Gardena Pass

The Gardena Pass is a mountain pass located in the Dolomites, between Val Gardena and Val Badia. It connects the municipality of Selva di Val Gardena with the village of Colfosco, in the municipality of Corvara in Badia. The pass overlooks the Sella Group to the north and the Cir Group to the south. It is also crossed by Alta Via No. 2, which runs from Bressanone to Feltre in the Belluno area.

The pass is a highly popular destination for sports enthusiasts, who can choose from a wide range of activities, including cycling and motorcycling, hiking, alpine skiing and climbing. It is the perfect destination for an active holiday in both summer and winter.

Via Ferrata Routes around the Gardena Pass

For climbing and mountaineering enthusiasts, the pass is an excellent starting point. Just below the pass, heading into Alta Badia, you will find the starting point of the Tridentina Via Ferrata, one of the most famous via ferrata routes in the Dolomites. Two other via ferrata routes start to the north and lead to the summits of Gran Cir and Pizzes de Cir; the former is easier than the latter.

Ski slopes at the Gardena Pass

Numerous ski slopes and lifts can be found on both sides of the pass. Among the ski runs starting from the mountain pass are two of the best-known and most popular slopes in the Val Gardena ski area: Dantercepies and Cir, which lead down to Selva.

The pass is particularly popular with skiers thanks, on the one hand, to the relative ease of the slopes and, on the other, to the opportunity to ski on the Alta Badia side of the Gardena Pass, surrounded by spectacular views of the Sassolungo and Sella Groups.

All the lifts at the Gardena Pass are part of Dolomiti Superski, one of Italy’s most important ski areas. The pass is also included in the famous Sellaronda, also known as the Four Passes Ski Tour.

Cycling and motorcycling at the Gardena Pass

The Gardena Pass is a true paradise for two-wheel enthusiasts. Val Gardena offers ideal conditions for cyclists of all kinds, from downhill professionals to mountain bike enthusiasts. It is no coincidence that the valley is the only one in South Tyrol to have been awarded the Approved Bike Area certification. Visitors can choose from numerous routes of varying difficulty, benefit from expert advice and specialised mountain bike services, and transport their bicycles on lifts and public transport.

For the more adventurous, summer also offers the opportunity to tackle the famous Sellaronda MTB Tour, an exciting panoramic route crossing the Dolomite passes and winding around the spectacular Sella Group.

The Gardena Pass is also an unmissable destination for motorcycling enthusiasts. Its winding roads, hairpin bends and spectacular Dolomite scenery offer a unique riding experience, combining exhilarating curves with breathtaking landscapes.

Events at the Gardena Pass

In summer, the pass hosts two major events for all mountain bike enthusiasts. The first is the Sellaronda Bike Day, a cycling event along the Campolongo, Gardena, Sella and Pordoi passes, usually held in June.

The second is the HERO Südtirol Dolomites, another mountain bike race across the four famous Dolomite passes. With 4,500 metres of elevation gain and a distance of 86 km, it is considered the toughest mountain bike race in the world.

How to reach the Gardena Pass

The pass can be reached from Colfosco, in Alta Badia, from Selva Val Gardena, or from Canazei, in Val di Fassa.

From Colfosco

From the A22 motorway, take the Bressanone exit, then follow the SS49 through Val Pusteria to San Lorenzo and continue along the SS244 through Val Badia. Alternatively, take the Chiusa exit and follow the SS242 through Val Gardena to the Gardena Pass.

From the A27 motorway, take the Belluno/Ponte nelle Alpi exit, then follow the SS203 through Agordino to Caprile and Arabba, continuing over Campolongo Pass to Alta Badia. Alternatively, take the SS51 towards Cortina d’Ampezzo, followed by the Falzarego and Valparola passes to Alta Badia.

From Colfosco, the pass can be reached in approximately 13 minutes (7.2 km).

From Selva Val Gardena

From the A22 motorway, take the Chiusa – Val Gardena exit. Follow the road signs to reach Selva Val Gardena in approximately 20 minutes. From Selva, the pass can be reached in approximately 20 minutes (11 km).

From Canazei

From the A22 motorway, take the Ora/Egna exit and follow the SS48 through the Dolomites, over San Lugano Pass and through Val di Fiemme and Val di Fassa. Alternatively, take the Bolzano Nord exit and follow the SS41, the Great Dolomite Road, over Carezza Pass to Vigo di Fassa, then continue north towards Canazei.

Canazei can also be reached via other routes: from the A27, take the Belluno/Ponte nelle Alpi exit, then follow the SS203 towards Agordo/Alleghe and the SP641 over Fedaia Pass to Canazei; from Arabba, follow the SS48 over Pordoi Pass to Canazei; or from Val Gardena, follow the SS242 over Sella Pass.

From Canazei, the Gardena Pass can be reached in approximately 45 minutes (23 km).