Passo del Foscagno: A High-Altitude Alpine Pass

Passo del Foscagno, or Foscagno Pass, is a high-altitude mountain pass located in the Lombardy region of Italy, within the province of Sondrio. Situated at an elevation of 2,291 meters (7,516 feet), this pass serves as a vital connection between the town of Bormio to the east and Livigno to the west. The road traversing the pass, Strada Statale 301 (SS301), is the only direct link between Livigno and the rest of Italy, remaining open throughout the year. The pass's history dates back to the time of the Great War in 1914. Until 1952, the pass was impassable for six to seven months of the year. One of the unique aspects of the Passo del Foscagno is that it requires travelers to pass through customs despite both sides of the pass being within Italy. This is due to Livigno's special duty-free status, a legacy from when the village was isolated for much of the year. The landscape around Passo del Foscagno is characterized by stark, rocky terrain, especially at the summit, with avalanche galleries protecting the road. Driving over Passo del Foscagno is considered a moderately challenging experience, with gradients reaching up to 9% in some sections. The pass is also part of a scenic route that includes the nearby Eira Pass and, further afield, the Bernina Pass in Switzerland.