From Corvara, Passo Valparola climbs toward one of the most history-laden passes in the Dolomites, at the foot of the imposing Lagazuoi and Sass de Stria rock faces.
A sustained climb from Corvara
It’s about 13.6 km for 760 m of elevation gain, averaging 5.6%, with some steeper sections in the second half. The summit tops out at 2,192 m, ringed by spectacular rock walls.
A First World War front line
Passo Valparola was a strategic point on the Dolomites front between 1915 and 1918. Forte Tre Sassi, a partly ruined Austro-Hungarian fortification, is now open as a museum and stands as a reminder of the fighting waged at this altitude.
How to approach the ride
It’s best to save some energy for the tougher second half of the climb, using the gentler early profile to settle into a steady rhythm.
When to climb it
June to September, as the road stays closed in winter and the pass can remain snow-covered into early summer given its altitude.
Good to know
The pass links naturally with the nearby Passo Falzarego, or with a descent toward Cortina d’Ampezzo to extend the ride through the heart of the Dolomites.
