The Stelvio Pass is a mountain pass in northern Italy bordering Switzerland at an elevation of 2,757 m (9,045 ft) above sea level. It is the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps, and the second highest in the Alps, 7 m (23 ft) below France's Col de l'Iseran.
Some of the 48 hairpin turns near the top of the eastern ramp of the Stelvio Pass
Part of the Stelvio Pass
Aldo Moser navigating the snow atop the Stelvio Pass during the 1965 Giro d'Italia
Stelvio Bike Day 2013
A mountain pass is a navigable route through a mountain range or over a ridge. Since mountain ranges can present formidable barriers to travel, passes have played a key role in trade, war, and both human and animal migration throughout history. At lower elevations it may be called a hill pass. A mountain pass is typically formed between two volcanic peaks or created by erosion from water or wind.
Sani Pass in Mokhotlong, Lesotho
Idealised mountain pass represented as the green line; the saddle point is in red.
Col between Kensgriff and Yarlsidine in the Howgill Fells, England
Stelvio Pass in the Alps (Italy)