Umbrail Pass, Switzerland to Italy (near Stelvio Pass)

[Whitean3]

Postedt his in General Gassing, I didn'r spot the "Roads" forum!

Has anyone ever driven over the Umbrail Pass from Santa Maria im Mustair (Switzerland) to Giogo di Santa Maria (Italy)? The reason I ask is I will be going on a bit of a driving tour with others in cars and on bikes; our stopover will be in Meran in Italy. The Umbrail pass is a short cut to get to the Stelvio Pass, which isn't currently on the itinerary (although it is on mine!) and I would like to make a slight detour- you can't not pass within a few KM of the Stelvio and not drive it!

Getting to the Stelvio via Livigno and Bormio would be too big a detour. The Umbrail pass could be the perfect solution. However, the only slight problem I have with the Umbrail Pass is that it appears to be a very minor road, part graveled. And every routefinding tool (e.g. Via Michelin) I have used will not take you over it! So I was wqondering if anyone has actually driven over it, and is it ok?

Thanks for any responses

[Whitean3]

Thanks for your reply Doug- really helpful. Umbrail pass it is then. And I particularly liked your phrase "prodigeous use of the handbrake". Awesome stuff!