My wife, a courageous son, and a curious daughter went on a grand adventure as a family—a road trip beginning in Zurich and ending in Bormio through the river Stelvio Pass. Summer is the season of excitement for our family, over camping, laughing together, and having beautiful moments repeatedly.

This journey, in particular, was unique. It was even more incredible because we went on a family road trip, exploring new places and sharing memories with loved ones. To those of you who see traveling with babies as a tedious task, it is never an agony but a joy.

An Awe-Inspiring Mountain Pass in the Scenic Mountains of the Alps – The Stelvio Pass

To begin with, Why the Stelvio Pass?

Selecting a vacation spot that will satisfy every family member and offer entertainment at every turn has grown increasingly complex. At 2,757 meters or more above sea level, this Italian Alps mountain pass provides a breathtaking and thrilling experience. My children named it ‘The largest ever roller coaster.’ And honestly, they weren’t wrong!

The kids adored the scenery—snow-topped peaks loomed over the green valleys below, and clouds seemed close enough to touch. This picture was quite a treat for my wife and me; for us, it was like peeling off a postcard to a much bigger living picture. The children were meanwhile busy devising the ‘game of the day’: how many twists and turns we would see on this road trip. How is it possible that road trip games can be this bracing?

How to Make a Family Road Trip That Can Be Remembered?

Accompanying children on a family road trip is quite a task since it requires extra planning, but it is also quite enjoyable. Our checklist included healthy snack essentials such as fruits, chips, chocolate bars, a first aid kit, and the children’s favorite tunes.

We included educational travel components such as trivia games and coloring books to keep everyone entertained.

Since it was not clear what to expect in the mountains, we wore clothes such as jackets, gloves, and warm scarves. Also, let me emphasize the importance of servicing the car before leaving — the last thing I want is to break down while going through sharp climbs and hairpins!

Swiss-Austrian Trip to Remember: Zurich and Switzerland

We began our trip from Zurich in search of the sun, which was blissful, and told us today would be an adventurous day. Seeing the landscape with hills, lakes, and chalets would be breathtaking for anyone lucky to visit Switzerland. The kind of scenery made me stop and say, “That’s why we travel.”

Now and then, I would turn to the back seats, eying the kids who busily laughed, having seen another grazing cow. “Look, Dad! Over there, there’s another one!” Mike, always the keen-eyed spotter, yelled. Silvia, on the other hand, was quiet, lost in her thoughts, recording each cow in her book. These days, that’s why traveling with kids is fun and extraordinary—it’s about seeing the world from their point of view.

First View of the Market: A Road Streaking Through the Mountainside

Most people will always remember their first vision of Stelvio Pass. The road was narrow yet steered through the steep hills at sharp angles. The little ones were so energetic and felt that they had reached the sky where strange creatures lived, all thanks to Silvia, who exclaimed, “Is this the top of the world?”

For my wife and me, it was a different mix, containing excitement as well as anxiety. Will we be able to keep our composure within the tight corners? We did, thanks to light-headedness, support, and teamwork!

Stress Over the Sharp Bends

Stelvio Pass is challenging for beginners, and this is without mentioning the hairpin bends. As usual, my wife, who never fails on such occasions, also provided a stern glare, making me focus on one bend after the other.

On the other hand, the children started to count – “15! 20! We are nearly there!” – needless to say, this changed what could have been potentially nerve eggs into a fun collaborative effort.

There was a place where we stopped to catch our breath and enjoy the scenery. The valleys appeared to be formed on a quilt from above, and the refreshing mountain breeze felt good. It is one of those times which makes you appreciate the process rather than the end goal.

The Scenic Stelvio Pass: 48 Hairpin Turns

The north side of Stelvio Passharbor has 48 hairpin bends, each giving a different angled view of the beautiful valleys below. The kids called it ‘the endless roller coaster’; they weren’t very far off.

We have arrived at the summit; it is time to relax and soak it all in. The scenery was spectacular: white clouds resting on the hills, a clear sky, and the road that led us here. We felt a sense of victory, ecstasy, and unity.

Coming Down to Italy: The Road to Bormio

The way down to Bormio was like unwrapping a present. The sharp hills became rolling hills, and cute little towns emerged with dispersed vineyards. It seemed as if we had moved from a physically challenging realm to one of great elegance and poise.

While driving, we grabbed a few glimpses of Italian farmhouses in the farmlands and traveled through some lovely small towns. Each stop allowed me to stretch my body, view things, and shoot a few kids’ pictures. They especially enjoyed looking for flower boxes and fountains in every village center.

To Start, It’s Time for Relaxation—in Bormio

Visiting Bormio felt like being wrapped in a warm blanket. The town, famous for its thermal baths and historical architecture, seemed like the ideal place to rest.

Dinner was at a small trattoria, where we ordered creamy handmade pasta and delicious pizzas. As the kids wrapped their forks around the spaghetti, my wife and I enjoyed watching their antics. Later, we walked along the nicely lit streets and marveled at the medieval town’s rustic features.

The kids quickly fell asleep, and my wife and I enjoyed a quiet moment after a really busy day. It’s an adventure in a calm and friendly new place, which is always lovely.

About the Trip as a Whole—Taking a Step Back

For fans of family road trips, the journey through the Stelvio Pass was much more than just a family road trip. It was an event that we cherish forever—something that drew us closer, challenged us, and enriched us with moments that we will remember for as long as we live. Every aspect was enchanting, from the thrilling hairpin bends to the tranquil peace of Bormio.

Do’s and Don’ts for Other Travelers

• Plan: The best time is the early months because the ranges are open from May until November. However, mornings are usually less packed.
• Dress warmly: Layers of clothing are essential because the weather in the Alps is relatively changeable.
• Drive carefully. You can hurry in a race, but the main thing in a journey is to concentrate on the winding roads and go slowly.
• Pack snacks: I think that having healthy foods makes everyone comfortable while you are on long drives.
• Pause often. This exposes you to many wonderful vistas that urge you to stop and take photos, so take lots of pictures.

Conclusion: The Adventure Starts

There was no other word that could better portray our adventure through the Stelvio Pass than magnificent. It reminded us why we love family travel, from sharp bends and giddy moments to laughing about wise advice.

Families who want a family road trip to the Alps should not think twice about this opportunity. Pack your bag, enjoy the ride, and create memories that you will never forget.