Livigno - Stelvio
Livigno, Bormio, and the entire cycling region encompassing the Stelvio, Gavia, and Mortirolo are truly extraordinary. They are deeply Italian, yet sit so close to the Swiss border.
High up in the mountains and almost hard to reach, they have become a place of pilgrimage for anyone who rides. This is where cycling history lives: writer Marco Pastonesi once called the Stelvio "a cathedral of cycling, a vertical velodrome" while the Mortirolo needs only its name: "promising blood, sweat, and tears, and never guaranteeing a happy ending."
But the riding here goes far beyond these three legendary passes: the climb to the Torri di Fraele is magical, the wall up to the Mottolino will test even the strongest legs, and many Swiss ascents are within easy reach from Livigno. And for rest days, the Sentiero Valtellina or the bike path across the Livigno plain make perfect companions.
Sure, you can ride and have fun in many other places around the world, but if you’ve never caught a dusting of snow on the final hairpins of the Stelvio in late July, can you really say you’ve experienced climbing?
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Best time to ride
This area has a typical alpine climate. The warmest months of the year are also the only period when cycling here is generally possible. Outside the warmer months the passes are buried under snow and impassable. Occasionally, conditions can be unusually favorable (in 2020, for example, the Giro d’Italia crossed the Stelvio without issue on October 22), but July and August remain the best months to ride.
Even then, you may encounter cold, wind, rain, or even snow, so pack warm technical clothing. As with any high-mountain environment, the weather can change rapidly.
Where to stay
Base Towns
Bormio
Bormio is set in a truly ideal location for cyclists. It lies at the foot of legendary climbs such as the Stelvio and the Gavia, while still being close to the Torri di Fraele and the Mortirolo. The town is crossed by the long Sentiero Valtellina cycle path and boasts extensive accommodation options. A wide range of sports are practiced here, including winter activities.
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Accommodations (12)
Places in Livigno - Stelvio that welcome you and your bike.
Alpen Hotel Valdidentro
In a strategic location between Bormio and Livigno, at the foot of the climb to the Torri di Fraele, Alpen Hotel offers a perfect way to experience the authentic Alta Valtellina. In the basement there is a bike room to store your bike during the night.
Alpen Resort Bivio
Perched in a panoramic location with breathtaking views over Livigno, Alpen Resort welcomes you to its stylishly renovated hotel. Whether you choose to stay in the 3-star or 4-star section, Alpen Resort is the perfect choice for anyone seeking a cycling-focused holiday in Livigno.
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How to get there
The most reliable way to get to Livigno, Bormio or Valdidentro is by car. After reaching Milan or Lake Como, the SS38 takes you up through the Valtellina Valley to Bormio. From there, you can continue on to Valdidentro and then Livigno via the Foscagno and Eira passes. Livigno is also accessible from the Engadin or the Ofenpass through the Munt La Schera tunnel (toll required).
If you prefer to travel by train, the closest station is Tirano, where buses and coaches depart regularly for Bormio and Livigno. Bikes can be transported on the bus for the price of a regular ticket.
The nearest airports are Milan’s Linate (LIN), Malpensa (MXP), and Bergamo (BGY), with Zurich Airport (ZRH) being another excellent option.
Bike Rentals (7)
Bormio Ski & Bike
Bike brands: Trek, Colnago, Castelli
With a couple of stores in Bormio and a third at Bormio 2000, this place has become a go-to spot for cyclists in the area to rent a bike or shop for new equipement. The shop is located right next to the cable car to Bormio 2000 and also houses a bar.
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Shops (5)
Cube Store Valtellina
Located in Tovo Sant’Agata, the village at the foot of one of Mortirolo’s most legendary climbs, this official Cube dealer is among the largest bike shops in the Valtellina. Conveniently positioned near both the provincial and state roads that run up the valley, it offers outstanding efficiency and reliable service.
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Cafes & bars (19)
Albergo Passo Mortirolo
Just one kilometer from the top of the Mortirolo, Albergo Passo Mortirolo is a solid spot to take a break. Grab a seat on the big terrace, unwind with a drink, or go all in on lunch. The pizzoccheri alone make it a must-stop.
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Popular Climbs (12)
Bormio 2000
8.27km | 733m | 8.9%
Home to ski facilities, Bormio 2000 is a classic road cycling climb starting from Bormio. It isn’t especially long, but the gradients are tough. From several of its hairpin bends, you can enjoy stunning views over the Upper Valtellina.
Passo del Foscagno
15.14km | 1302m | 8.6%
A great classic for those riding between Livigno and Bormio, the Foscagno is a long, steady climb that winds mostly through forest. At the top, you’re rewarded with a beautiful view over Trepalle.
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Cycling Routes (12)
The notorious MoGaSt
158km | 4800m
The three giants around Bormio: the Mortirolo from Mazzo, the Gavia from Ponte di Legno, and the Stelvio from Bormio. You won’t find anything better. Cycling legends come alive on every kilometer of these iconic roads.
One tip: the main road following the Oglio River from Monno to Ponte di Legno can be quite busy: use the bike path!
Lago di Cancano
38.7km | 960m
After a quick warm-up on the Valdidentro bike path, tackle the climb toward Lake Cancano. This route was featured in the 2020 Giro d’Italia, with Tao Geoghegan Hart taking the win beneath the Fraele Towers.
If you’re up for some easy gravel, continue past Lake Cancano toward Lake San Giacomo, a true wonder!
Bernina Classic
128km | 2960m
A classic loop starting from Bormio. After descending the Valtellina, the route climbs the Bernina from Tirano, just like the famous red train. Its tracks often cross the road, so stay alert! The return to Bormio takes you over the Forcola, Eira, and Foscagno passes.
Forcola, Bernina and back to Livigno
41.6km | 1050m
A short but intense ride, featuring three climbs above 2,300 meters. The Forcola di Livigno is one of the most popular ascents among the many professional cyclists who train in the area. Especially in July and August, you’re sure to encounter plenty of them!
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Mathijs
Reviews
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Andreas
The effort it took them to build those roads back in the days: crazy. To be able to climb them for pure please (and lots of sweat) nowadays: even crazier.
You can see history during loads of the climbs: From old stone walls to old fortresses or tunnels. All the while with glaciers looming in the background.
Oh and counting down hairpins while climbing might sound like fun - until you realize you'll start at 48 (from Prato).
And one more thing: Don't forget that it can get quite chilly up top at e.g. Stelvio. During my ride last August there was snow and freezing temperatures (literally).