Sellaronda Bike Day

Every year again, on two summerdays, the four passes round the Sella alpenstock are closed for motorized vehicles and reserved for cyclists only. From Selva Gardena we proceed (counter-clockwise) via Plan de Gralba towards Passo Sella (2,244 m a.s.l.). On this section we overcome 400 m of altitude difference on a length of 9 km. Breathtaking is the view on Mount Sassolungo and the Sella Towers. Past the Sella Mountain Hut we reach the highest point at the pass, the view of the Marmolada glacier is just amazing.

Then we cycle 5 km down to Canazei (Trentino), with a great view of the south west side of the Sella massif. Afterwards we cycle up towards Passo Pordoi, where now and then you can see the lift facilities of the winterly Sellaronda. After this 6 km long ascent we reach the 2nd pass, looking back we can see many colourful points moving upwards in walking speed. From the 2,239 m high pass we roll down to Arabba (Belluno), where cyclists can find anything they might need, from a service station to lunch and entertainment.

This is where the shortest ascent starts (4 km), leading to Passo Campolongo (1,875 m a.s.l.) on the east side of the Sella massif, between the Sella and the Sasso Croce mountain groups. Proceeding downwards to Alta Badia, another Dolomite valley in which the Ladin language is still spoken. From Corvara we cycle up towards Passo Gardena (2,121 m a.s.l.), where we take the obligatory picture at the street sign, before we return to our starting point.

Please note: the direction in which the Sellaronda Bike Day is cycled is always predefined, but again and again there are people who don't stick to these rules and who endanger other participants. Please stand to the regulations and consider the instructions along the track. By the way, take into account that you cycle in the Dolomites, Natural World Heritage Site, so don't throw your waste away!

Author: BS