GREAT ITINERARY BY MOTORCYCLE FROM BORMIO: STELVIO - UMBRAIL - GAVIA - FOSCAGNO - MORTITOLO

Due to its centenary history, Bormio is the most fascinating and iconic village in Lombardy. The typical alpine buildings made of stone and the infinite possibilities of sport, trekking, thermal relaxation - reunited in the splendid rocky panorama of the Ortles-Cevedale Group - make it a unique context. At the same time, it is one of the most famous meeting points of all time for motorcyclists: this is because by motorbike from Bormio it is possible to travel and intersect some of the most beautiful passes in Italy between Lombardy, Trentino Alto Adige and Switzerland. Let's go and see more specifically some of the most popular motorbike itineraries that can be covered starting from Bormio:

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MOTORCYCLE ROUTES FROM BORMIO: ROADSITALIA'S CHOICES

As already mentioned here and in other posts, the combinations and variations of a motorcycle itinerary can be infinite. This depends a lot on the motorcyclists's experience, his friendships, resourcefulness, desire to dare, etc.. . At the same time, these variables are united by a single instinct and passion: the motorbike and the free spirit on two wheels. We at Roadsitalia have chosen 5 stages / itineraries:

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1. Stelvio Pass

Second in altitude only to the Colle dell’Iseran, the Stelvio Pass is definitely the most famous and historic motorcycle tour in Valtellina. Built centuries ago to connect Vienna and Milan during the Austro-Hungarian period preceding the world wars, today it connects Bormio and the Valtellina with Trafoi and the Venosta Valley. Its route, explained in detail in this article dedicated to the Stelvio Pass by motorbike, winds along State Road 38, counting 88 hairpin bends (48 on the South Tyrolean side, 40 on the Lombard side).

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2. Umbrail Pass

Still along the SS38 to the Stelvio Pass and deviating at the IV Casa Cantoniera, it is possible to reach the Umbrail Pass (Giogo di Santa Maria) in Switzerland. The latter is the highest passable alpine pass in Switzerland, which offers a fascinating view that aggregates the Monastero Valley, the Fraele Valley, the Valtellina and the Trafoi Valley. From here it is also possible to descend on the Swiss side towards Santa Maria Val Müstair, along the Monastero Valley. In this case, pay attention to the slope and width of the route (about 13 km and just over 1,000 meters in altitude).

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3. Gavia Pass

The Gavia Pass - straddling the provinces of Sondrio and Brescia - connects the Gavia Valley and the upper Valley Camonica. The road from Bormio is very scenic, but at the same time slightly demanding and in some places very narrow (so watch out for distractions!). From Bormio take the SP29 towards Santa Caterina di Valfurva which gradually climbs towards the summit of the Gavia Pass. This pass is also famous and reachable by taking the SP29 contrarily from Ponte di Legno, an Italian town in the province of Brescia famous among motorcyclists (it is no coincidence that many motorcyclists arrive from Valley Camonica and travel along it with destination Bormio)

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4. Foscagno Pass

Restarting from Bormio, take a small stretch of the SP38 again and then deviate onto the SS301 (shortly after the Terme Nuove) and continue through hairpin bends and climbs towards the Foscagno Pass. This road is the only alternative route that allows you to reach Livigno without necessarily having to go through Switzerland (through the Poschiavo Valley and the Forcola di Livigno). Grinding other kilometers to this itinerary and always following the SS301, it is possible to reach the beautiful Eira Pass (about 2200 meters above sea level).

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5. Mortirolo Pass

Known more as Foppa Pass, this pass connects Valtellina with Camonica Valley, through the Mortirolo Valley of the same name. In a certain sense it connects the province of Sondrio with that of Brescia, being just halfway between the municipalities of Grosio and Monno. Also from Bormio, go down towards south (SS38) towards Sondrio and then turn off at Sondalo on the SP27. A short distance from here, take the Strada del Mortirolo (signposted) and go up for about fifteen kilometers towards the Mortirolo Pass. It is a narrow and little-used road, as it remains more of an alternative to the Aprica Pass, easier and safer.

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USEFUL ADVICE ON ROUTES FROM BORMIO

Like all mountain roads, climbs, weather conditions and caution are never too many. Each Pass has its own seasonal closures and predefined dates, so be careful if you want to take these routes during spring or summer. The day of the week is also relatively important, either because of the notoriety of the places (purely tourist), or because of the traffic. Have a nice trip! Have you ever taken or taken any of these steps? Tell us in the comments and send us your souvenir photos!