Alfa Romeo Stelvio: Driving Experience Review

KMII · 2024-07-08T11:15:09Z

KMII reviews driving Italy's Stelvio Pass. Discover insights on its challenging switchbacks, scenic beauty, and tips for an optimal driving experience.

KMII

WPS member · Automotive forum

46 replies10309 views7 photos

KMII, a seasoned automotive enthusiast, shares his recent drive through the iconic Stelvio Pass, offering a candid assessment of its legendary status. His detailed account, enriched with personal observations and stunning photography, provides invaluable insights for anyone considering tackling this famous Alpine route. KMII's post serves as a practical guide, highlighting both the challenges and the undeniable allure of the Stelvio.

Some weeks ago I asked for advice on some favorite mountain passes to drive and have been looking to trying one or two since.

The famous Stelvio (or Stilfser Joch in German), while namesake of a glorious Alfa SUV, did not seem to feature that highly and the reasons given were definitely accurate. Still, in the best FOMO tradition, and by some creative route interpretation, it just found itself on the way 😉

The first shot above shows the main reason against - while looking glorious, the famous side descending into the Alto Adige side is hardly driving bliss - the serpentines are narrow and your speed will be suitably low. Passing other cars generally only features with their permission (as it involves them stopping by the side and you crawling past). Still, the 46 switchbacks are something to be done and seen I would say (possibly not worthwhile to drive there for hundreds of miles just for that but there are others close by).

Much more fun is to be had on the Bormio side of the pass. Here the road is a bit more flowing and while still not so wide to comfortably pass in most places, it allows for a nice rhythm, if you happen to be lucky enough to drive when there are few others around (Sunday morning with rain tends to do the trick) 😊

There are a handful of fun curved tunnels on the way…

And some fantastic nature, if you decide to stop for a peek - as there was a slow van behind that we didn’t want to get stuck behind, these moments were short 😉

Most of the buildings were deserted - I am sure this changes, when the weather is better and the pass becomes more visited but in many ways it suited us just fine 👍🏻

The final kilometer of the ascent…

And a picture from the top - not much in terms of photography but the weather really wasn’t much to write home about.

At any rate picking a weekday, being early and hopefully without perfect weather will allow you to get the most out of it, as there will be few cars and few cyclists on the road.

A cool experience for sure but there are more to come over the following weeks.

Still interested in other mountain road recommendations from the members 😁

Key Points from the Discussion

The Stelvio Pass, while iconic, presents challenges for larger vehicles like buses, with tight turns that can lead to loss of traction, and the altitude can cause sickness for some passengers.
The famous Alto Adige side of the Stelvio Pass, with its 46 narrow switchbacks, is more of a scenic experience than a driving pleasure, often requiring other vehicles to stop for passing.
The Bormio side of the Stelvio Pass offers a more enjoyable driving experience with flowing roads, especially during off-peak times like Sunday mornings with rain, which reduces traffic.
Motorcyclists, particularly those on dual-purpose bikes with high seats or heavy tourers, often struggle with the Stelvio's slow-speed hairpins, sometimes due to a mismatch between wallet size and riding skills.
The Stelvio Pass is best experienced on a weekday, early in the morning, and ideally in less-than-perfect weather to minimize traffic from cars and cyclists, enhancing the driving experience.
The average age of bikers on the Stelvio is increasing, and their average mileage might be decreasing, suggesting a shift in the demographic of riders tackling the pass.

The Discussion

Arronax

Jul 8, 2024

As a former motorcyclist I hate to admit it but I find the youtube vids of riders falling in slow speed hairpins a bit entertaining (generally not much harm involved other than to one's pride).

KMII

Jul 8, 2024

Never watched these but perhaps time to change that 😁

KMII

Jul 8, 2024

Not a motorcyclist myself 🤷🏻‍♂️

KMII

Jul 8, 2024

But maybe not something all families would enjoy for a holiday 😉 Hence something that I tend to do with selected friends instead 👍🏻

Uncle Chico

Jul 8, 2024

It doesn't look like there's enough snow these days. The turns are so tight, on one turn our bus lost rear wheel contact on one side and we had to get out to place large rocks under the tire to restore traction. Many developed attitude sickness on the slope. Thanks for the memories.

S F

Jul 8, 2024

Is the tunnel 2-way?😅

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Alfa Romeo Stelvio: Driving Experience Review

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