From Prato allo Stelvio (about 2,990 ft, or 910 m) to the Passo dello Stelvio at 9,045 ft (2,757 m), it’s 15.4 miles (24.8 km) at an average 7.4% and 6,056 ft (1,846 m) of climbing, with 48 numbered hairpins. CyclingCols and Climbfinder agree almost to the meter (24.7-24.8 km and 1,843-1,846 m); salite.ch starts a bit higher and gives 24.3 km.
What the climb is like
The first part follows the valley up to Trafoi on moderate grades. From there the hairpins begin, numbered from 48 down to 1, and the grade stays almost always between 7% and 9%, with a maximum around 12%. Hairpin 24 is at Franzenshöhe, around mile 12 (km 19); from there you can see the upper hairpins stacked against the mountain. The last miles, above 8,200 ft (2,500 m), you feel the thin air: at that altitude there’s 25% less oxygen than at sea level.
We don’t publish a segment-by-segment profile because we couldn’t find two sources that split it the same way.
Giro d’Italia history
The road was finished in 1825 to link Vienna and Milan directly. The Giro first climbed it in 1953, and Fausto Coppi won the stage. As the highest climb the Giro uses, when it’s on the route it’s usually the Cima Coppi, the prize for the race’s highest point. It has been cut for snow several times: in 1984, 1988 and 2013, and in 2024 it was left out again. The Giro’s most recent crossing in our sources was in 2020, with Rohan Dennis first to the top.
When to go, water and traffic
The pass closes in winter; we couldn’t find official opening dates, so check before you go. In summer there’s heavy traffic from motorcycles, cars and RVs: start early or go on a weekday. Once a year, Stelvio Bike Day closes the road to motor vehicles (in 2026, Saturday, August 29, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., from Trafoi, Bormio and Santa Maria); it’s free, with no registration, and helmets are required.
There’s a fountain in Trafoi and places to eat in Trafoi, Weisser Knott and Franzenshöhe. It’s cold and windy at the top. Nearby are the Bormio side, the Umbrail Pass (through Switzerland, quieter for the descent) and the climb to Solda/Sulden from Prato.
What gearing to use
For two hours of climbing at high altitude, a 34x30 or 34x32. At 3 W/kg (watts per kilo of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 6.8 mph (11 km/h) on 8%, and on a 34x32 you’ll pedal at 82 rpm. Compare in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Start very early to avoid the motorcycles.
- Carry food for more than two hours and warm clothes for the summit.
- Descend via the Umbrail if you want less traffic.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb the Stelvio from Prato?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 2 h 07 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 2 h 31 min at 2.5 W/kg and 1 h 37 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
How many hairpins does the Stelvio have?
Forty-eight numbered ones on the Prato (Trafoi) side and 34 on the Bormio side (see that climb). Hairpin 24 is at Franzenshöhe, around mile 12 (km 19).
When is Stelvio Bike Day?
It's usually the last Saturday in August: in 2026 it was August 29, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the road closed to motorcycles and cars. It's free, with no registration.
Is the Stelvio harder from Prato or from Bormio?
From Prato: it has more climbing, 6,056 ft (1,846 m), and 48 hairpins. It's the more famous side.