Part of Italy
Bormio is located at 1,225 meters in the Valtellina, in the north of Lombardy, opposite the Swiss border. It is the town where three of the most famous climbs in Italy begin: the Stelvio, the Gavia and, a little further on, the Mortirolo. In addition, it has an old center, thermal baths after the ride and plenty of hotels that are accustomed to cyclists.
The Stelvio
At 2,758 meters, the Passo dello Stelvio is the roof of Italy, and one of the highest paved passes in the Alps. From Bormio, you climb about 21 kilometers, along galleries and hairpin bends, to the top. The most famous stretch is that of Prato allo Stelvio and Trafoi, with 48 numbered hairpin bends. The third way up comes from Switzerland, via the Umbrail Pass. Anyone who rides all three in a day has a day to never forget.
The Gavia and the Mortirolo
- The Gavia (2,652 meters): from Bormio via Santa Caterina Valfurva to one of the most rugged passes in the Alps, known from the Giro in the snow. On the other hand, you descend to Ponte di Legno.
- The Mortirolo: short but notorious steep, famous from Marco Pantani. Thomas rode it from Tirano, read From the Ghisallo to the Gavia.
- The Laghi di Cancano: A quieter climb with hairpin bends to two reservoirs above Bormio, ideal for a shorter day.
- The BerninapasJust across the border in Switzerland, and a nice loop via Tirano.
Car-free climbing
With the program Enjoy Stelvio Valtellina, the Stelvio, the Gavia, the Mortirolo, and the road to the Cancano lakes are regularly closed to cars between May and September. The highlight is the Cima Coppi Climb: on August 29, 2026, all three sides of the Stelvio will be closed, from Bormio, Trafoi, and the Umbrail. Sixteen hours of cycling only. For all dates, see Car-free cols in 2026.
Climber map: the most important climbs
On this map you can see the most important ascents in the area. Choose a starting point to see only those climbs. Click on a point for the altitude and the climb numbers. For the yellow points we have a route with GPX.
Granfondo Gavia–Mortirolo
On July 5, 2026, the Gavia and the Mortirolo will be closed for a total of 4.5 hours for the Granfondo Gavia–Mortirolo, with distances of 141, 111, and 46 kilometers. From June 30 to July 5, Ponte di Legno will host a whole cycling week, with no-rib number climbing and a two-day gravel experience. Read Granfondo Gavia–Mortirolo 2026.
Your Cycling base
Bormio is centrally located, but the surrounding villages are also good starting points:
- BormioThe ideal center: the Stelvio, Gavia and Mortirolo can all be reached by car from the village, and after the end there are the thermal baths.
- Livigno: High and tax-free, with the Foscagno, the Passo d’Eira and the Bernina nearby. Ideal for a high-altitude stage.
- Ponte di Legno: on the south side of the Gavia, with the Passo del Tonale nearby as well.
- Prato allo Stelvio: in the Vinschgau, at the foot of the classic side of the Stelvio.
Practical
- WhenFrom June to September. The high passes only open when the snow has melted and can also be closed in the summer in bad weather. It can be cold at the top: a jacket in the back pocket is not a superfluous luxury.
- Overnight stay: in Bormio itself, or in Santa Caterina Valfurva at the foot of the Gavia. Ponte di Legno is a good base for the other side of the Gavia and the Mortirolo.
- How do you get thereBy car via Switzerland (Zwitserland, Oenpass or Umbrail) or via Tirano. By plane to Milan-Bergamo or Milan-Malpensa, then about three hours’ drive.
- After the rideThe thermal baths of Bormio are exactly what your legs need after the Stelvio.
From our stories
- The highest paved climbs in the worldThe Stelvio and the Gavia next to the highest roads in the world.
- From the Ghisallo to the Gavia: a cycling trip through Lombardy.
When are you leaving?
How do you get there?
- Flying: Fly to Milan Bergamo · Milan Linate. Bring your own bike; then book a place for your bike box in time.
- By train: Convenient stations: Tirano.
- By car: From Utrecht you are in about 11 hours. Bormio: Stelvio, Gavia & MortiroloPlan an overnight stop along the way, or drive in two days.
This is how we calculate: We calculate distances and travel times starting from Utrecht. Our flights always depart from Schiphol, Rotterdam The Hague Airport or Eindhoven Airport. Want to know how to travel from your place of residence the best way? Let us know, We are happy to help you. After all, we built this site together.
Are you flying? Read our guide Flying with your bike: Which airline, what the cost is and how to pack your bike.
