The road was originally constructed between 1820 and 1825 by the Austrian Empire to connect Lombardy with the rest of the empire.
The pass remains the highest paved mountain pass in Italy and the second-highest in the Alps.
It hosted the Olympic Winter Games events in 1956 for the slalom and giant slalom races.
The road configuration features 48 numbered switchbacks on the Prato allo Stelvio side.
Snowfall can occur at the summit even during the height of summer.
The pass sits on the border between the Italian regions of Lombardy and Trentino-Alto Adige.
It is a frequent inclusion in the Giro d'Italia, often serving as the Cima Coppi, the highest point of the race.
Glacier skiing is possible here in summer, a rarity in the Alps.
Stelvio Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass in the Eastern Alps, reaching an elevation of 2,757 meters. It connects the Valtellina valley with the upper Adige valley via the SS38 road. The route is defined by 48 hairpin turns on the northern ramp, climbing 1,871 meters in altitude. It serves as a major hub for summer skiing on the Stelvio Glacier. The pass area features historical fortifications dating back to World War I. Cyclists frequent the climb due to its inclusion in the Giro d'Italia. It remains one of the highest paved mountain passes in the Eastern Alps.
The elevated observation points near the summit hotel overlooking the iconic 'zigzag' switchbacks on the northern ramp.
Check road status before departure as the pass is subject to sudden closures due to snow or weather.
Ensure your vehicle has an efficient braking system to handle the continuous downhill descent.
Bring layers; temperatures at the summit can be significantly lower than in the valleys.
Do not attempt the drive during periods of heavy fog or storm; avoid driving at night due to limited visibility and lack of guardrails in certain sections.
The pass is typically closed to traffic from late autumn through late spring due to heavy snowfall.
Maintain lane discipline on narrow hairpin turns and yield to ascending vehicles when necessary.
