Detour #65: Maloja Pass, Italy/Switzerland

Any time you decide to drive across the border between Italy and Switzerland you’re in for a treat. These alpine passes are among the best in the world and spending a few days zooming back and forth should be on any keen driver’s bucket list. You’ll want to tick off the famous Stelvio Pass, but make sure the amazing Maloja Pass doesn’t get left out.

It’s a little under 30 miles from Chiavenna on the Italian side to Silvaplana in Switzerland and for the first dozen miles you’ll wonder what the fuss is about. It’s flat and straight, a subtle climb, with just the seemingly impenetrable wall of mountain in the distance to hint at the promise in store.

But then you’ll hit the pass proper and begin the dizzying, arm-twirling ascent to Maloja. Hairpin after hairpin sees you climb over 800 metres in the space of a couple of miles. A mountain goat couldn’t have designed a steeper route. If you dare look, the views are mesmerising, but it’s best to keep your focus on the road.

The Maloja Pass is a key route the Graubünden ski area and is open all-year-round. That means tourists in coaches, motorhomes and motorcycles at almost any time. As we always advise on roads like these, if you want to savour the drive then set your alarm early and get there before the traffic.

From the road’s peak at Maloja you maintain elevation all the way to the shores of Lake Silvapana, where you can dip your toes to cool off.

Words Nik Berg Twitter | Instagram
Photography Eberhard Grossgasteiger / Ricardo Gomez Angel / Johannes Hofmann / Unsplash

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ROADBOOK

CLASS: Mountain Pass

NAME: Maloja Pass

ROUTE: Chiavenna to Silvaplana

COUNTRY: Italy/Switzerland

DISTANCE: 27 miles

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