If you ask about cyclists' favourite lap, the Sella Ronda is probably one of the most frequently heard answers. And for a reason. The magisterial views over the rock formations of the Dolomites, the delicious food along the way and the often sun-drenched days make this a ride not easily forgotten. Ella rode this round this summer on road and MTB and fell in love. In her enthusiasm, she cried: I want to ski this one too. But not only that, I also want to cycle it in winter. And so it happened!
Winter sports with the bike
So instead of our normal winter holiday to the sun, this time it became a traditional winter sports holiday. Skiing was paramount, which was still quite a challenge with my limited skiing experience (read, a few days a few years ago). Fortunately, after a stopover in Austria, my ski skills were just good enough to comfortably ski the Sella round on our first day in the Dolomites. By the way, also highly recommended!
While we are packing the car, the neighbours are looking at us funny. Because why on earth would you pack both skis and bikes? Even when we mentioned at breakfast in our B&B that we were going to cycle the round trip, they declared us crazy. Perhaps rightly so, because during our stay it was very cold the first few days! I circled our last day in the Dolomites after glancing at the weather app: bright sunshine and, not unimportantly, temperatures above 0!
Test drive in Austria
The night before, we pack our backpack with extra gloves and jacket. In Austria, as a test, we also took the Jaufenpas cycled up, and there concluded that going up is no problem but going down you really need to bring a lot more extra clothing for the descent. Around 10 o'clock we left Canazei, first going up a bit extra and then turning right towards the Pordoi. The views are even better the other way round but this way we have the most sun, and therefore warmth, on the route!
Cycling in this area in winter is sometimes a bit surreal. You pass several busy slopes and cable cars also cross the road. It is not just cyclists who feel this way, in my opinion, as I am pointed out or filmed on the way more than ever from passing cars or people in lifts. We don't encounter any other cyclists either, but this is also the great advantage of riding this popular round in winter. The large numbers of motorbikes, cyclists and cars are then nowhere to be seen and you encounter little other traffic.
At the top of the Pordoi
On top of the Pordoi, we stop briefly to put on the extra gloves and jacket and descend towards the start of the Campolongo. Here, those extra pieces of clothing quickly come off again, as the warmth of the sun means you can even see the sky moving above the road. The climbs I do the rest of the route in my undershirt, but with the descent the winter jacket still goes on. But I am never cold this day. The temperatures around freezing and the sun make for a lovely day.
Stop on the Gardena
Meanwhile, arriving on the Gardena, we stop at a shop. The lady behind the counter cheerfully says that there were cyclists there yesterday too! Well locals, but so we are not the only ones. So conditions are really perfect for this day's ride. The only downside to the slightly warmer temperatures is the slush that hits the road later in the day. This makes you have to pay a bit of attention in the corners but as the tarmac is also warm this doesn't freeze up fortunately. With a somewhat moderate speed in the descent and good looking ahead, you get down just fine. The roads are otherwise completely clean, the passes are important connections between the villages so they are swept well.
After a few hours, we arrive back at the junction where we turn towards Canazei. This round trip 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 totally different experience than in summer.
Tips for Sella Ronda in winter
If you want to do this too, I have some tips for you:
- First, because of the slush, take a good mobile washer with you because in the mountains they are a big fan of road salt.
- Also make sure you have a backpack with enough clothes, dress in layers because in the climb you don't want to sweat too much so that on the descent the moisture won't make you cold.
- Bear in mind breakdowns along the way, for this an extra jacket is also handy so you don't cool down too quickly.
- And finally: enjoy! Cycling in the mountains in winter is a super experience you won't soon forget!
You can find out more about the Sella Ronda and its surroundings here: https://www.suedtirol.info/nl/nl/belevenissen-en-evenementen/sportieve-activiteiten/fietsen-en-mountainbiken
In summer you can also go car-free up here, then you can go on the Sella Ronda Bike Day go, in 2025 on June 7 and September 13.
Alternatively, the Dolomites Bike Day: this one is on 21 June 2025. Then you can drive car-free on the Falzarego, Valparola and Campolongo. Wonderful!
More info on cycling in the Dolomites can be found at our Special Dolomites page.
