Stelvio Pass From Prato: 48 Hairpins to 2,758 m
The Stelvio Pass from Prato allo Stelvio: about 25 km at 7.5%, 48 numbered hairpins and a 2,758 m top. Stats and tips.
In this post
The Passo dello Stelvio climbs to 2,758 m in the Italian Alps, and the side from Prato allo Stelvio is the one on the postcards: a wall of hairpins stacked under the summit.
The numbers
- Start: Prato allo Stelvio (Prad), about 910 m.
- Top: the pass, 2,758 m (9,048 ft).
- Length: about 24.5 to 25 km (15 to 15.5 miles).
- Average gradient: about 7.5%.
- Steepest: short pitches in the teens.
- Climbing: about 1,850 m (6,070 ft).
- Hairpins: 48, numbered. The Bormio side has about 38 more, unnumbered.
Climb figures differ a little from source to source, depending on where each one starts and stops the clock. Where they differ, we give a range or say “about”.
How to ride it
- Eat early: it’s a long time at altitude, so eat and drink before you need to.
- Mind the altitude: the air is thinner near the top, so ease off if your breathing runs away from you.
- Bring layers: the top is high and can be cold even in summer. See how to layer for cold rides.
- Gear low: read what gearing you need for hills.
The Strava segment
There’s a segment for this climb, and plenty of riders judge their day by where they land on it. Set an honest time on your first go, without blowing up, then come back and beat it. Split it into chunks of ten hairpins and pace each one. The King and Queen of the Mountain crowns are for the very fastest; for most of us the real target is a personal best.
What to wear up it
Wear something you won’t mind in a hundred summit photos. Our Climbs jerseys are drawn from the mountains: the Mont Ventoux Mistral, Contour and TOUGH After the Climb. Each is made to order, with free personalization.
More climbs: famous Strava climbs.
Strava is a trademark of Strava, Inc. Corbah isn’t connected to Strava; this is our own guide.
