Best time to go to Italy

Stelvio Bike Day (Scalata Cima Coppi) 2023

One day a year one of the highest drivable paths in the Alps is completely free of traffic, drivers leave it in favour of thousands of cyclists

Dates: September 2, 2023

Stelvio Bike Day (Scalata Cima Coppi)
Stelvio Bike Day (Scalata Cima Coppi)

Every year, the road Passo Stelvio in Italian Alps is closed for traffic for a cycling day. Tens of thousands go for a bit strenuous and truly scenic bike ride up the mountain pass. Almost 25 km long mountain ride begins at 910 metres at Prad am Stilfserjoch and ascends up to Stilfser Joch Pass with its highest point found at 2,760 metres. That striking altitude is complemented with some 50 equally breathtaking bends. In 2016, around 11,450 bikers made it.

One might descend via the same route, which is slightly inconvenient for the oncoming cyclists. A better option would be to continue your ride down the mountains through Umbrail Pass (2,503 metres) which is also blocked for traffic, to Santa Maria in Munster Valley, that's Swiss territory already, and finally to Glurns.

Note that it's not any kind of race, but rather a ride to enjoy. There're no special rules to follow, except one—helmets are a must. Also, you don't have to make any bookings in order to partake, so linger as long as you wish. You might decide on participation the night before the ride. Just take into account that the road is blocked from Trafoi to the very mountain pass only from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. You are free to start when it's more convenient for you, but the best time would be between 6.30 and 10.30 a.m.

Stelvio Bike Day usually takes place on the last Saturday of August or first Saturday of September in the Stelvio National Park. Don't miss that unique occasion to conquer the Alps on your two-wheeled friend along with thousands of fellow cyclists from around the world.

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin