Sella Group: cycling and skiing

The Sella Group is one of the most spectacular destinations in the Dolomites, ideal for hiking, skiing, and the famous Sellaronda circuit.

The Sella Group, also known as the Sella Massif, is one of the most iconic mountain systems in the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites. It is an impressive rocky plateau located between Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto, covering the provinces of Bolzano, Trento, and Belluno, and surrounded by four main valleys: Val Gardena, Val Badia, Val di Fassa, and Livinallongo del Col di Lana.

Thanks to its central position in the Dolomites and its breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views, the Sella is considered one of the most stunning viewpoints in the Dolomites and a top destination for hiking, mountaineering, skiing, and cycling.

Where the Sella Group is located

The Sella Massif lies in the heart of the Dolomites and represents a natural crossroads between regions and Ladin culture areas. It is surrounded by four famous Dolomite mountain passes:

• Sella Pass
• Gardena Pass
• Pordoi Pass
• Campolongo Pass

These passes connect the surrounding valleys and make the area easily accessible year-round.

Geology and natural features

From a naturalistic point of view, the Sella Group looks like a massive “rock fortress” made of vertical cliffs and high plateaus. Its Dolomite limestone structure creates a unique landscape with dramatic forms that change depending on the viewpoint.

The Sella is strategically located in the Dolomites and acts as a central hub from which other major mountain groups extend, including:

• Sassolungo
• Catinaccio
• Latemar
• Marmolada
• Pale di San Martino
• Puez-Odle Group

Subdivisions of the Sella Massif

The Sella Group is traditionally divided into three main subgroups:

• Piz Boè subgroup (highest peak, 3,152 m)
• Mesules (western side, wilder rocky area)
• Pisciadù (area rich in lakes and dramatic valleys)

The highest peak is Piz Boè, one of the most accessible 3,000-meter peaks in the Dolomites.

Lakes and alpine landscapes

The Sella area is enriched with several alpine lakes and natural pools, including:

• Pisciadù Lake
• Lech dl Dragon
• Boè Lake
• Lech Dláce

These lakes, set among rocks and scree slopes, are among the most iconic landscapes in the Dolomites.

Hiking, trekking and via ferratas

The Sella Group is one of the most popular destinations for hikers and mountaineers worldwide. It offers a wide network of trails and via ferratas suitable for different experience levels.

Most famous hikes include:

• Ascent to Piz Boè (from Pordoi Pass or Corvara)
• Sella crossing
• Trails of the Alta Via No. 2

Well-known mountain huts:

• Boè Hut
• Pisciadù Hut
• Franz Kostner Hut

Most famous via ferratas

• Ferrata Tridentina: the most iconic, featuring a suspended bridge
• Ferrata delle Mesules: more technical and demanding
• Via Ferrata Cesare Piazzetta: among the most difficult in the Dolomites

Sellaronda: the four-pass circuit

One of the most famous experiences in the Sella Group is the Sellaronda, also known as the Four Passes Tour.

It is a circular route crossing:

• Gardena Pass
• Sella Pass
• Pordoi Pass
• Campolongo Pass

Sellaronda in winter

In winter, the Sellaronda is one of the world’s most famous ski circuits, accessible in one day via the Dolomiti Superski area. It also hosts events such as the Sellaronda Skimarathon, a night ski mountaineering race.

Sellaronda in summer

In summer, the Sellaronda becomes a paradise for:

• road cycling
• mountain biking
• motorcycling
• trail running

Events such as the Maratona dles Dolomites and the Sellaronda Bike Day attract thousands of enthusiasts, with mountain passes closed to traffic for cyclists only.

Where to stay to visit the Sella Group

To fully experience the Sella Group, it is recommended to stay in the surrounding valleys for easy access to passes and trails. The most convenient locations are Corvara in Badia, Arabba, Canazei, Selva di Val Gardena, and Livinallongo del Col di Lana, all perfect starting points for summer hikes and the Sellaronda in winter.

Here you will find hotels, guesthouses, chalets, and apartments suited to every need, often offering services for outdoor enthusiasts such as ski storage, bike rental, and wellness centers. Staying in these areas allows quick access to the Sella passes and an immersive Dolomite experience without long transfers.

Plan your holiday in the Dolomites and discover the Sella Group in every season of the year.