The Sella massif, one of the mightiest mountain ranges in the Dolomites, rises out of the green valleys like an island in the sea. The tour around it, the Sellaronda, is one of the most impressive journeys in the Alps. Four passes surround the mountain massif: the Passo Campolongo (1,875 m) to the east, the Pordoi Pass (2,239 m) to the south, the Sella Pass (2,241 m) to the west and the Gardena Pass (2,121 m) to the north. The route leads over legendary cycling terrain: there is hardly a Giro d'Italia that does not visit the slopes of the Sella walls. The Pordoi Pass, the highest pass road in the Dolomites, has been a stage finish several times: at the top of the pass, a memorial commemorates the five-time Giro and two-time Tour de France winner Fausto Coppi; in addition, in a hairpin bend where the road branches off to the Sella Pass, there is a memorial plaque set into the rock to Italy's cycling idol of the 1950s, complete with sprocket and crank. There are several places to start the tour.
Kulfuschg, Corvara and Arabba are located directly on the route, with Canazei just a little further away to the south-west and Selva di Val Gardena to the north-west. We recommend starting in Corvara and travelling around in a clockwise direction. Similarly, the Maratona dles DolomitesThe first Sunday in July every year, 8,500 cyclists line up at the start not far from Corvara to conquer the Sellaronda and other passes on three routes. The start in Corvara has an advantage: the Campolongo, the lowest pass, is ideal for warming up. But nobody needs to be afraid of the other climbs either. The longest climb, to the Pordoi Pass, is nine kilometres long, and no pass tries to shake off the climber with poisonous ramps. Fine tarmac, beautiful hairpin bends, gradients of around seven per cent - there is plenty of time to enjoy the magnificent scenery. Even car-free once a year: during the Sella Ronda Bike Day.
The previous Sunday, 18 June 2017, the Campolongo, Falzarego and Valparola passes will be closed to motorised traffic. Three passes, three provinces and three Ladin valleys are taking part in Dolomites Bike Day. Participation is free of charge. The route runs in a circle from the start in Alta Badia to Arabba, then into the valley of Livinallongo, crosses the Campolongo Pass, then continues to the Falzarego Pass and Valparola Pass and reaches the towns of La Villa and Corvara, where the circle closes. The entire route, which is closed to traffic from 10 am to 3 pm, is 51 kilometres long and has a difference in altitude of 1,290 metres. It is recommended to cycle the route in an anti-clockwise direction. This route is part of the route of the Maratona dles Dolomites and one of the passages in the hundredth edition of the Giro d'Italia.
Info about the Sellaronda
STREET DATA
Asphalt quality: good to very good, difficulty: moderate, 1,771 vertical metres, max. 11% gradient
STARTING POINT
Corvara (1,530 m), several free car parks in the village. Access via the A22 Brennero motorway, exit Bressanone/Brixen to state road 49, shortly before Brunico/Bruneck take the SS244
OPENING HOURS
Detailed information can be found in the traffic report of the Province of Bolzano: phone 0039/0471/200198 or on the Internet at www.provinz.bz.it
CATERING ON THE WAY
There are restaurants in Corvara and Arabba as well as at every pass summit, and at the Pordoi Pass also three kilometres beforehand. Shortly after the turn-off to the Gardena Pass is the Chalet Gérard, shortly before Corvara (47.2 kilometres) the Kolfuschger Hof.
SIGHTSEEING
Breathtaking proximity to the walls of the Sella massif everywhere. Campolongo Pass: beautiful view of Corvara and the local mountain Sassngher. Pordoi Pass: views of the Tofana mountains from an altitude of 1,900 metres. Passo Sella: shortly before the pass, views of the Grohmannspitze, Fünffingerspitze and Langkofel. Passo Gardena: Sassolungo to the west, Fanes group to the east.
TRAFFIC
Lots of traffic, especially at the Pordoi and Sella Passes. Also very popular with motorcyclists. Avoid the summer holidays, especially August!
CARD
Road map "Trentino, South Tyrol", 1:200,000 - Carta stradale d'Italia 3; Touring Club Italiano, distributed by Travel House Media, 7 euros
INFO
Alta Badia Tourist Board, Str. Col Alt 36, I-39033 Corvara, phone 0039/0471/836176, www.altabadia.org/de
