Sella and Pordoi, the Dolomites by the passes
Four passes in a loop around the Sella massif. Sixty kilometres, fifteen hundred metres of climbing, and one rule: leave early, before the coaches take the road.
One loop, four passes
The Sella massif is a block of dolomite set down among the Ladin valleys. Four passes go around it — Sella, Pordoi, Campolongo and Gardena — and the loop closes on itself in some sixty kilometres.
Short on the map, long in practice: the hairpins follow one another without let-up, and you stop every kilometre.
Leave early, really early
In July and August coaches and motorbikes saturate the passes from ten in the morning. Leaving at seven changes the journey entirely — and the low light on the dolomite is worth the alarm on its own.
Practical notes
- When to go
- Late June to early October. The passes close in winter.
- Getting there
- Bolzano an hour and a half away, Venice three hours, Innsbruck two.
- Access
- Tarmac and wide, but very busy. Engine braking is essential on the descents.
- Sleeping in a van
- Campsites at Canazei, Corvara and Selva. Overnight parking is forbidden on the passes.
- Worth knowing
- Some roads close to traffic a few days a year for cycling events.
- Allow
- Two days for the loop alone, three or four to add the Tre Cime.
Loop from Canazei
- 1Passo Sella · Sassolungo · Passo Gardena
- 2Passo di Campolongo · Passo Pordoi
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A starting point, a few wishes — ViaLooma builds the trip day by day, map, stops and roadbook included.