Piz Umbrail is a mountain which rises above Umbrail pass (2501 m) in the northwest direction. In spite of its 3033 meters of height, the car access to the Pass makes this peak one of rather easy 3000ers. Here I describe the route from the Umbrail pass.
[Marcello – Oboe concerto]
Piz Umbrail is at the border between Italy and Switzerland. The official border crossing checkpoints are at the Pass, and you will normally park the car in the zone between the two checkpoints. As far as I know the Swiss checkpoint is closed during the night, after 8 pm.
The coordinates of the mountain are:
- Lattitude: 46.55101
- Longitude: 10.4174
It is just a few kilometers from Stelvio pass (2757 m), and access roads are from three sides. Two are from the Italian side, over the Stelvio pass, and from Bormio, and the third one is from Val Mustair in Switzerland. I have passed all of them several times and they are truly the most attractive roads in Europe. The road over Stelvio pass is always on the Internet in the top 10 roads in the world, an attraction for itself.
Equipment
You do not need any special equipment to climb this mountain. Any hiking shoes or boots will be good enough. I warmly recommend using a pair of trekking poles. Here is a short summary:
| Recommended | Essential |
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For the clothing in the Alps in general, please see my another text.
My climb
I climbed Piz Umbrail in 2014. My first attempt together with my daughter Jelena was unsuccessful because of rather bad weather conditions. It was a long drive from Belgium, and as we were passing over Stelvio we wanted to climb the mountain, but we had to give up.
One week later I was there again, and the weather was good one afternoon, so I climbed it from Umbrail pass. It was the same day after climbing Monte Scorluzo, described here within the site, with my other daughter Ivana, and Iani and Mitsuo.
I climbed Piz Umbrail alone, the others decided to enjoy attractions at the Stevio pass. The route is simple, just a walk-up, though at the summit I was completely in clouds, just a few meters visibility. It took me 1 hour and a quarter from the pass. At a few places, there are some fixed chains but those are really not necessary. In one section there is a possibility for falling stones in case of strong rain, so it is best not to stay there too long. This section is on one of the photos below.
So Piz Umbrail can be climbed by anybody, as you may see from the videos I found on the Internet. If you pass the area, do not miss the opportunity. The mountain is usually snow-free in the summer time, otherwise, you will need crampons and an ice axe. But if you want to read about equipment, you may have a look on my separate page within this site.
There are hotels around, and you can find many online.
Please leave your comments below, I shall be happy to read them and to answer any question about this climb.
Joe Everton says
Hi, Jovo–I have a question, but first, my information! In 2008 I cycled one day from Landeck on the Inn River via Müstair and the Umbrail to the summit of Stelvio, staying overnight at the Folgore. I’m sure you saw Folgore when you climbed Monte Scorluzzo. Your second photo in this article appears to be from the trail of Piz Umbrail looking east toward the summit of Stelvio, with Scorluzzo to the right. When I arrived at the Swiss checkpoint on my bike, I was very tired, and did not notice any sign about the trail to Piz Umbrail. But in your photo I clearly see the Swiss checkpoint, the small pull-out parking area, and then a tan line (trail) leaving the road and heading west. Is this line the Piz Umbrail trail head? Thank you very much, I look for it if I am lucky enough to make this trip again! Joe E, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Jovo says
Hi Joe, great to read about your experience in this part of the world. Yes this is the trail that goes to Piz Umbrail. So the route goes under southeastern slopes of the mountain, this is Swiss side, and you approach the summit from the east after making a loop. When you are a bit higher you cannot miss it because this is the only approach.
Wayne says
Great website and totally relevant to me as I live in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Canada.
Your website is full of tons of information, I am scared of heights so I don’t do mountain climbing, so I don’t know much about it, but you certainly seem to be an expert.
Nice website for someone who just loves the mountain scenery as well.
Jovo says
Hi Wayne, thank you for the comment. I believe that just enjoying the great scenery of mountains is quite rewarding, and I am able to appreciate every soul who is open for their beauty.
Jerry says
I am afraid my mountain hiking days are behind me, but you did a good job of providing an interesting article. I visited Europe twice, hitchhiking the first time and driving the second time through the Alps and they are stunning. What a great way to spend a day. Good job.
Jovo says
Hi Jerry, thank you for the comment. It was great day indeed. I think mountains have something for everybody so do not say your days in mountains are over.
Chris says
that looks amazing mate. Amazing pictures, what a feeling that is to get up to the top and take in that view. Definitely one of my favourite forms of exercise but unfortunately one ive stopped making the effort to continually do. This gave me inspiration though. I enjoyed the images and videos a lot .
Jovo says
Hi Chris, all I can say, do not give up. Go again and you will enjoy it. This mountain is particularly convenient because of such a high access by car.
Emmanuel says
I can see why the piz umbrail fascinates you, it has a good view and the horizon is not bad itself. I hope the mountain air is fresh and cool. It is a view I will like to try with my family since it looks safe and less dangerous than other mountains in the 3000 height range. These are the kinds of places we should be spending our summers not in congested and polluted places. This environment looks pristine. Can you verify that for me Jovo?
Jovo says
Hi Emmanuel, thanks a lot. Yes, climbing Piz Umbrail is rather straightforward, and you do not need any special equipment. Only good weather is what you need.