Alta Badia in the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites was made famous by the cycling marathon Maratona dles Dolomites known all over the world as a racing bike region. The region is strategically located for rides over the Pordoi Pass, Sella Pass, Gardena Pass, Fedaia, Valparola, Falzarego Pass and Giau. The Maratona is already sold out, but there are many alternatives to the event with limited starting places.
Dolomites car-free: Sellaronda Bike Day
The Sellaronda Bike Day returns on 6 June and will be repeated on 12 September. The passes around the Sella Group will be closed to motorised traffic from 8.30 am to 4 pm. The route runs anti-clockwise and offers 53 kilometres with 1,637 metres of ascent. Cyclists of all abilities can take part without registering and explore the Dolomites by bike.
Dolomites Bike Day
The Dolomites Bike Day over the Campolongo, Falzarego and Valparola passes follows on 20 June. The route starts in Alta Badia, leads via Campolongo to Arabba and into the valley of Livinallongo, on to Falzarego and Valparola through San Cassiano, La Villa and Corvara. The 51-kilometre route with an altitude difference of 1,370 metres will be closed from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. Anti-clockwise cycling is recommended. The Bike Days are partly based on the Maratona route and lead over the iconic climbs of the Dolomites.
SuperMaratona in the Dolomites
The 39th edition of the Maratona dles Dolomites-Enel will take place on 5 July. If you want to experience even more passes of the event, you can do so on your own. The SuperMaratona is a 285-kilometre route with 8,400 metres of ascent over 13 Dolomite passes. The route features all the passes that have ever appeared on the Maratona dles Dolomites route map. In 2024, Barmasse was the first to complete all the climbs of the 37 previous editions of the Maratona. Elevation profiles and details are available at maratona.it/supermaratona.
Guided tours and gravel bike routes
But you can also enjoy a ride in the Dolomites without an event. The Bike Guided Tours take place five days a week in June and July. From Monday to Friday, experienced local guides accompany participants on various routes. The destinations include the Sellaronda, Passo Fedaia and Passo Giau. The participation fee is 40 euros. Bookings can be made at the tourist offices in Alta Badia or online at www.altabadia.org.
If you prefer off-road, you can also explore the area on your own by gravel bike. The area offers numerous gravel roads for gravel bikes. A beginner's route leads to traditional Ladin farms and their typical architecture. An intermediate tour starts in the village of La Val and combines asphalt and gravel sections at the foot of the Fanes-Senes-Braies and Puez-Odle nature parks. Another panoramic route runs from Badia to the Armentara meadows at the foot of the Santa Croce massif.
Bike-friendly businesses in the Dolomites
The certified Bike Expert and Bike Friendly businesses offer special services: secure storage rooms with washing and repair areas, bike racks, tools for maintenance, laundry service, hearty breakfasts and energising afternoon snacks such as cold dishes or homemade cakes. The lifts transport bikes free of charge. Co-operations exist with accommodation providers, bike hire shops, shops for spare parts and technical clothing as well as restaurants and mountain huts.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
