The lakes of Cancano climb

Now considered a must-ride, the ribbon-like hairpins up to the Cancano lakes have become the stuff of legends. Located in the Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio, this fairly mellow climb with a consistently rideable gradient is suitable for road, mountain bike or gravel riders.  

Head out of Bormio past the charming church of San Gallo. Once you’re through Premadio, go straight on at the junction. Here’s where the ascent begins and the view into Valdidentro reveals itself.

You skirt along the mountainside for a while before passing a picnic spot. The fun kicks in now, as the road unravels with hairpin after hairpin in the shadow of the rocks on which the Torri di Fraele ruins stand. Two short tunnels spit you out by the ruins, but the climb isn’t truly over until you see the two huge dams further on.

Place of departure / return: Bormio (1225 m)
Place of arrival: Cancano (1950 m)
Total difference in height of ascents: 725 m
Length: 27.8 km
Average slope uphill: 6%Maximum slope uphill: 8%
Journey time: 2-3 h