Skiing the Sellaronda: A One-Day Guide to the 4 Passes in the Dolomites
The Sellaronda is one of the most iconic ski routes in the world, circling the Sella Massif through four breathtaking Dolomite passes: Passo Pordoi, Passo Sella, Passo Gardena, and Passo Campolongo. It’s a 40 km loop (including lifts and slopes) that you can ski clockwise (orange route) or counterclockwise (green route) in about 5-6 hours without stops.
Morning: Start Early to Beat the Crowds (8:30 - 12:00)
📍 Choose Your Starting Point
Start from Corvara, Arabba, Selva di Val Gardena, or Canazei. The best option is Arabba if you want a scenic, less crowded start.
📍 Pick Your Direction
• Clockwise (Orange Route) → More challenging, with steeper slopes.
• Counterclockwise (Green Route) → Easier, with gentler descents.
🚠 First Lift Up & Ski the First Pass
• If clockwise: Head towards Passo Pordoi from Arabba. Enjoy long, sweeping reds.
• If counterclockwise: Head towards Passo Campolongo, skiing easy, rolling slopes.
🏔 Mid-Morning: Ski Through the Sella Massif
• Enjoy panoramic views from Passo Sella, with the mighty Sassolungo towering above.
• Take a break at Comici Hut (if coming from Val Gardena) for a quick espresso with a view.
Lunch Stop (12:00 - 13:30)
🍽 Best Rifugios for Lunch:
• Rifugio Jimmy (Passo Gardena) – Great local dishes & stunning views.
• Rifugio Fodom (Arabba side) – Famous for its polenta and grilled meats.
• Ütia de Bioch (Corvara side) – Fantastic pasta & traditional Ladin cuisine.
🥂 Don’t Miss: A glass of Bombardino (hot eggnog liqueur) to warm up before continuing!
Afternoon: Complete the Loop (13:30 - 16:00)
• Keep an eye on the last lift times (most close around 16:00-16:30).
• If clockwise, ski the fast, technical descents from Passo Gardena into Val Gardena.
• If counterclockwise, enjoy the wide, scenic runs from Passo Pordoi to Arabba.
• Optional: Take a detour to Lagazuoi (near Passo Falzarego) for incredible powder skiing.
Après-Ski & Evening (16:00 - 19:00)
🍻 Best Après-Ski Spots:
• La Stua (Selva di Val Gardena) – Cozy, lively atmosphere.
• Miky’s Pub (Canazei) – Great for craft beer & a fun vibe.
• Ütia L’Tamá (Corvara) – A hidden gem for an authentic Dolomites feel.
🔥 Dinner Suggestion:
For a full Ladin experience, try Rifugio Col Pradat (Corvara) or L’Ostaria Posta (Selva). Order Speck, Canederli, and Strudel to refuel!
Tips for the Perfect Sellaronda Day
✔ Start early – It gets crowded by late morning.
✔ Check the weather – Whiteout conditions make navigation harder.
✔ Don’t stop too long – If you take too many breaks, you risk missing the last lifts.
✔ If in doubt, hire a guide – They’ll help you find the best conditions and hidden spots.
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