid-May to mid-October.


Passo dello Stelvio from Prato - Italian Alps Cycling Climb

The hairpin bends of the Prato side are some of the most famous in cycling






Roads & Traffic

The road surface is in good condition throughout.

Both sides of Stelvio have quite a bit of traffic on them But generally, it isn't too bothersome for riding. The road is fairly wide and easy for cars to pass and most vehicles drive very slowly.


Passo dello Stelvio Switchbacks

The switchbacks are beautifully engineered






Alternative Routes

Passo dello Stelvio can also be climbed from the south, starting in Bormio.





Nearby Climbs


Passo di Gavia

Passo di Mortirolo






Cycling Holidays

The climb to Passo dello Stelvio is one of the highlights of our Dolomites & Italian Alps cycling holiday, which crosses Northern Italy from Zoncolan to Mortirolo.

In the links below you can find out more about this and some of the other tours that we run in high mountains.




Monte Zoncolan
Italian FlagItaly


Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 9 Days
Level: Difficulty Challenging-Hard
Price: €1,970 EUR
Lagos de Covadonga
Spanish FlagSpain

Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 8 Days
Level: Difficulty Challenging-Hard
Price: from €1,490 EUR
French FlagFrance

Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 8 Days
Level: Difficulty Challenging-Hard
Price: €1,630 EUR
*Bike Hire Included