Monte Scorluzzo (3095 m) rises directly above Stelvio Pass (Stilfser Joch, 2760 m). The Stelvio road which leads to the pass is one of the greatest roads in the world. Such a high access by car makes the climb to Monte Scorluzzo relatively simple. Here I provide a few details about the access route to the mountain.
[Mozart, Piano sonata 8, movement 1]
The access by car is one of the highest in all the Alps. In fact, this is the second highest pass in all the Alps, after Col de l’Iseran (2770 m).
There are a few other higher roads (Ötztal Glacier Road 2830 m in Austria, and Cime de la Bonette 2860 m in France, but those are dead ends). Due to this, you will need less than 2 hours from the pass to the summit. But do not underestimate the altitude, you will feel it properly.
The coordinates of Monte Scorluzzo are:
- Lattitude: 46.52178
- Longitude: 10.4423
All the area around is exceptionally beautiful, though heavily urbanized. Hotels and a few mountain huts are everywhere around. The mountain can be climbed all the year round, but in the winter the access road to Stelvio pass is closed. However, there are lifts from the nearby Trafoi valley, and people are skiing in the area throughout the year.
About equipment
You will need no special equipment for this mountain. Any kind of shoes will be good. But having walking poles is highly recommended. Here is a short summary:
| Recommended | Essential |
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For the clothing in the Alps in general, please see my another text.
Our climb
I climbed the peak twice, once alone in a perfect weather, and the second time in the group of four and in very different conditions. That second time we (Ivana, Iani, Mitsuo and me) started early from Livigno, but only after I baked the bread which I proudly show in the picture below.
It was a long drive over Passo del Foscagno toward Bormio, and then up the mountain and enjoying all 36 turns of the south-side Stelvio road. During the climb, we were in clouds all the time and with no view at all. Nevertheless, it was a great atmosphere and the photos here depict it.
The cross you see ion the pictures is, in fact, from the material which is there from the WWI. There are also trenches and barb wire everywhere around.
The weather improved later, and on the whole, this was a great day at a very high altitude. Hopefully, you enjoyed the photos.
We shall be happy to read any comments and to answer any question about Monte Scorluzzo, except about who was the first on the summit. Like Hillary and Tenzing, we agreed to keep it secret.
There are hotels around, and you can find many online.
Julius says
Hey man, really cool article about mountaining. Never really seen something like that, so it’s interesting to read. Liked that you put a Google Maps link that shows where it’s at. Damn, I see you have a big climbing experience. Could probably chechk the website again.
Good luck with the upcoming climbs!
Jovo says
Thank you Julius, great that you like my site.
Neil says
Really nice pictures Jovo and the Stelvio road looks like it would be serious fun in an open top car or a motorcycle. The problem is you need to go very slowly to keep your eyes on the road and take in the beautiful views around you. I know what you mean about feeling the altitude with fast ascents. I once went up Aiguille du Midi by cable car from Chamonix village and was breathing really hard just standing still at the top due to such as fast ascent. Altitude affects everyone differently but for me on that occasion it might have been better if I’d walked up.
Jovo says
Hi Neil, so you know how it is, the amount of Oxygen reduces quite a lot already at 3000 meters. I wrote about it in my another post. Thank you.
JohnCWS says
Hi there. Was doing some research for hiking in the alps and can across your article.
I’ve done a bit of hiking in the Alps before but I’ve never heard of the Monte Scorluzzo. So I went through the article and I liked what I saw. The next time I plan a trip over there I might have to conquer this area. As it sits right now, I’ve done about 40% of the Alps. I would like to get that number to over 60% by next year and eventually see it all. Great info!
Jovo says
Hi John, thanks for the comment. Are you serious about 40% of the Alps? I am impressed.
Pat says
Hi Jovo:
Your views of Stelvio Pass is simply breathtaking and one which everyone will enjoy I am sure, whether they are climbers or not. Did you say how long it took you to finish the climb? I am just curious if you guys stop for a quick bite along the road or waited until you came back if not too long. Wonderful site, can’t wait for more. Pat
Jovo says
Hi Pat, great to read your comment. Thank you for visiting my site. This particular climb is rather short, you can do it in a long hour from the Stelvio pass. High access by car to 2750 meters above the sea is a great advantage.
Trisha says
Thank you for your pictures, it made me feel so happy! This is where i come from. I wrote to you once berofe, maybe you remember a comment from a french reader…It s nice to see that you enjoyed this little corner of the world that used to be mine. I m going back to see my family for the summer, I ll think of you and delight in this connection we have. The Alps have such a filling/intoxicating effect on me.Lucie
Jovo says
Hi Trisha (Lucie), I am delighted reading your comment. This little corner of the world belongs to the most beautiful ones. I share your sentiment about it, and me too feel intoxicated with the Alps, no cure for this, and it is good to be so. Jovo