Stelvio Pass Cut from Giro d’Italia due to Avalanche Risk

22nd May 2024

Stage 16 of the cycle race has been altered due to the risk of avalanches on the 2,758m Alpine pass.

The cyclists will now tackle the 2,489m Umbrail Pass, with the stage route heading into Switzerland for a loop around the Stelvio, rather than climb to the snow-covered summit.

“The recent snowfalls on the Passo dello Stelvio and the subsequent rise in temperatures are increasing the risks of avalanches,” the organisers, RCS Sport, said in a statement.

“The Giro d’Italia organisation, to safeguard the security of the Carovana Rosa, has thus decided to modify the route of the stage.”

Many of the alpine passes have high levels of snow after plentiful falls at the end of the ski season.

Passo Stelvio summer ski area is currently preparing to open on May 31st.

There are currently some of the best summer skiing conditions in recent years and hopes are high for the beginning of the summer season.