The hardest face of the famous Sella Ronda loop, this climb links the floor of the Val di Fassa to the heart of the Sella massif, one of the most photographed landscapes in the Dolomites.
A sustained climb to 2,243 metres
From Canazei, the road climbs 11.2 km for 794 m of elevation gain, averaging 7.1%, with a steeper section reaching 11.1%. The gradient is rarely extreme but never really lets up, demanding a steady effort all the way to the top.
Some of the most spectacular scenery in the Dolomites
The landscape opens up gradually as the road gains altitude, revealing the Sella Towers looming over the final third of the climb. From the summit, the panorama stretches to the Sassolungo group, one of the most recognisable silhouettes in the Dolomites.
Getting the ride right
A compact or triple crankset is recommended to absorb the sections over 11%. A lightweight windbreaker jacket is useful for the descent towards Val Gardena, as the road tops out above 2,200 m.
When to go
June to September, as the road is generally clear during this window. The Sella Ronda passes can stay snow-covered into June depending on the year.
Good to know
Selva di Val Gardena, on the north side, allows riders to continue onto Passo Gardena to complete all or part of the Sella Ronda loop, while Corvara gives access to Passo Campolongo, on the massif’s south-eastern side.
