Italy · Dolomites
Passo Sella
Part of the legendary Sella Ronda circuit. Massive Dolomite rock formations tower above as you wind through one of the world's most beautiful mountain landscapes.
- Length
- 11.4 km
- Avg gradient
- 6.1%
- Max gradient
- 11%
- Elevation gain
- 694 m
- Summit
- 2,218 m
- Hairpins
- 14
Versants
- From Canazei — 11.4 km at 6.1% (max 11%)
- From Selva Val Gardena — 6.5 km at 7.0% (max 10%)
History
The Sella sits at 2,218 m and is best known not as a standalone climb but as part of the Sella Ronda — a circular touring route through the Dolomites that takes riders over four major passes. The Sella itself is 11.4 km from Canazei at 6.1% average, one of the easier climbs in the Ronda route.
What the Sella lacks in difficulty, it makes up in scenery: massive limestone formations of the Dolomites tower directly above the road, and the combination of paved switchbacks and raw rock makes it feel like riding through a cathedral. Professional cyclists have used the Sella Ronda as winter training for decades.
The pass sits between Canazei and Selva di Val Gardena, two major Dolomite resort towns, and attracts cyclists and motorcyclists in large numbers during summer months. The road is busy but well-maintained, and the views justify every pedal stroke.