Passo dell'Ables Nord

Passo dell'Ables (Bormio)

The Passo dell'Ables at over 3000 meters above sea level was once a strategically important point in the southern defence line of the First World War. Today, it offers an impressive and varied trail descent on the north side, without having to accept the tricky and fall-prone southern crossing.

Description

The start is in Molina-Bagni, south of Bormio. If you want to avoid the dangerous southern ascent, choose the comfortable northern variant via the Stelvio Pass road (SS38). A relaxed ascent takes you up the legendary pass road to below the Casa Cantoniera dello Stelvio. If you want to avoid the asphalt ascent, you can use a shuttle service - this leaves more energy for the high alpine part of the tour. At the Casa Cantoniera dello Stelvio, turn right onto Sentiero 505a at one of the last hairpin bends, thus leaving the traffic on the main road. The trail leads eastwards through the Valle dei Vitelli before you ride the Sentiero 505 and later the 531, pushing and carrying your bike, up to the Passo dell'Ables (3012 m).

This variant completely bypasses the dangerous southern crossing of Sentiero 531 and also includes all the key sections and highlights of the descent - a perfect solution for technically experienced and fit bikers.

On arrival at the pass, you will come across well-preserved war relics and remains of walls from the First World War - embedded in a rugged, high alpine landscape. The downhill starts directly with technically demanding S3 passages before the trail becomes smoother near the former Le Buse position. The trail leads over the entire mountain ridge towards Bormio - panoramic and varied, before returning to more technically challenging terrain and turning into Sentiero 505. This leads you directly back to the Stelvio Pass road. The final section is a combination of asphalt passages and flowing trail sections until you arrive back in Molina-Bagni.

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