The Sellaronda: magical in summer and in winter
Exploring the Sellaronda by Bike, Ski, and More
You’ve probably heard of the Sellaronda, the famous loop around the Sella massif in the Ladin Dolomites, popular with both athletes and tourists, crossing four stunning mountain passes. But did you know that you can experience the Sellaronda in every season and with many different ways of getting around? Here’s a look at your options!
Sellaronda in Summer: The Route
The Sellaronda route is fully paved and in excellent condition. It stretches over 50 km with nearly 1,700 meters of ascent and descent. The loop can be completed in either direction (clockwise or counterclockwise), but the most popular option is counterclockwise, starting in Arabba. From Arabba, ride up to the Campolongo Pass, then descend to Corvara. Continue to Colfosco, climb the Gardena Pass, then proceed to the Sella Pass, and descend to just before Canazei, where you climb the Pordoi Pass before the final descent back to Arabba.
Sellaronda in Summer: Vehicles
The undisputed “kings” of the Sellaronda in summer are road cyclists. Completing the Sellaronda by mountain bike or road bike takes 4–6 hours (without breaks) and is a challenge even for experienced riders. The route is also the stage for several well-known cycling races. For mountain bikers, there are alternative trails on unpaved terrain, lasting 7–8 hours, which can be partially assisted by lifts.
For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, the route can also be explored by motorcycle or car. Travel time drops to roughly 1–1.5 hours, though traffic may be heavier on sunny summer days.
Sellaronda in Summer: Highlights
The highlight in summer is certainly the breathtaking views of the Dolomites, visible almost every meter along the Sellaronda. Whatever vehicle you choose, be sure to take breaks at scenic viewpoints to soak in the panorama and capture some memories. For longer stops with refreshments, welcoming inns and restaurants can be found along the route and on the passes.
For motorcyclists or drivers, the road itself is often the highlight: beautiful curves, challenging hairpins to practice the perfect line, long straights to accelerate, and steep climbs to make full use of your engine’s power—every motor enthusiast will love it.
Sellaronda in Winter: The Route
In winter, the Sellaronda consists of a seamless loop of ski slopes and lifts covering about 40 km. Completing the loop, including breaks, takes roughly six hours, so a 10 a.m. start and moderate to good fitness are recommended. A single ski pass allows you to cross four Dolomite passes and five charming villages in one day. From Arabba, the Sellaronda can be skied clockwise (orange signs) or counterclockwise (green signs). The green route is slightly easier, but most slopes are rated intermediate.
Sellaronda in Winter: Vehicles
Since the Sellaronda follows ski slopes in winter, it becomes a ski loop. Most athletes complete the route on alpine skis, though snowboarding is also possible.
Tackling the Sellaronda with touring skis, without using lifts, requires more preparation and organization. Each year, top athletes take on this challenge during the Sellaronda Ski Marathon, held at night, covering the 40 km with only skis and a headlamp.
Sellaronda in Winter: Highlights
How often do you get the chance to cover such long distances in a single day of skiing? On the Sellaronda winter route, you’ll pass four mountain passes, five picturesque villages, and enjoy a 100% Dolomite experience at every turn. The snow-covered slopes, glowing golden in the morning and evening sun, accompany you throughout your Sellaronda by ski adventure. And above you? Only an endless, deep-blue sky.
When it’s time for a break, you can stop at one of the many mountain huts, where the hosts serve traditional South Tyrolean and Ladin dishes—sunny panoramic terraces and good vibes included.
hose who prefer extra support can rely on the ski schools in the surrounding villages and join a guided Sellaronda by ski tour together with other skiers.
Ready to explore the legendary Sellaronda?
Whether you want to experience the Sellaronda by bike in summer or the Sellaronda by ski in winter, set up your base directly in Arabba and start your mountain adventure right away!
Find the perfect accommodation for your Sellaronda experience directly on our website.
The Sellaronda route is fully paved and in excellent condition. It stretches over 50 km with nearly 1,700 meters of ascent and descent. The loop can be completed in either direction (clockwise or counterclockwise), but the most popular option is counterclockwise, starting in Arabba. From Arabba, ride up to the Campolongo Pass, then descend to Corvara. Continue to Colfosco, climb the Gardena Pass, then proceed to the Sella Pass, and descend to just before Canazei, where you climb the Pordoi Pass before the final descent back to Arabba.
Sellaronda in Summer: Vehicles
The undisputed “kings” of the Sellaronda in summer are road cyclists. Completing the Sellaronda by mountain bike or road bike takes 4–6 hours (without breaks) and is a challenge even for experienced riders. The route is also the stage for several well-known cycling races. For mountain bikers, there are alternative trails on unpaved terrain, lasting 7–8 hours, which can be partially assisted by lifts.
For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, the route can also be explored by motorcycle or car. Travel time drops to roughly 1–1.5 hours, though traffic may be heavier on sunny summer days.
Sellaronda in Summer: Highlights
The highlight in summer is certainly the breathtaking views of the Dolomites, visible almost every meter along the Sellaronda. Whatever vehicle you choose, be sure to take breaks at scenic viewpoints to soak in the panorama and capture some memories. For longer stops with refreshments, welcoming inns and restaurants can be found along the route and on the passes.
For motorcyclists or drivers, the road itself is often the highlight: beautiful curves, challenging hairpins to practice the perfect line, long straights to accelerate, and steep climbs to make full use of your engine’s power—every motor enthusiast will love it.
Sellaronda in Winter: The Route
In winter, the Sellaronda consists of a seamless loop of ski slopes and lifts covering about 40 km. Completing the loop, including breaks, takes roughly six hours, so a 10 a.m. start and moderate to good fitness are recommended. A single ski pass allows you to cross four Dolomite passes and five charming villages in one day. From Arabba, the Sellaronda can be skied clockwise (orange signs) or counterclockwise (green signs). The green route is slightly easier, but most slopes are rated intermediate.
Sellaronda in Winter: Vehicles
Since the Sellaronda follows ski slopes in winter, it becomes a ski loop. Most athletes complete the route on alpine skis, though snowboarding is also possible.
Tackling the Sellaronda with touring skis, without using lifts, requires more preparation and organization. Each year, top athletes take on this challenge during the Sellaronda Ski Marathon, held at night, covering the 40 km with only skis and a headlamp.
Sellaronda in Winter: Highlights
How often do you get the chance to cover such long distances in a single day of skiing? On the Sellaronda winter route, you’ll pass four mountain passes, five picturesque villages, and enjoy a 100% Dolomite experience at every turn. The snow-covered slopes, glowing golden in the morning and evening sun, accompany you throughout your Sellaronda by ski adventure. And above you? Only an endless, deep-blue sky.
When it’s time for a break, you can stop at one of the many mountain huts, where the hosts serve traditional South Tyrolean and Ladin dishes—sunny panoramic terraces and good vibes included.
hose who prefer extra support can rely on the ski schools in the surrounding villages and join a guided Sellaronda by ski tour together with other skiers.
Ready to explore the legendary Sellaronda?
Whether you want to experience the Sellaronda by bike in summer or the Sellaronda by ski in winter, set up your base directly in Arabba and start your mountain adventure right away!
Find the perfect accommodation for your Sellaronda experience directly on our website.