Umbrail and Stelvio

The climb up to Umbrail and Stelvio pass is legendary. It's a fine bit of road engineering that snakes its way up some mighty mountains.

I decided to take it on as the second climb of the day, going up to 2500 m or more to Stelvio. As I climbed, the sunny weather turned to a wet and cold sleet. I wasn't ready to turn back so I pulled on rain gear and went into the white, puzzling and amusing the motorbike riders.

The view from Umbrail pass was heavenly! The thick white fog of clouds was being dragged over the top to the other valley - dramatic! Stelvio pass was still closed due to too much snow. So the 48 hairpin bends down the other side will have to wait another day. This is the highest amount of snowfall since the 90s.Read more