Epic challenge. This will be the feeling you’ll experience pedaling on the legendary passes of Bormio. Get ready for an heroic road biking experience!
If road cycling is your great passion, Bormio and the Alta Valtellina should definitely be on your list for your next biking vacation. The roads, passes, and peaks of Bormio will challenge you, but they will also make your heart race. Stelvio, Gavia, and Mortirolo, ring a bell?
These climbs have become legendary in modern cycling and, for many years now, have been key stages in the Giro d’Italia.
When you hear names like Passo Stelvio, Passo Gavia, and Passo del Mortirolo, you immediately think of the historical stages of the Giro, the hairpin turns, the elevation gain, the effort to reach the summit, and the crowning of a dream. But beyond the legendary passes, there are also lesser-known climbs that surprise and offer unique challenges, with unexpected views and atmospheres that make your heart race with every pedal stroke.
If you’re planning an adventure on two wheels through the mountains of Bormio, here are ten climbs that deserve a special place in your itinerary. Each with its own identity, soul, and challenge to face, where every pedal stroke takes you one step closer to the immortality of these lands.
Stelvio by Road Bike
From Bormio to Stelvio, your challenge becomes triple: Bormio - Passo Umbrail, Bormio - Passo Stelvio, and Prato allo Stelvio - Bormio.
This epic climb of our pass takes the shape of three sides, 88 hairpin turns, 102 kilometers, and 3104 meters of elevation gain. Not bad, right?
The legendary asphalt serpent winds through rocky walls and high-altitude landscapes, offering one of the most intense and sought-after experiences in the world of cycling. The effort fades in front of the grandeur of the panorama once you reach the summit: a milestone to remember forever, where shortness of breath is just a detail that vanishes in the face of the beauty surrounding you. With a deep breath, the Alps embrace you in all their splendor.
Gavia Pass by Road Bike
Equally heroic is the climb to Passo Gavia, which from Bormio, located at 1225 meters, passing through Santa Caterina Valfurva, takes you up to the 2621 meters of the Pass. A challenging climb, rich in history and extraordinary panoramas, with wild stretches often still covered in snow even in late spring. The rarefied air and the silence of the glaciers that stand on the horizon make this climb a near-mystical experience. Gavia is not just a road to ride, but a feeling that enters your heart, a mix of fatigue, pride, and timeless beauty.
Mortirolo Pass
The legend of Pantani. Five different routes lead to the summit, but the most famous is the one from Mazzo in Valtellina, immortalized by the feats of Il Pirata. With gradients approaching 20%, this is a climb for true climbers, capable of testing both your legs and determination. Here, cycling reaches its most epic dimension, between extreme effort and unforgettable glory. Every curve is a challenge, every hairpin turn a test of character, and the memory of the champions' feats remains in the heart of those who face this climb.
Monte Climb (Valdisotto)
A journey through time. This road leads to an isolated village, inhabited by only one person for most of the year. The climb offers an atmosphere from another era, with old huts and vast panoramas, where the silence is only interrupted by the sound of the wind and the rustling of wheels on the asphalt. The isolation and peace of this route, far from the frenzy of the modern world, make it a unique experience, ideal for those seeking a challenge that goes beyond physical effort and touches the deepest chords of cycling.
Fumero Climb (Sondalo)
A small hidden gem. The climb leads to a tiny village with a spectacular view of the Passo dell'Alpe. The route winds through larch forests and winding streets that open up to postcard-worthy scenery. A perfect destination for those looking for less-traveled routes but rich in charm and authenticity. Cycling here means discovering the most genuine and wild side of Valtellina, where every pedal stroke becomes a meeting with nature.
Forcola Pass and Foscagno Pass (Livigno)
The access to Livigno offers a challenging climb and panoramas that open up towards new adventures, between peaks and untouched valleys. A route that takes you right into the heart of the Alps, with long and steady climbs that allow you to admire the vastness of the landscape. The Forcola and Foscagno offer a complete cycling experience, where every curve is a window to a changing panorama, with the feeling of crossing a world where beauty has no boundaries.
Bormio 2000 Climb (Valdisotto)
Not just a ski destination. This climb, made famous by Damiano Cunego’s feat at the 2004 Giro d'Italia, is now one of the favorites for professional training. A climb that, curve after curve, offers new emotions and a finish with a spectacular view of the surrounding peaks. Each hairpin turn offers a new perspective, a new scene, with the panorama changing as you climb towards 2,000 meters. An experience that uniquely combines effort and beauty.
Forni Road (Valfurva)
A high-altitude challenge. The road that leads to the Forni Valley opens up in a wild environment, with demanding gradients culminating in a spectacular view of the glaciers. It is one of the first climbs accessible even at the end of winter, offering a unique opportunity to cycle in a snow-covered and breathtaking landscape. The physical challenge here blends with an unparalleled visual experience, where ice and snow tell the story of a mountain that lives all year round.
Cancano Lakes Climb (Valdidentro)
A unique landscape. The climb that leads to the Cancano Lakes became famous thanks to the Giro d'Italia, offering surprising views between medieval towers and crystal-clear water mirrors. The route, with its regular hairpin turns and scenic landscapes, is perfect for those who love cycling immersed in nature without facing extreme gradients. The Cancano Lakes are a must-visit destination, where the tranquility of the lake meets the power of the mountain in a perfect union.
Forte di Oga Climb (Valdisotto)
A dive into history, but above all a challenging climb not to be underestimated. The one that leads to the World War I fort, which dominates the valley, is an ascent with demanding gradients and, once the structure is open to the public again, there will be a cultural element to add to this excellent recipe. The route, with its steep sections and panoramic views, is a challenge that blends sport, history, and nature into a single emotional experience.
Bonus Track: Roadbike from Italy to Switzerland!
What about the Bernina Pass climb? Between Italy and Switzerland, from Tirano through the Val Poschiavo and Engadina, up to St. Moritz, the Bernina Pass climb is equally legendary.
Get on your bike and ride all these stages.
Ready to test yourself?
Each climb of the Alta Valtellina tells a story. Choose your challenge and pedal through the mountains that have made cycling history. Every curve is a piece of legend, every hairpin turn an inner milestone. The wind in your face, the sweat on your skin, and the view opening up as you conquer each meter: this is the true essence of cycling, this is the mountain. What will your next destination be?
