The Gavia Pass, a few kilometers from the Stelvio Pass, connects the Val di Gavia and the upper Val Camonica: itinerary, advice and useful information.
By connecting Bormio to Ponte di Legno, this route is also perfect for joining the Tonale pass, the San Marco pass and the Vivione pass.
| Altitude (meters above sea level) | 2.318 |
| Length | 44 Km |
| connection | Wooden bridge / Bormio |
| Number of hairpin bends | 28 |
| What to see in the surroundings | Crucifix at the White Lake / Arctic Tundra |
| Typical dishes of the area | Bergamo-style Casoncelli |
| Winter closure | from October to May |
| Road conditions and notes | good condition from Bormio |
Content index
Background
The Gavia Pass has medieval origins and was part of the Alpine trade routes that the Republic of Venice had with Germany, Tyrol e Austria, using the imperial road of Alemagna. It was nicknamed "Passo della Testa del Morto" due to the difficulties that could and still can be encountered due to sudden changes in the weather.
Ponte di Legno
Ponte di Legno, across the Tonale Pass, acts as a border between the Lombardia and Trentino while with the Gavia Pass it marks the border between the provinces of Brescia and Sondrio. At Ponte di Legno the Oglio river originates from the intersection of the two Narcanello streams, which descends from the Pisgana glacier, and the Frigidolfo stream from Lago Nero.
It has made tourism its flagship, offering mountain bike trails, golf courses and swimming pools in summer, while in winter you can take advantage of the 100 kilometers of ski slopes with artificial snow and as many as thirty ski lifts. Without forgetting the possibility of rock climbing or glacier crossings.
Itinerary
Assuming that the Gavia pass can be inserted in a itinerario wider, depending on the choice we can climb from Bormio, in case we want to go down to the Tonal or from Ponte di Legno, in case we want to aim for the Stelvio.
The road is there SP29 and has two levels of difficulty: from the side of Ponte di Legno it starts well, a wide road which, however, tends to narrow dangerously when climbing with a road surface that is not in good condition. The hairpin bends are not easy, given the small width of the road and the traffic on both lanes is never fluid.
Going down towards Bormio the road, also the SP29, is considerably better: the road surface is good and allows a more relaxed driving, making us enjoy the panorama that this step full of history can offer us.
WHERE TO SLEEP
Santa Caterina Valfurva, between the Gavia Pass and the Stelvio Pass, is the ideal stop for a tour with just one overnight stay or a starting point for several nights, for tours in motorcycle in the north Italy between The Dolomites and Trentino e Switzerland.
In the center of Santa Caterina there is theHotel Sport *** Sup., carefully managed by the Pedranzini family. For many years, tour operators, Motoclubs and motorcyclists traveling in the area have appreciated this hotel for its professional and friendly service, for the welcoming rooms and for its refined cuisine.
The hotel can accommodate groups of up to 50/70 motorcyclists. L'Hotel Sport offers its guests well-furnished double, triple and quadruple rooms with shower / WC, satellite TV, telephone, safe, Wi-Fi and partly balcony. The cuisine is excellent and offers a rich breakfast buffet, a choice of menus each evening with salads and a well-stocked cellar with local wines and delicious beers. It has secure private parking and offers a laundry service that guarantees that you will receive your motorcycle uniform, washed and dried the next morning.
