Great Alpine passes

There are several scenic and picturesque roads that allow you to reach Bormio and other towns in our area. These roads cross Alpine passes such as Stelvio, Gavia, and Mortirolo. Before setting off, check which passes are open.

The Stelvio Pass had existed since the Middle Ages, but it was a risky mountain path. At the beginning of the 19th century, Emperor Francis I of Austria wanted a new road that could connect the Venosta Valley with the Valtellina to reach Milan, then Austrian territory. The project was entrusted to  Carlo Donegani  (1775-1845), an expert in high-mountain engineering. Work began in 1822 with the employment of over 2,500 men, including laborers, engineers, and geologists. After just three years, in  1825 , the project was inaugurated in the presence of the emperor himself.
Until 1915, the Stelvio Pass was used year-round by stagecoaches, thanks to the efficient work of snow ploughs employed during the winter. During the  First World War,  it was the scene of clashes between Italians and Austrians, and after the victory of November 4th, both sides became Italian: the Pass lost its original significance as a link between Vienna and Milan, and its  winter closure was decided . Even today,  it is passable during the summer months.

• The Stelvio Pass opens at the end of May and closes in early November.
• On the Bormio side, vehicles higher than 3.30 meters are prohibited, while on the Alto Adige side, vehicles longer than 10.50 meters are prohibited.
• It is recommended to carry snow chains given the altitude of the pass.
• During the summer months, the Perego Automobile Company operates the line from Bormio to the Stelvio Pass.

The  Gavia Road  , which connects  the Alta Valtellina  , and especially  Bormio and Santa Caterina Valfurva , with  the Alta Val Camonica and Ponte di Legno , is especially known among cyclists as one of the legendary climbs of the Giro d'Italia. In fact, the road is  also a paradise for motorcycle enthusiasts : tight curves, hairpin bends, steep gradients, and the narrow, single-lane carriageway are pure enjoyment for those who love riding in the mountains.

The origins of the Gavia Pass  are very ancient: since the Middle Ages, numerous merchant caravans from the Republic of Venice crossed the pass to connect with the Imperial German Road and, from there, reach Germany, Tyrol, and the countries of Northern Europe. Many died attempting the crossing, partly due to avalanches and avalanches during the winter months, so much so that the pass was also known as the  Death's Head Pass. 

• The Gavia Pass opens in early June and closes in early November.
• Transit is prohibited for buses and vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tons.
• Snow chains are recommended due to the pass's altitude.
• During the summer months, the Perego Automobile Company operates the route from Santa Caterina to the Gavia Pass.

After navigating the three hairpin bends from the beginning of the descent towards Valcamonica and passing through an unlit tunnel, the next ten kilometers are characterized by a narrow roadway that prevents two cars coming from opposite directions from passing each other.

The Bernina Pass, at 2,330 meters above sea level, is one of the most picturesque Alpine passes in the Rhaetian Alps, directly connecting the Valtellina valley with the upper Engadine valley in Switzerland. It owes its name to the majestic Piz Bernina, the highest peak in the Eastern Alps, which stands nearby. The wide and perfectly maintained road offers a spectacular journey through snow-capped peaks, glittering glaciers, and views that change with every turn. From the pass's lookout point, you can admire the Pizzo Palù glacier, the Bellavista, and the Bernina, views that attract travelers and mountain lovers from around the world. As the highest passable point on the road, it also marks a cultural divide: Italian is spoken up to the pass, while beyond it, Romansh dominates. Isolated and devoid of large population centers, the Bernina Pass is an ideal destination for a car or motorbike excursion, and represents the natural gateway for those departing from Sondrio or Valtellina to reach St. Moritz immersed in the beauty of the Swiss mountains.

The Foscagno Pass (2,291 meters) connects the Alta Valtellina to Livigno , and is the only way to reach Livigno without passing through Switzerland.
It can be easily reached by car via the SS 301, also known as the "Foscagno" road.
The 24 km climb , with an elevation gain of 1,066 meters , is ideal for preparing for more challenging routes and is often used by professional cyclists who choose this area for altitude training.
At the Foscagno Pass, there is also a customs post for regulating passage to and from Livigno (a duty-free zone).

• The Foscagno Pass is open year-round.
• During the summer season, winter tires are not required, but it is always recommended to have snow chains on board.
• In the winter season, however, it is mandatory.
  No, it is not necessary to have a valid travel document; both the Foscagno Pass and Livigno are in Italy.
  It is, however, recommended to carry a valid ID for customs clearance.
• Automobilistica Perego operates the line from Bormio to Livigno year-round, stopping at the Foscagno Pass.

The Forcola Pass (2,315 m) connects the Alta Valtellina to the Engadine , specifically between the municipality of Livigno and the canton of Poschiavo in the Grisons.
The road to reach it doesn't have many hairpin bends, but is almost entirely straight through highland pastures and is a pleasure to ride on a motorbike. 
To reach it from  Bormio , you need to travel over the  Eira Pass  and the  Foscagno Pass. 

• The Forcola Pass opens in early June and closes at the end of November.
• It's recommended to bring snow chains due to the pass's altitude.
• To cross the Forcola Pass, you must have a valid travel document (identity card and/or passport) for both adults and children.

The 3.5 km long Munt La Schera Tunnel is the main access route to Livigno for those arriving from Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto, the Swiss Engadine, and Northern Europe. Located on the Italian-Swiss border, it has alternating one-way traffic and a toll.

Online ticket purchases are available for cars up to 9 seats, motorcycles, and campers/caravans, both for single and return journeys. Tickets for other vehicle categories are on sale exclusively at the Punt dal Gall toll booth.

The online ticket can be presented in paper or digital format, and it is only necessary to indicate the arrival period.

Before leaving, it is essential to check the opening hours HERE , to better plan your trip

The Mortirolo Pass , also known as the Foppa Pass, is located at 1,852 metres above sea level in the southern Rhaetian Alps and connects Valtellina with Val Camonica via a narrow, little-travelled road.

Less accessible than the nearby Aprica Pass, the Mortirolo Pass retains a wild and authentic charm, nestled in an Alpine landscape of woods and pastures. Its history is tied both to war and cycling: during World War II, it was the scene of clashes between partisans and German-Fascist troops, while its steep slopes have become legendary thanks to the exploits of the Giro d'Italia, which has written some of the most thrilling chapters of the Giro d'Italia here. Traces of the old military roads and trenches from World War I are still visible, offering a visit for those who love combining nature, history, and sport in a single experience.

• The Mortirolo Pass is open only during the spring and summer.
• Snow chains are recommended due to the altitude of the pass.
• Due to the road's layout, there is no public transportation service.

The Aprica Pass, at 1,181 meters above sea level, is an Alpine pass that connects the Valtellina to the Val Camonica in Lombardy. Since the Middle Ages, it has been a strategic link between the Alps and the Po Valley, thanks to its gentle, easily navigable slopes. On one side, the view opens onto the Valtellina and the majestic Bernina range, on the other, the peaks of the Adamello massif. Today, the pass is crossed by State Road 39 and retains its scenic charm, enriched by a history of sport and cycling: the Giro d'Italia has written memorable pages here, with stage finishes won by great champions such as Marco Pantani and Ivan Basso.

The Maloja Pass, at 1,815 meters above sea level, is a fascinating Swiss Alpine pass connecting the Engadine Valley to the Bregaglia Valley and, therefore, to the Valchiavenna. Located in the Canton of Graubünden, it links the towns of Chiavenna and St. Moritz along a route of breathtaking scenery. The Bregaglia Valley side offers a unique spectacle: an imposing rock face forms the backdrop to a spectacular series of hairpin bends, a popular destination for motorcyclists and lovers of scenic drives. After crossing the border, the road climbs gently between the villages of Stampa and Bregaglia, up to Casaccia, where the final, steeper and winding section leading to the pass begins. On the opposite side lies the expansive Upper Engadine plateau, with its famous lakes and open landscapes. Frequented since Roman times as a trade route and link between northern and southern Europe, Maloja has for centuries been a crossroads of peoples, histories, and cultures, today captivating travelers and tourists with the beauty of its panoramas and its rich historical heritage.

The San Marco Pass, at 1,992 meters above sea level, connects Valtellina to Val Brembana, crossing the Orobie Alps.

Its history is closely tied to trade and defense: the Via Priula, built in the 16th century by the Republic of Venice to facilitate trade with the Grisons and ensure a direct connection between Bergamo and Valtellina, passed through here. The pass, nestled in a landscape of high-altitude pastures and imposing peaks, still retains the charm of historic routes, offering those who travel it a journey through nature and memory.

The Umbrail Pass (2,503 meters) connects the Alta Valtellina to the Engadine. Accessed from the IV° Cantoniera at the Stelvio Pass, 4 km from the summit, it is undoubtedly one of the Alpine passes around Bormio most beloved by cyclists and bikers; in fact, the best cyclists of all time have competed here. It was also a protagonist of the 2017 Giro d'Italia.
Crossing the entire pass, you immediately enter Swiss territory, heading towards Santa Maria, in the splendid Val Monastero.

• The Umbrail Pass is regularly open for the summer season.
• The Umbrail Pass will close around the beginning of November.
• Vehicles weighing more than 18 tons, wider than 2.5 meters, and longer than 10 meters are prohibited.
• Snow chains are recommended due to the altitude of the pass.
  To cross the Umbrail Pass, both adults and children must have a valid travel document (ID card and/or passport).
• During the summer months, the pass can be reached by public transport (July and August). The Perego bus company operates daily from Bormio to the Stelvio Pass, stopping at the IV° Cantoniera, the starting point of the Umbrail Pass. Alternatively, the pass can also be reached during the summer by Swiss Postal Bus (the service is guaranteed with online reservations).

Book apartments for your sport and relaxation holidays in a charming alpine setting

Discounted entry to the Bormio Terme wellness area, just steps from Baita al Pian.

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