If you ask about the favorite route among cyclists, the Sella Ronda Probably one of the most common answers. And for a reason. The magnificent views over the rocky peaks of the Dolomites, the delicious food along the way, and the often sunny days make this a ride that you won’t soon forget. Ella rode this route this summer on the road and on the mountain bike and fell in love. In her enthusiasm, she exclaimed: “I want to ski this too.” But not only that, I want to ride it in the winter too. And that’s exactly what happened!
Winter sports by bike
Instead of our usual winter vacation to the sun, this time it was a traditional winter sports vacation. The ski destination was the priority, which was quite a challenge with my limited skiing experience (read: a few days ago). Fortunately, my skiing skills were just good enough after a stopover in Austria to comfortably ski the Sella circuit on our first day in the Dolomites. By the way, also a great recommendation!
While we are packing the car, the neighbors are really going to wonder why we’re packing skis and bikes. Even when we explain at breakfast that we’re going to cycle around, they still think we’re crazy. Maybe they’re right, because during our stay it was very cold the first few days! After looking at the weather app, I circled our last day in the Dolomites: radiant sun and not least: temperatures above 0!
Test drive in Austria
In the evening we pack our backpack with extra gloves and a jacket. In Austria we also tested the Jaufenpas We cycled up, and concluded that there was no problem going up, but for the descent you really do need a lot more extra clothing. Around 10 o’clock we set off from Canazei, first a little bit uphill and then right towards Pordoi. The views are even more beautiful in the opposite direction, but that’s where we get the most sun, and therefore the most warmth, on the route!
In this environment, cycling in the winter can sometimes feel somewhat surreal. You pass by several busy ski runs and cable cars also intersect the road. I think this feeling is not only felt by the cyclist, because I get more directed attention and filmed from passing cars or people in lifts along the way. We also don’t encounter any other cyclists, but this is also the great advantage of riding this popular route in the winter. The large number of motorcycles, cyclists and cars are then invisible in fields or roads, and you encounter little other traffic.
At the top of the Pordoi
We stop at the Pordoi to put on the extra gloves and jacket and descend towards the start of the Campolongo. These extra layers are quickly taken off here because the heat of the sun makes the air move even above the road. I wear my undershirt for the rest of the climb, but with the descent the winter jacket is still on. But I don’t feel cold at all this day. The temperatures around the freezing point and the sunshine make for a lovely day.
Stop at Gardena
Having arrived at Gardena, we stop briefly at a shop. The woman behind the counter cheerfully says that there were cyclists yesterday too! Local people, of course, but we’re not the only ones. The conditions are therefore really perfect for today’s ride. The only downside of the slightly warmer temperatures is the runoff that comes onto the road later in the day. This means you have to be a bit careful in the curves, but because the asphalt is also warm, this doesn’t freeze on the road unfortunately. With a slightly moderate speed on the descent and good foresight, you can get down just fine. The roads are otherwise completely clean, the passes are important connections between the villages, so these are well-swept.
After a few hours, we reach the intersection where we turn towards Canazei. This route is also highly recommended in winter and a special experience. The ski scenes, the snow walls next to the road, and the quiet traffic make it a completely different experience than in the summer.
Tips for Sella Ronda in winter
If you want to do this too, I have a few tips for you:
- First of all, because of the meltwater, bring along a good portable sprinkler; in the mountains they are a big fan of powdered salt.
- Also bring a backpack with enough clothes; dress in layers because you don't want to sweat too much during the climb so that you don't get cold on the descent due to the humidity.
- Be prepared for any mishaps along the way; an extra jacket is also useful so you don't get too cold.
- And last but not least: Enjoy! Cycling in the mountains in winter is a super experience that you won’t soon forget!
More about the Sella Ronda and the surrounding area can be found here: https://www.suedtirol.info/nl/nl/belevenissen-en-evenementen/sportieve-activiteiten/fietsen-en-mountainbiken
In the summer you can also drive up here without a car; then you can go on the Sella Ronda Bike Day is coming, in 2025 on June 7 and on September 13.
Alternatively, the Dolomites Bike DayThis one is on June 21st, 2025. Then you can drive without a car over the Falzarego, Valparola and Campolongo. So beautiful!
More information about cycling in the Dolomites can be found on our website. Special Dolomites page.
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I am planning to ride the Sella Ronda next year in February while the rest of the family goes skiing. I felt a bit reluctant but now I know it’s possible. I have been going there skiing for the past ten years so I know the roads are open but still… a first hand experience makes me more confident that it’s possible.
Thanks! Sounds like a plan