Photo: Antonio Cogo / Unsplash
About This Route
The compact Sella Ronda circles the Sella massif over four paved passes: Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella and Gardena. Corvara, Arabba, Canazei and Selva di Val Gardena provide natural entry points, services and escape routes if mountain weather closes in.
Route plan
- Corvara to Passo CampolongoLeave Corvara south toward the lowest of the four passes. The climb is short and makes a useful warm-up before the tighter, higher roads later in the circuit.
- Arabba to Passo PordoiFrom Arabba, climb repeated hairpins to the highest point of the loop at 2,239 metres. The summit is exposed and busy, with the cable-car area generating frequent turning traffic.
- Canazei to Passo SellaDescend into Val di Fassa, then turn north for Passo Sella. This section brings the closest views of the Sella towers but also coaches, cyclists and limited roadside parking.
- Passo Gardena to CorvaraCross Passo Gardena and descend through Colfosco to Corvara. The final descent is scenic but village traffic increases quickly in the afternoon.
What the road is really like
The loop is only about 55 km, yet it is not a one-hour sightseeing lap. Each pass changes character: Campolongo is gentle, Pordoi is a sustained hairpin climb, Sella feels narrow beneath the rock walls and Gardena mixes open views with busy approaches.
Asphalt is generally paved and suitable for any road-going motorcycle, but traffic is the real difficulty. Coaches need space, cyclists may ride two abreast and cars stop suddenly near viewpoints. Start early, use proper parking areas and expect afternoon thunderstorms even after a clear morning.
Planning the day
Base yourself in Corvara, Arabba, Canazei or Selva and ride the core loop before adding Giau, Falzarego or Valparola. Four hours allows stops and a coffee; combining too many passes turns a compact scenic day into a rushed mileage exercise.
The four passes close for snow and for scheduled Sellaronda Bike Days, when motor traffic is excluded. Parking along pass roads is restricted in places, including around Sella and Gardena, so confirm current road status and event dates before departure.
Fuel, food and stops
Reliable fuel options along or near the route include Corvara, Canazei. Top up before any long climb — pumps in mountain villages can be closed at lunch or on Sundays.
For food and coffee, Mountain rifugios are solid stops. Aim for a proper sit-down lunch rather than a vending-machine snack — the locals eat well in this region.
⚠️ Safety and hazards to watch for
Specific hazards on this route include: Cyclists; Tour buses; Storms.
- Popular with cyclists
- Afternoon storms
- The four Sella passes open/close on snow-dependent dates and have periodic car-free days in summer — check current conditions before riding.
Who this route suits
Dolomites Sella Ronda Loop works especially well for photographers and slow-tour riders chasing scenery, adventure bike riders who don't mind the occasional rough patch. Recommended bike types are Touring, Adventure, but realistically anything in good mechanical condition with decent tyres will do the job — the road matters more than the badge on the tank.
Insider tips
- Ride clockwise for best views
- Start before 8am
- Try South Tyrolean cuisine