Location
It is located in the Italian Alps north of Bormio in the province of Sondrio and south of Stilfs in South Tyrol, some 75 km (47 mi) from Bolzano, close to the Swiss border, as the Umbrail Pass runs northwards from the Stelvio's western ramp. The "Three languages peak" (Dreisprachenspitze) above the pass is so named because this is where the Italian, German and Romansh languages meet.

The road connects the Valtellina with the upper Adige valley (Vinschgau) and Meran. The most important mountain range next to the Stelvio is the Ortler Alps. Adjacent to the pass road there is a large summer skiing area. Important mountains nearby include Ortler, Monte Livrio, Monte Scorluzzo, and Monte Zebrù.