Giau Pass

The Giau Pass is a mountain pass connecting Cortina d'Ampezzo with Selva di Cadore and Val Fiorentina in the province of Belluno. The pass is extremely scenic, since from here you have a view of the most beautiful peaks of the Dolomites. Its hairpin turns are an attraction for cyclists and motor bikers, who every year come here to ride on the same routes of the Giro d'Italia. In summer you can explore interesting trekking trails, whereas in winter this is a paradise for snowkiters.

The Giau Pass in the heart of the Belluno Dolomites

You can reach the Giau Pass from Cortina, Colle Santa Lucia or San Vito, and once you get to the top the amazing view will leave you breathless. The most beautiful Dolomites peaks are there within reach: Nuvolau, Averau, Marmolada, Tofane, Cristallo...

The Giau Pass is also one of the most famous stages of the Giro d'Italia, and its hard ascent from Santa Lucia is legendary: about 10 km with a 9.1% incline.

The mountain pass was also the setting for some of the scenes of the movie Ladyhawke, with Matthew Broderick and Michelle Pfeiffer.

Thanks to the prestige given by the Giro d'Italia, the Giau Pass started to be a favorite destination for cyclists and motor bikers, who find here the ideal ground to put themselves or their engines to the test. Among the best tours, the one exploring the land of the Ladins.

Passo Giau: summer activities

In summer the pass is perfect for trekking tours on the Dolomites: from here you can reach for example the Mondeval archaeological site in Val Fiorentina, where the skeleton of a man from the Mesolithic was found. Another interesting tour, thou longer and more demanding, is the route Giau Pass - Nuvolau - Giau Pass.

Passo Giau: winter activities

When winter arrives, Passo Giau is covered in a white mantle and turns into a magical place, loved by both sports enthusiasts and hikers. Its wide open spaces and constant winds have made it, in recent years, a true landmark for snowkiting: here, colorful kites dance in the sky while skiers and snowboarders glide across the snow in spectacular movements. A dedicated school offers courses for both beginners and advanced riders, making this unique experience accessible to everyone.

But Passo Giau is not just about adrenaline. Those seeking tranquility can enjoy cross-country skiing on trails immersed in silence and nature. Adventurers looking for wilder experiences can try ski mountaineering, reaching untouched landscapes such as the Mondeval plateau.

With snowshoes or crampons, even more opportunities open up: hikes to Rifugio Averau, climbs to Monte Nuvolau, or explorations around Rifugio Fedare, always with breathtaking views over the Dolomites.

And for alpine skiing enthusiasts, the pass also provides easy access to the slopes of the 5 Torri – Lagazuoi Ski Area, connected to the legendary Great War Ski Tour, a journey on skis through nature and history.