Gardena Pass
Trentino-Alto Adige
Gardena Pass, situated at 2,136 meters above sea level in the Dolomites of South Tyrol, Italy, is a renowned mountain pass linking the towns of Sëlva in Val Gardena and Corvara in Val Badia. Nestled between majestic mountain groups such as the Sella to the south and the Cir to the north, the pass offers breathtaking views and access to numerous hiking trails. It forms part of the famous Sella Ring, a circuit of four mountain passes that encircle the Sella massif, making it a popular route for tourists, motorcyclists, and cyclists during the summer months. The pass is also a key stage in the annual Maratona dles Dolomites, a celebrated single-day cycling race. In winter, the area hosts men's World Cup alpine ski events, including downhill races at Val Gardena and the Gran Risa giant slalom at Alta Badia. Visitors can find ski lifts and slopes connected to the Dolomiti Superski area, as well as various accommodations. The pass is a gateway to natural wonders like the Pizes de Cir mountain range and serves as a starting point for famous via ferrata routes such as the Tridentina and Pisciadù. Its combination of natural beauty, sporting significance, and cultural heritage makes Gardena Pass a unique alpine destination.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Gardena Pass is during the summer for hiking, cycling, and motorcycling, or in winter for skiing events. Booking accommodations in advance is recommended during peak seasons. Visitors can benefit from regional tourism cards and discounts available for ski passes and guided tours. Cycling enthusiasts should prepare for moderate climbs with scenic views, and hikers can access multiple via ferrata routes starting from the pass.
Faits intéressants
- •Gardena Pass is part of the famous Sella Ring, a circuit of four Dolomite passes encircling the Sella massif.
- •It hosts stages of the annual Maratona dles Dolomites, a prestigious single-day cycling race.
- •The pass features 19 unnumbered hairpin bends along its road.
- •Men's World Cup alpine ski races occur annually nearby, including downhill and giant slalom events.
- •Neolithic tools found near the pass are the oldest artifacts discovered in the Dolomites region.
Histoire
The area around Gardena Pass has been frequented since prehistoric times, with Neolithic artifacts discovered nearby indicating early seasonal hunting activity.
For nearly 800 years, from 1027 to 1803, the pass served as a border between the Prince-Bishoprics of Trento and Bressanone until the unification under the Tyrol province.
The first strategic road over the pass was built in 1915 during World War I to supply troops.
The modern road was constructed in 1960, followed by the development of ski lifts and tourism infrastructure, establishing Gardena Pass as a prominent destination for outdoor sports and alpine tourism.
Guide du lieu
Sella Ring Circuit
A scenic route linking Gardena Pass with the Sella, Pordoi, and Campolongo passes, offering spectacular mountain views and popular among cyclists and motorcyclists.
Via Ferrata Routes
Starting from Gardena Pass, several famous via ferrata routes such as the Tridentina and Pisciadù provide challenging climbs with stunning alpine scenery.
Pizes de Cir Mountain Range
Located north of the pass, this mountain group includes the Gran Cir peak at 2,592 meters, offering impressive views and hiking opportunities.
World Cup Ski Venues
Nearby slopes host men’s World Cup alpine ski races each December, featuring downhill events at Val Gardena and the Gran Risa giant slalom at Alta Badia.
