The annual Stelvio gathering, an event that unites a love for sports cars and a passion for driving on one of the most iconic mountain roads in the world, has come to an end.
Our tour began on Friday, September 13th, with a welcoming dinner at the Hotel Bella Vista in Trafoi, located right at the foot of the Stelvio Pass. After settling in, many of us took advantage of the still-quiet roads to immediately tackle the ascent toward the pass, but heavy snow prevented us from reaching the summit.
This year, in addition to our shared passion for cars, we had the chance to unwind thanks to the hotel’s new amenities, including a heated pool and a sauna, available to all participants.
Snow-covered Stelvio
On Saturday, September 14th, the day was planned to include a series of breathtaking drives up and down the Stelvio Pass. However, the weather proved to be an unexpected challenge: just a week earlier, we had been enjoying the sunshine in t-shirts, and suddenly we found ourselves in winter-like conditions, with temperatures dropping to -9°C at the summit of the Stelvio. It was truly tough, especially for those with semi-slick tires.
Thanks to Stephan’s invaluable help, we opted for an alternative route via the Umbrail Pass, located about 200 meters lower. It turned out to be the right choice, as snow had made the Stelvio summit impassable. The tour then led us to Bormio, where we participated in a special display of our cars, followed by a guided tour organized by Bormio.eu which allowed us to learn more about the town and its surroundings.
After a refreshing lunch, we decided to make up for some lost driving time. Finally, by late afternoon, the Stelvio Pass had cleared of snow, allowing us to reach the summit and witness a unique spectacle: the snow-covered landscape from the seats of our Lotus cars. Some of us even took advantage of the opportunity to test the cars’ grip in the still-snowy parking lots!
The evening concluded with another delightful dinner at the Hotel Bella Vista. We shared anecdotes and impressions from the day, celebrating 25 years of the gathering in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
The Kaunertal Glacier Road
On Sunday, September 15th, after a hearty breakfast, it was time to head to Austria for those who chose to continue the tour. Our final destination was the Kaunertal Glacier Road, considered one of the most spectacular “dead-end roads” in the Alps, with its 28 hairpin turns and slopes up to 12%, all set against a postcard-perfect landscape. We were also lucky enough to be photographed by some friends who happened to be on the pass for a photoshoot and gifted us a beautiful group shot.
The Kaunertal Glacier Road pleasantly surprised us with its breathtaking beauty and thrilling curves, making the drive a true pleasure for all enthusiasts.
A big thank you goes to all the participants who, despite the adverse weather, believed in this event and made the weekend truly memorable. Your passion and enthusiasm overcame every challenge, and together we found a way to celebrate this special 25th anniversary.
Special thanks to Nicolò and Matthias, who braved the cold to take photos of us.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to Lotus Cars Italia, which has always supported us and helped create that unique bond between the past and future of the brand we love. With next year marking the 30th anniversary of the legendary Lotus Elise, we encourage you to mark the next gathering on your calendar!
We look forward to seeing you at the next event, even more numerous!
