Passo dell’Umbrail, an intermediate mountain pass, serves as a gateway between the quaint village of Santa Maria in Val Müstair, Graubünden, Switzerland, and the Adda Valley in Lombardy, Italy. Renowned as the highest paved road in Switzerland, it offers cyclists a unique challenge and breathtaking alpine scenery. The pass also connects directly to the famous Passo dello Stelvio, Italy’s highest paved road, making it a key route for avid cyclists and travelers.
Ascent from Santa Maria
From Santa Maria, cycling Passo dell’Umbrail is a 13.1-kilometer journey on a narrow but well-maintained road. The ascent is steady, with gradients ranging between 7% and 10% for most of the climb, except for two kilometers in the middle where the gradient eases to 4% and 5%. The route starts with numerous hairpins through a dense forest, offering a sheltered and picturesque ride. As cyclists ascend, the forest clears, revealing a broader valley that stretches southward. The final segment of the climb is characterized by open alpine landscapes and a series of serpentines, leading up to the border house marking the highest point of the pass.
Ascent from Bormio
Starting from Bormio in the Adda Valley, the climb to Passo dell’Umbrail is longer and begins at a lower altitude of 1,200 meters. The ascent covers 18.4 kilometers with a total elevation gain of 1,303 meters, averaging a gradient of 7.1%. This route features a wider road, almost resembling a main thoroughfare, and efficiently ascends northward. The middle section of the climb is distinguished by a series of serpentines and tunnels, before opening up into a series of broad switchbacks that lead into the alpine zone. The final stretch offers expansive views and a long eastward approach to the toll station, with vistas of the Stelvio Pass and its ski resort.
Connection from Passo dello Stelvio
A third approach to cycling Umbrail Pass is from the east, descending from Passo dello Stelvio. This route is a short 5-kilometer downhill ride, featuring a dozen tricky serpentines that descend from the ski resort to the border. This connection provides a convenient route for those looking to combine the climbs of Stelvio and Umbrail, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience.