Dolomites
Rising like ancient cathedrals from Italy’s northern frontier, the Dolomites offer one of the most awe-inspiring cycling experiences on Earth. "Are they rocks or clouds? Are they real or is this just a dream?" writer Dino Buzzati asked himself about the Dolomites. Here, the road winds through a dreamscape of jagged peaks, verdant valleys, and alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers.
But it’s more than just a bike adventure: it’s a rite of passage. For cyclists, the Dolomites are sacred ground. Legendary climbs such as Passo Giau or Passo Pordoi test your grit with brutal gradients and endless switchbacks. Yet every drop of sweat is rewarded with panoramic views that defy imagination.
The warmth of mountain huts, called “rifugi,” and the quiet moments alone with your breath and the beating of your heart will make you feel like you’re part of the Giro d’Italia riding up here.
Several granfondos and events such as Maratona dles Dolomites or Sellaronda Bike Day are organized here. It’s tough to do any tour with less than 1000 meters of elevation gain, so remember to bring with you your best climbing legs.
Don’t let the mountainous terrain intimidate you: every pedal stroke is joyful looking at the Sassolungo or the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Challenge meets majesty on the Dolomites. Soaking in the grande bellezza at your own pace, but remember: as the great Eddy Merckx once said, when the road goes up, you can’t hide.
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Best time to ride
The Dolomites have a typical high-mountain weather, with cold winters and warmer summers. In recent years, it has happened that you could ride well in late April or in mid-October.
The best time to ride in the Dolomites is during the warm summer months. Most of the climbs top at over 2000 meters of elevation, with long downhills that can be cold all year long. The weather changes a lot quicker than anywhere else so be sure to bring an extra layer.
Where to stay
Base Towns
Canazei
At the foot of several mythical climbs such as Pordoi, Sella and Marmolada, Canazei is a Mecca for cyclists. It is the heart of the Val di Fassa, where the Giro d'Italia wrote its history, and it's home to several great restaurants and bike rentals. A roundabout in Canazei even has a giant replica of the Trofeo Senza Fine as well, pro cycling's most famous trophy.
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Accommodations (12)
Places in Dolomites that welcome you and your bike.
Cèsa Planber
A bike-friendly b&b in Canazei, Cèsa Planber has everything a cyclist needs. From weekly bike programs to tailor-made services available in the structure, Cèsa Planber is the perfect start for a Sellaronda adventure.
Ciasa Roby
In Alta Badia, home to the Maratona dles Dolomites and Sellaronda Bike Day, Ciasa Roby offers competitive prices and great accommodations for cyclists. This family-run b&b has a great atmosphere in one of the world's most outstanding places!
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How to get there
There are several ways to reach the Dolomites. The closest Italian airports are Verona (VRN) and Venice (VCE), or make use of Innsbruck airport (INN) in Austria.
By car the A22 motorway (Autostrada del Brennero) provides direct access to the foothills of the iconic peaks.
The nearby cities of Trento, Bolzano, and Belluno are well connected by train, making them convenient gateways from destinations across Italy and abroad. If you bring your bike make sure to check if the train opperator allows bikes on the train. An additional ticket for your bike might be needed.
Bike Rentals (10)
On The Rocks
Bike brands: Trek
In downtown Ortisei, On The Rocks offers road bikes along with a wide range of mountain bikes. The staff is young, friendly and helpful, and the shop also provides maintenance and repair services.
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Shops (3)
Boteghes Lagazoia
At Boteghes Lagazoia, you get a taste of Dolomites-style shopping in a luxury outdoor setting. Dive into road cycling apparel and accessories from brand like Gobik, Sportfull, Castelli, POC, Kask, Oakley, Crankbrothers and more. They’re also the official seller of Maratona dles Dolomites merchandise.
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Cafes & bars (11)
Après-Bike Bar Saltos
In the heart of Selva di Val Gardena, Bar Saltos is a good stop for a coffee or a drink but even better for a post-ride aperitivo after an epic ride in the Dolomites. Relaxed vibe, food and drinks served almost all day. It's located right at the foot of Passo Sella.
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Popular Climbs (12)
Climb to Rifugio Gardeccia
6.20km | 628m | 10.1%
Super steep, narrow road that ends right under the Vajolet Towers, one of the most iconic peaks in the Dolomites. The very last part, 200 meters or so, is on an easy gravel. A couple of huts, including Rifugio Gardeccia, are a delicious treat at the end of the climb.
Passo Campolongo
5.41km | 316m | 5.8%
Possibly the easiest of the four Sellaronda ascents, Passo Campolongo separates Veneto and Alto Adige. Its hairpins out of Corvara are really iconic.
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Cycling Routes (12)
Sellaronda
51.4km | 1710m
Maybe the most iconic loop in entire Italy, the Sellaronda is a paradise for cyclists. You'll never forget your first circle around the Sella group, a plateau-shaped massif in the Dolomites. Sellaronda goes up and down some of the Dolomites' most iconic climbs, such as the Passo Pordoi or Gardena, and the views are just breathtaking.
Passo delle Erbe loop from Bressanone
97.8km | 2320m
One of the many possible loops featuring the Passo delle Erbe starts from Bressanone. After following the Isarco river on a cycleway, start climbing up the Val di Funes. Amazing scenaries on the Dolomites, with small churches in open fields, will make the climb so much easier. And if you're not ready to close the loop quite yet, you can add the Plan de Corones (Kronplatz) climb from San Vigilio di Marebbe, with a gravel, super fan final section.
San Pellegrino, Valles, Pampeago, Costalunga – Dolomites all you can climb
122km | 3600m
An epic adventure in the Dolomites starts in Moena, heart of the Val di Fassa. There is everything in here: passes above 2000 meters of altitude, lakes, long and gentle climbs, steep ones, crazy fast descending. So much history as well: Alpe di Pampeago was one of Marco Pantani's last wins at the Giro d'Italia.
The largest mountain group in the Dolomites
113km | 3140m
This loop circles the Pale di San Martino, the largest mountain group in the Dolomites. The area's lunar landscape is said to have inspired Dino Buzzati’s masterpiece "The Tartar Steppe". The Forcelle Aurine–Passo Cereda combo adds a spicy twist to an already epic ride.
Loop du France
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Loop du France
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Reviews
Write a review Write a reviewExperiences from riders who have been here
The Dolomites have it all: Challenging passes, slick roads, and big beautiful views - it doesn't get much better. One of the most rewarding places I have ever ridden and I will come back for sure.
Andreas
Riding in the Dolomites is just something else. Sure, you'll suffer hard with all the climbing involved, but it will be with a smile on your face. The views never get old, it looks a bit different after every col and the infrastructure is really good.
But obviously that also attracts lots of people - more so ever since the area got UNESCO world heritage. During the summer months the traffic can get quite intense but the loudest amongst them (motor cyclists, sports car drivers) don't tend to be early risers, so it pays off to leave early and have a longer lunch break. Alternatively using one of the cycling days with banned motorized traffic is an option (e.g. Sellaronda twice a year) or going there in fall (the weather is quite stable and nice most of the Octobers).