Sonnleiten 18: Stelvio Pass XXL Tour (only for steadfast bikers)

Route:

Hotel Sonnleiten, Bruck am Ziller → A12 motorway towards Innsbruck → Kematen exit → Kühtai (2,017 m) → Piller Höhe → Reschenpass → Prad a. St. Joch → Stilfser Joch (2,757 m) → Bormio → Passo Gavia (2,618 m) → Passo del Tonale (1,883 m) → Malè → Brez → Gampenpass → Meran → Passeiertal → Jaufenpass (2,094 m) → Sterzing → Brennerpass → Innsbruck → A12 → Hotel Sonnleiten

Description:

One of the great Alpine tours - long, high alpine and challenging. It's worth starting early. Via Kühtai and Reschenpass to the legendary Stilfser Joch with its 48 hairpin bends. After the descent to Bormio, the Passo Gavia is a narrow, impressive high mountain pass with a view of the Adamello glacier. Via the Tonale, Gampen and Jaufen passes, the route comes full circle back to Tyrol. Only for experienced riders in good physical condition - small groups recommended.

Character:

Very demanding & extremely alpine

Very many metres in altitude & hairpin bends

All day (early start mandatory)

Only for experienced riders

Toll & special features:

A12 Inntal motorway: toll sticker required (e.g. 10-day toll sticker)

All passes (Kühtai, Reschen, Stilfser Joch, Gavia, Tonale, Gampen, Jaufen): toll-free

Stelvio Pass: heavy traffic possible, early ascent recommended

Passo Gavia: narrow in places, high level of attention required

95 dB regulation:

No known 95 dB-restricted sections on this route

Highlights & Tips:

Photo stop at Lake Reschen (church tower in the lake)

Stelvio Pass: sausage stand or quieter Tibet hut

Passo Gavia: panorama & Adamello glacier

Return journey last approx. 30 km via A12 saves time