29
PDI
8.2 mi
DISTANCE
3,681 ft
GAINED
8.5 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
Page Contributor(s): Luke Hise, AZ
INTRO
Umbrail Pass climbs out of Santa Maria Val Müstair, in Switzerland's remote southeastern corner, to the Swiss-Italian border at 2,501 m (8,205 ft) - the highest paved pass located in Switzerland. From the Route 28/Via Umbrail junction in town, it's 13.1 km (8.2 mi) at an average grade of 8.6%, gaining 1,122 m (3,681 ft) through roughly three dozen switchbacks cut into open, high-alpine terrain.
Umbrail is one of three roads that reach the Stelvio group's summit area, and by far the quietest. Traffic here runs noticeably lighter than the famous Bormio and Prato allo Stelvio approaches to Passo dello Stelvio just a few kilometers away - most of what you'll see is other cyclists and the occasional car making the Switzerland-Italy crossing. Riders looking to continue past the border and finish at the top of Passo dello Stelvio itself (another 3 km) can find that extended route covered separately on our Passo Stelvio via Umbrail page.
The pass takes its name from nearby Piz Umbrail and briefly had its moment on the world stage in 2017, when avalanche danger forced the Giro d'Italia to reroute Stage 16 over Umbrail instead of the standard Stelvio approach, making it that year's Cima Coppi - the race's highest point. Down in the valley, Santa Maria Val Müstair and neighboring Müstair are worth a stop in their own right: Müstair's Benedictine convent, Kloster St. Johann, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the largest surviving fresco cycle from the early Middle Ages, and Santa Maria itself is home to the self-proclaimed "Smallest Whisky Bar on Earth."
The road has been fully paved since 2015 and is typically open from late May through late October, snow permitting - check current conditions before a shoulder-season ride.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. Umbrail Pass gains 1,122 m (3,681 ft) over 13.1 km (8.2 mi) at an average grade of 8.6% - a long, steady grind rather than a climb with one brutal crux. The grade holds in the high-single-digit range for nearly the entire ascent, easing briefly through the switchback clusters in the upper half before the final push to the 2,501 m (8,205 ft) summit at the Swiss-Italian border. There is no flat or descending section to recover on - this is 13.1 km of continuous climbing from the valley floor to the pass.
Roadway: The road has been fully paved since 2015 and is well maintained throughout - a narrow but smooth surface with numerous switchbacks, especially in the upper half. As of 2026 there are no reported issues with the pavement; it typically opens in late May and stays rideable through late October, snow permitting.
Traffic: Traffic on the Umbrail side is noticeably lighter than the more famous approaches to Passo dello Stelvio from Bormio or Prato allo Stelvio - this is the quiet way up. It's still a through road connecting Switzerland and Italy, so expect some car and motorcycle traffic in July and August, along with other cyclists riding the same route.
Parking: There's no dedicated cycling lot at the start. Riders typically park in Santa Maria Val Müstair near the Route 28/Via Umbrail junction, or in one of the small villages just north of town.
Provisions: There are no services between Santa Maria Val Müstair and the summit, so fill bottles and grab food before you start. Santa Maria has a few small shops and cafes near the town center.
Gear: The summit sits just over 2,500 m (8,205 ft), so expect cooler temperatures and thinner air even in midsummer - pack a layer for the descent regardless of how warm it is at the bottom. Standard climbing gearing is enough for the steady 8.6% average grade; there's no need for anything lower than what you'd bring on a typical long alpine climb.
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
Santa Maria Val Müstair sits in one of Switzerland's most remote valleys, tucked against the Italian border, so it's worth a night or two in the area rather than a rushed day trip. A few kilometers down the valley in Müstair, the Benedictine convent of Kloster St. Johann is a UNESCO World Heritage Site well worth a visit before or after your ride, and Santa Maria itself has its own quirky claim to fame in the self-proclaimed "Smallest Whisky Bar on Earth." Riders looking for a specific place to stay near the start can find a hotel recommendation on our Passo Stelvio via Umbrail page, which covers the same starting point for the longer push over the border to Stelvio's summit.
The road is typically open from late May through late October depending on snowfall - check conditions at both the base and summit with our Weather tool before heading out, especially in the shoulder season.
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Cyclopaat
Because of the nearby Stelvio, this is an often overlooked, but beautiful and hard climb. From the Umbrail summit, you do not have to take on the final 3 kilometers to the Stevio summit, but you will. Some beautiful hairpin sections, great views overall, car-free during Stelvio Bike Day.
