The Passo Sella is a renowned Alpine pass in the Dolomites, straddling the provinces of Trento and Bolzano, separating the Sassolungo group from the Sella group. The pass marks the natural boundary between the Val di Fassa and Val Gardena, connecting Canazei with Selva di Val Gardena via the famous SS242, well-known for the Giro d’Italia. The scenery is breathtaking, offering splendid views of the Torri del Sella, the Mesules barrier, and the Sassolungo massif, which rises to 3,181 m.
The Passo Sella is a popular tourist destination in both summer and winter for an active holiday immersed in nature: here you can enjoy alpine skiing, trekking, mountaineering, cycling, and mountain biking. It is also beloved by motorcyclists for its thrilling curves.
Trekking, mountaineering and ski slopes
It’s a favorite among mountaineers and hikers, both for its dramatic landscapes and the endless opportunities it offers. There are numerous excursions at Passo Sella for all levels and ages, from family-friendly walks to challenging ascents. A scenic route is the trail from Passo Sella to Rifugio Comici, with vistas over Val Gardena. An essential trek is the Sassolungo circuit, an 8 km route circumnavigating the Sassolungo massif, looping around its 2 km length and over 1 km width. Another classic is the hike from Rifugio Passo Sella to Sasso Piatto, or the ascent to Piz Boè.
At the foot of the Sassolungo lies the Sassi City, a natural climbing area of vast rocky terrain, ideal for sport climbing. Between the Sella group and Sassi City, there is the Naturonda, a gentle educational trail with informative panels on local flora, fauna, and geology.
The two mountain groups embracing the pass are legendary in alpine history: there are countless climbing routes and via ferratas of varying difficulty. From Passo Sella, you can reach climbs like the Trenker Route, up the First Tower of Sella, or the West Face of the Fourth Tower.
In winter, Passo Sella is a prime starting point for skiing within Dolomiti Superski, accessing slopes on Col Rodella, Belvedere, and the famous Sellaronda ski circuit.
Cycling, mountain biking and motorcycling
Passo Sella is one of the classic Giro d’Italia climbs, having witnessed some of the sport’s greatest battles. It has been the Cima Coppi twice—1969 (Claudio Michelotto) and 1998 (Marco Pantani)—and Marco Savoldelli won here in 2005. Many cyclists repeat these feats, tackling the hairpin turns from either Val di Fassa or Val Gardena. In summer, the Sellaronda Road Bike circuit spans 55 km of stunning mountain roads. Mountain bikers enjoy routes like the Sellaronda Mountain Bike Tour, or the descent from Selva to the Sassi City, including thrilling downhill paths.
The Passo is also a motorbike paradise, accessible via scenic routes from Bolzano, Belluno, or the famous Five Passes Tour.
Events at Passo Sella
The pass hosts major events, such as the Sellaronda Bike Day, a non-competitive cycling tour over the Campolongo, Gardena, Sella, and Pordoi Passes in June, and the Maratona dles Dolomites in July, a premier amateur cycling marathon starting and finishing in Badia.
