Stelvio Pass: Putting Supercars to the Test on an Alpine Legend
The Stelvio Pass. Its reputation precedes it, largely thanks to a certain television programme. But is it truly the best driving road in the Alps? Back in 2015, we decided to find out for ourselves. Our weapons of choice? A vibrant lime green Lamborghini Huracan LP610 and a striking red Ferrari 488 Speciale.
Setting the Scene: Our Stelvio Pass Road Trip
Having run driving tours in the Alps since 2010, we’ve experienced the Stelvio Pass numerous times. However, in 2015, we embarked on a specific mission: to conduct our own head-to-head test, reminiscent of some well-known motoring shows. With the recently launched Ferrari 458 Speciale and Lamborghini Huracan LP610 at our disposal, we aimed to push these supercars on the Stelvio’s demanding tarmac and ultimately decide if this pass truly deserves the title of the world’s greatest driving road – or at least the best among the many we’d tackled over the previous five seasons in the Alps.
Stelvio Pass: The Numbers
- Elevation: 2757 metres (9045 feet), making it the highest paved mountain road in the Eastern Alps and the second highest in the Alps, just 7 metres below the Col de l’Iseran in France.
- Turns: A total of 60 hairpin bends, with 48 numbered on the northern section – the famous north face of the Stelvio Pass.
- Length: 35 kilometres, typically measured from Trafoi to Bormio. The 20-25km approach to Trafoi is also a decent drive in itself, so some might consider the total length even greater.
The raw statistics certainly live up to the hype – that’s a significant amount of height, turns, and distance!
Our LP610 Lamborghini Huracan Heading up the North Face of Stelvio Pass
What a road, what a noise from the Huracan!
Why the Fascination with the Stelvio Pass?
Visually, the Stelvio Pass in Italy is undeniably one of the most dramatic passes in the Alps, primarily due to its incredible wall of switchback turns. These are clearly visible as you ascend from the north-east and equally impressive when looking back down from the summit. The 48 numbered hairpin bends on its north face are an impressive feat of engineering, complete with beautiful stone retaining walls. So, from a visual perspective, the Stelvio Pass certainly delivers. But what about the driving experience itself?
Approaching from the east, we began our ascent up the renowned north face. Immediately after passing the small village of Trafoi, the road narrows considerably, becoming quite tight in sections. This initial part of the pass, before you reach the main wall of switchbacks, can feel a bit precarious in a supercar, as we discovered when encountering oncoming traffic. However, after navigating this wooded stretch with limited forward visibility, the road begins to climb above the tree line, and while the width doesn’t drastically increase, visibility does improve, although the challenge remains. The steep gradient means many of the 90-degree hairpin turns require careful negotiation at speeds below 30 km/h to avoid grounding the car or straying into the opposite lane. Caution is paramount, given that drivers coming from the other direction face the same challenges.
What a road, and the sound from the Huracan was something else!
As we continued our ascent, finding clear stretches of road (helped by a guide car ahead), we were able to push the cars on the short straights – some 300-400 metres – before braking hard for the switchbacks. It was here that the real enjoyment began to emerge. This relentless series of turns is precisely what makes the Stelvio so talked about.
The beauty of the Stelvio Pass, in our opinion, lies in the fact that driving it well is a genuine test of skill and technique. Perfectly judging braking points, achieving the optimal turn-in, and then smoothly accelerating out of each corner provides a real sense of accomplishment. We believe this is the essence of the Stelvio Pass driving experience – mastering the drive. This feeling resonates with what the Top Gear team likely experienced back in 2008. In many ways, it’s akin to tackling a demanding track like the Nürburgring Nordschleife; it shouldn’t be easy, and it isn’t, but executing a section of corners flawlessly delivers an incredible buzz.
Once at the summit, a left turn up to the Albergo Ristorante Tibet is essential for capturing that iconic photograph looking down on the pass.
The descent towards Bormio is still a rewarding drive, with more sweeping turns and several excellent vantage points to stop and take photographs. Reaching the bottom, you emerge directly into the centre of Bormio, which, while not the most picturesque village, offers plenty of options for a meal.
Our Tip: Instead of heading straight down to Bormio, about 1 kilometre after starting the ascent from the Bormio side, take a right onto the Umbrail Pass towards Switzerland and the stunning Swiss National Park. This often deserted pass feels like a journey back in time, eventually leading you into the heart of the Swiss National Park and the beautiful Offenpass, completing a fantastic loop back to the Swiss Lower Engadin valley.
Finally at the top of the Stelvio Pass Italy, the views on a clear day are truly spectacular!
Our two mean machines – Lamborghini LP610 Huracan & Ferrari 458 Speciale
Finally at the top of the Stelvio Pass Italy, and the views on a day like this are to die for!
The Catch: Why the Mixed Reviews?
Despite its legendary status, the Stelvio Pass often receives mixed reviews. The primary reason? It’s incredibly busy. Since its feature on Top Gear, it has become one of the most popular high alpine passes. On weekends, it’s often packed with cyclists and motorcyclists, many with less than ideal road positioning, as well as numerous cars, frequently causing traffic congestion. This can detract from the pure driving experience.
In reality, the Stelvio Pass is a road of two tales. Drive it when it’s quiet, ideally with someone familiar with the route calling out the road ahead, and it’s an absolute gem. Drive it at the wrong time, when it’s swarming with bikes and cars, and it can be a frustrating experience – perhaps one of the least enjoyable alpine drives imaginable.
More pictures from the summit outside the Albergo Ristorante Tibet – Stelvio Pass in background
Stelvio Pass Car Test Line up
Our Conclusions on the Stelvio Pass
The verdict is clear: you absolutely must drive the Stelvio Pass. It truly is an incredible road. However, the key is timing. Aim to drive it very early in the morning (around 7 am) or in the early evening (after 7 pm). An overnight stay near the pass (we recommend Hotel Belle Vista at the foot) allows for an early start, enabling you to enjoy the drive perhaps even twice before returning for breakfast. Do this, and you might just agree with the Top Gear team – it could well be the greatest driving road in the world.
And the Cars We Tested?
Anyone who appreciates a great engine note will adore the Lamborghini. Its handling is superb, and the exhaust pops on the overrun during the descent are fantastic. However, as a pure driving machine for tackling the Alps, the Ferrari 458 Speciale is truly exceptional. Even now, we haven’t encountered a better car for these demanding roads. It represents the pinnacle of Ferrari’s track-focused, naturally aspirated V8 era, and they certainly finished on a high note.
Our Winner: The Ferrari 458 Speciale – You don’t need to be driving this car to have fun on the Stelvio Pass… but it certainly enhances the experience!
The view heading up the North face of the Stelvio Pass
Our Winner – the Ferrari 458 Speciale – you don’t need to be driving this car to have fun on the Stelvio Pass…it just helps a bit!
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Stelvio Pass Italy first opened / what was it's original purpose?
The original road was built in 1820–25 by the Austrian Empire as a route that would connect the former Austrian province of Lombardy with the rest of Austria. The engineer and project manager was Carlo Donegani and since that date the route has changed very little, asides of course an occasional re-tarmac.
Is the Stelvio Pass open all year around?
The Stelvio Pass like most high alpine passes will be closed through the winter season due to snowfall, however there is never an official closing date, as this is largely dependent on weather conditions on the Stelvio Pass. Under normal circumstances, the Stelvio Pass will open mid to late May, and will remain open until the end of October. However, you should always check the latest status when making drives close to the start and end of season – a really good source for the latest status on the pass (open / shut / snow down) would be https://www.alpenpaesse.de/
What's the best direction to drive the Stelvio Pass?
Unlike many mountain passes where approaching from either direction offers a similar experience, with the Stelvio, it’s best approached from the north west side. It’s only by coming from this direction you get to drive up the Stelvio Pass’s famous wall of switchbacks – and one thing we know from experience is that’s always lot more fun than heading down. It’s also by approaching from this side you get to run through the heart of the Stelvio National Park itself before starting the ascent – this run takes you through several great stretches of alpine forest and many KMs of fast/ sweeping roads before arriving at the foot of the pass. Once on the pass, each of the turns are numbered with stones, so at least you get to count your arrival to the top, 48, 47, 46…
What's the best month to drive the Stelvio Pass?
Without doubt June, and the earlier the better – at this time you will see walls of snow as you approach the summit, plus the nearby rivers and waterfalls are that bit more dramatic as the glacial snow melts on the surrounding peaks
What's the best time of day to drive the Stelvio Pass?
As already mentioned, the pass can get very busy, try to ensure you drive mid-week and either before 8am (normally requires that you stay close by overnight) or actually often better, the early evening around 7pm, when most people are already tucked up in their hotels!
Where's the best place to stop on the Stelvio Pass for a bite to eat?
Our recommendation is the hotel / Albergo Bella Vista – the terrace on the back as you suspect by the name, has an incredible vista!
Where's the best place on the Stelvio Pass to take a picture
Without doubt, looking down from the Albergo Ristorante Tibet, just above the summit – from inside the restaurant, lean out of the window for the perfect picture!