The Mortirolo Pass from Mazzo

Mazzo - Cà D'Ustin - Piazzola Olta - Ca' D'Batista - San Matè - Temen - La Fopa - Cuscisc - Piaz - Pesc Sec - Pian di Cop - Mortirolo Pass

Lenght: 12,4 km
Start: Mazzo di Valtellina (552 m)
Arrival: Mortirolo (1852 m)
Vertical gain: 1300 m
Average gradient: 10,5 %

The Mortirolo Pass, which links the province of Sondrio with the province of Brescia, may “only” be 1.852 m above sea level, but it is one of the hardest, most challenging passes in the Alps.

Each uphill corner is harder than the one before and there is no let-up until the finish, with gradients of up to 23%. From the valley floor, you can reach Mortirolo Pass from various access routes, with total elevation changes that vary from 1.100 m to 1.300 m. Like other passes in Valtellina, Mortirolo has repeatedly starred in the Giro d’Italia.

The memorable breakaway by a young Marco Pantani in 1994 also made tour history. Mortirolo is nicknamed “Scalata del Pirata”, and a roadside sculpture honours Pantani’s achievement. At the top of the pass a small facility has been available for cyclists several services and E-bike charging station.