Route guide
7
min read
The Stelvio from Prato, bend by bend
25 km, 1,852 m of climbing and 48 numbered stones. What each section of the eastern ramp is like, and when to ride it.
The eastern ramp of the Stelvio starts at Prato, at 906 m, and finishes 25 km later at 2,757 m. The numbers on the stones start at 48 and count down to 1 at the top. Everyone rides it this way. If you want it to yourself, leave before eight.
Prato to Trafoi, the warm-up
The first 10 km are a valley road. It climbs gently through Gomagoi, and you can settle into a rhythm while the Ortler fills the windscreen. Fuel in Prato. There is nothing on the top side of the pass until Bormio.
Trafoi to Franzenshöhe, the work
At Trafoi the bends start. They are close together, tight and steep on the inside, and on a summer Saturday they are full. Stay wide, look through, and let the faster riders go. Bends 48 to 20 sit in forest, so the road stays damp until mid-morning.
Franzenshöhe to the summit, the view
Above the tree line the road stacks into the wall you have seen in photographs. It is less steep than it looks. Bends 20 to 1 take about twenty minutes at a sensible pace, and your left hand will have opinions by the top.
When to ride it
The pass usually opens in late May and shuts with the first heavy snow in October. Go early, go on a weekday, and avoid the first Saturday in September, when the road closes to engines for the cyclists.
Distance 25.2 km from Prato
Climbing 1,852 m
Steepest stretch 14.6% over 200 m
Fuel in Prato, then none until Bormio
Written by
Elia Bonfanti
Head guide, lead rider
Ride this road
48
One road, one morning.