Summer in the Alps
1. What Makes Valtellina Stand Out in Summer
Valtellina, nestled in Lombardy between Lake Como and the Swiss border, transforms into an outdoor paradise during the warmer months. Its alpine passes—such as Stelvio, Gavia, Mortirolo, Spluga, San Marco, and Foscagno—are framed by rugged mountains, verdant valleys, and crystalline lakes. Whether you’re into cycling, gravel adventure, hiking, or even summer skiing, Valtellina has a trail for you.
Cycling enthusiasts should explore the region’s historic gravel routes—wooden farm roads, vineyard-lined paths, and riverside trails like Sentiero Valtellina and Ciclabile Valchiavenna, offering serene rides through culture and nature.
2. Iconic Passes & Car-Free Events
Valtellina’s government organizes “Enjoy Stelvio Valtellina,” opening its most iconic alpine passes to cyclists by closing roads to cars on specific summer dates. Highlights include:
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Climb to Campo Moro (May 25; Valmalenco)
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San Marco Pass (May 31)
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Cancano Lakes, Gavia, Mortirolo (June)
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Spluga Pass (June 29)
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Repeated Gavia and Cancano openings in July
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Night Climb to Campo Moro (August 2)
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Mortirolo (August 29)
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Stelvio Pass with the renowned Cima Coppi Climb (August 30)
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Final Gavia opening (August 31) and Cancano in September
These moments offer cyclists a rare chance to take in alpine panoramas in full silence and freedom.
Leggi anche: Unmissable Summer Experiences at Lake Como
3. Summer Skiing at Stelvio
A special treat for skiers: Stelvio Pass becomes a summer skiing haven from mid‑June to early November. The Stelvio glacier boasts over 20 km of slopes, two cross‑country tracks, and several lifts, making it the largest summer ski area in the Alps. It also doubles as a training camp for national ski teams.
4. Pass Highlights for Cyclists
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Mortirolo Pass (~1,852 m) is infamous in pro cycling for its extreme gradients—up to 18%—and multiple ascent routes (e.g., from Mazzo di Valtellina: 12.4 km at 10.5%).
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Stelvio Pass (~2,757 m) is the second‑highest paved pass in the Alps, famous for its 48 hairpin bends and Giro d’Italia challenges.
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Foscagno Pass (~2,291 m) connects Bormio and Livigno and remains open year‑round, offering essential access to the high-altitude, duty‑free town of Livigno.
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San Marco Pass (~1,992 m) ties Valtellina to Bergamo’s Val Brembana, with historic significance dating back to the late 16th century.
5. Beyond the Roads: Hiking & Exploration
For those on foot, Valtellina abounds with alpine trails. Near Bormio, you can hike the Reit foothills—a gentle, family-friendly walk—or take on steeper routes like the climb to the Reit cross (2,132 m), offering sweeping valley views.
Alpine Passes in Valtellina
Summer in Valtellina delivers a rich mix of cycling thrills, gravel adventures, historic routes, summer skiing, and scenic hikes. Whether you’re chasing climbs like Stelvio and Mortirolo, exploring serene gravel paths, or simply soaking in alpine panoramas, Valtellina shines as a summer Alpine gem.