Road trip to the Stelvio pass

Heading off on a cold clear morning, we decided today was the day for exploring some of our local passes before the winter draws in and they are closed. Over the Ofenpass and down to Sta Maria, we headed eastwards into new territory for us up the Umbrailpass. Hairpins galore, we reached the top and knew there was another pass nearby which demanded a visit, the famous/infamous (for cyclists!) Stelvio pass (see extra). It was deep winter there and the ski slopes were looking in fine condition with plenty of ski teams (downhill, cross-country and snowboard) all training for the forthcoming winter season. The zigzag bends on the other side of the pass are enough to really give credit to every cyclist who makes it up there on their own steam! And there were plenty of cyclists out there too!
Heading down more hairpins towards Bormio, we then headed back North and over two more passes to Livigno, but stopping at a very quiet bar/ristorante for lunch, where we could sit outside in the sunshine.
Skirting the edge of Livigno we then drove a little further for a delightful walk in the glorious sunlit larch forests, before finally finding the courage for the final two passes: Fuorcla di Livigno and the Bernina pass. Driving through a smattering of rain and hail, we arrived home very satisfied with our day!
We also discovered the Giro d"Italia will be travelling along some of our route in 2 weeks time on Sunday 25th October. It was epic enough in the car, but those guys are really awesome!