Riding Tips for the Stelvio Pass: Conquering the Iconic Alpine Switchbacks
How do you tame 48 hairpins at 9,000 feet? With patience, precision, and just a touch of stubbornness.
The Stelvio Pass isn’t just a road—it’s a legend. Winding its way through the Italian Alps at a lung-stealing 2,757 metres (9,045 ft) above sea level, it’s one of the most iconic rides in the motorcycling world. With 48 hairpin bends on the north side alone, breathtaking views, and a rich history dating back to the 1820s, it’s a bucket-list road for riders who crave both challenge and reward.
But riding the Stelvio isn’t something you just “wing.” Those tight, stacked switchbacks and unpredictable Alpine weather can catch even experienced bikers off guard. If you’re planning to tackle this masterpiece, here’s how to ride it like a pro—and still have energy left to enjoy an espresso at the summit café. Interested in my own experience? Check it out Here.
1. Pick the Right Time of Year
Best months: Late June to early September.
The pass is closed during winter and often into late spring due to snow. Early summer offers cooler temps and fewer tourists, but patches of ice are possible.
Avoid peak weekends in August when the road can feel more like a two-wheeled traffic jam.
A word of warning from experience: Don’t be like me and attempt the Stelvio in crap conditions. I hit it in wet, slick snow, convinced I could just “push through” instead of waiting for better weather. At the time, I was still a relatively new rider—my stubbornness outweighed my skill level. Not only was it sketchy to ride, but the cloud cover was so thick I couldn’t even see the epic views the Stelvio is famous for. Trust me—wait for a clear day. The pass isn’t going anywhere.
2. Choose Your Approach Wisely
Both sides of the Stelvio have their own character, but they ride very differently.
South Side (Bormio): Wider turns and a more flowing rhythm. Still challenging, but it gives you more breathing space between corners.
North Side (Prato allo Stelvio): The famous side with 48 numbered switchbacks stacked like dominoes. It’s technical, steep, and demands precise control over clutch, throttle, and line choice.
3. Prep Your Bike
Before you even think about taking on the Stelvio, make sure your machine is ready for the punishment it’s about to get. The pass might only be around 25 km long from either side, but the constant hairpins, altitude changes, and slow-speed technical riding will put every part of your bike to the test.
Gearing:
Make sure your clutch and gearbox are buttery-smooth. On the north side especially, you’ll be spending most of your time in 1st and 2nd gear. These tight turns require controlled, low-speed precision rather than brute speed. If your clutch is snatchy or your gearbox clunky, you’ll feel it on every bend—and it can quickly wear you out. Consider adjusting your clutch cable before the ride and make sure you’re comfortable feathering it through repeated hairpins.
Brakes:
The descent—whichever side you go down—will have you on the brakes almost constantly. This is where good maintenance can literally save your life. Check your pads for thickness and ensure your brake fluid is fresh and at the correct level. Old fluid can boil under constant use, leaving you with a spongy lever and reduced stopping power—not what you want when there’s a sheer drop on one side. Use engine braking as much as possible to preserve your brakes and prevent overheating.
Cooling:
Air-cooled bikes in particular can get seriously hot in the Stelvio’s slow, stacked switchbacks—especially if you’re stuck behind traffic. Heat build-up can sap performance or even cause engine damage over time. Give your bike (and yourself) a break at one of the scenic pull-offs to let it cool down. Liquid-cooled bikes handle the heat better, but they’re not immune—keep an eye on your temperature gauge. If your bike struggles in traffic, avoid peak times to keep the ride smooth and stress-free.
4. Ride the Switchbacks Smart
It’s always easier to control a bike uphill than downhill—especially when you’re tackling tight, stacked hairpins. That’s why I recommend starting from the north side. You’ll climb the most technical, demanding section while your energy and focus are fresh, then enjoy the more flowing, relaxed south-side descent afterwards.
Your bike will likely feel most stable in second gear. First can be a bit vibey and twitchy, especially when you’re trying to hold a steady line mid-hairpin. Second gear, paired with good clutch control, gives you smoother, more predictable handling. This ride is all about slow control—smooth inputs, steady throttle, and patience. Forget about speed until you’ve settled into the rhythm of the corners. Work your way up gradually, build confidence, and let the pace come naturally.
When it comes to corner technique, a few golden rules apply:
Approach wide, turn tight – Especially important on blind bends where buses or camper vans might be cutting into your line.
Eyes through the turn – Don’t fixate on the cliff edge or the stone wall. Your bike goes where you look, so focus on the exit.
Smooth inputs – Feather the clutch and throttle to stay balanced and avoid jerky steering that can unsettle the bike.
The Stelvio is both physically and mentally demanding—constant cornering at altitude can wear you out faster than you expect. Stop at Scaletta dello Stelvio or one of the many pull-outs to take in the view, cool your brakes, and catch your breath. And remember: keep your chest, shoulders, and arms relaxed. Tension makes the bike harder to control, and if you’re stiff, it won’t go where you want it to go. Relax, breathe, and let the bike flow through the turns.
5. Watch for Hazards
Surface changes:
The Stelvio’s road surface can change corner by corner. You might be leaning into a bend on perfect tarmac one second and suddenly find yourself riding over loose gravel, damp patches from melting snow, or rough, uneven repairs the next. These hazards are often hidden in the shadows or just around the apex, so keep your eyes scanning ahead and don’t commit to a turn too early. Avoid aggressive lean angles until you’re sure the surface is clear.
Traffic:
It’s not just you and the mountains out here—you’ll be sharing the Stelvio with cyclists grinding their way to the top, rental cars being coaxed around hairpins, tour buses taking up every inch of tarmac, and the occasional impatient supercar driver treating it like a racetrack. Always expect another road user in your lane, especially on blind bends. Give cyclists plenty of space, resist the urge to squeeze past in narrow sections, and be ready for buses that might swing wide to make a corner.
Weather swings:
Mountain weather has a mind of its own. You can start the ride under a clear blue sky and be in thick fog or even light snow by the summit. Temperatures drop quickly as you climb, and sudden showers or cloud banks can slash visibility in seconds. Always check the latest forecast before setting out, but also be prepared for it to be wrong. A lightweight waterproof layer and a clear visor insert (or anti-fog spray) can make all the difference if conditions suddenly turn.
8. Make it a Journey, Not Just a Ride
The Stelvio Pass is spectacular on its own, but it truly comes into its own as part of a bigger Alpine adventure. Pair it with the Umbrail Pass into Switzerland for a seamless, scenic loop, or continue into the Dolomites for more jaw-dropping mountain roads that will keep your adrenaline and camera batteries fully charged.
Riding the Stelvio is a rare blend of adrenaline, scenery, and technical skill. It demands respect, patience, and preparation—but in return, it offers one of the most unforgettable rides you’ll ever take.
And take it from someone who learned the hard way—wait for the right day. Give yourself the chance to experience the Stelvio in all its glory, with clear skies, dry roads, and the full sweep of the mountains laid out before you. The road will always be there, but the views are worth waiting for.