Pordoi Pass
In the heart of the The Dolomites, where the borders of Trentino and Veneto blur between imposing peaks and lush meadows, rises the Pordoi Pass. A place of unparalleled charm, a crossroads of stories, emotions, adventures to experience and discover.
Located 12 kilometers from Canazei, the Pordoi Pass is an Alpine pass at 2239 meters above sea level, which divides the Sella group from the della Marmolada. It is one of the four passes of the historic Strada delle Dolomiti, a strategic communication route created at the beginning of the XNUMXth century to promote tourism and connect Bolzano with Cortina.
The road that leads to the pass from Canazei is a 13-kilometre winding route, characterized by 28 hairpin bends that cross alpine meadows and cool pine forests.
Pordoi Pass Excursions
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Passo Pordoi offers numerous hiking itineraries during the summer months. From via ferratas to more relaxed walks.
Viel dal Pan path
This historic path, once used by bread traders, offers an extraordinary view of the Marmolada and its glacier, the highest peak in the Dolomites. The path is easily passable, with a length of about 5 km and a vertical drop of only 200 m. Ideal for families and for those who want to take a walk that is not too tiring. However, it should be considered that the viel dal pan develops at an altitude of 2400 meters so the weather conditions vary rapidly, and it is also important to stay on the path due to the surrounding steep slopes.
For hiking enthusiasts looking for more challenging adventures there is the excursion to Piz Boe'.
From Sass Pordoi to Piz Boe'
Piz Boè stands as the highest peak of the Sella Group, reaching an altitude of 3.152 metres. From this peak you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Trentino, Veneto and Alto Adige mountains up to seeing the Austrian glaciers.
Although access to the top of Sass Pordoi is facilitated by the cable car, the hike to the summit requires some effort.
The adventure usually begins with the cable car that leaves from Passo Pordoi and reaches Sass Pordoi, located at 2.950 meters above sea level. From this point, the route winds its way up to the Forcella Pordoi refuge, then continuing towards the summit of Piz Boè where the Capanna Boe' refuge is also located. Along the way, well signposted, suggestive views of the Dolomites open up.
The journey from Sass Pordoi to Piz Boè usually takes between 1,5 and 2 hours. The excursion develops entirely at high altitude, where fatigue makes itself felt, therefore both temperatures and weather conditions vary rapidly, some exposed sections requiring particular caution. This excursion is therefore recommended to those who are in good physical condition and have experience trekking in the mountains.
Pordoi pass by bike
With its 2239 meters above sea level, the Pordoi Pass offers a significant challenge for cycling enthusiasts.
From Canazei, Passo Pordoi can be climbed over a 13-kilometre route, with an average gradient of 6%, spread over 28 winding hairpin bends. This route offers a test of endurance for cycling enthusiasts, with the reward of a spectacular view of the Sella Group once you reach the top.
Passo Pordoi is also a historic stage of the Giro d'Italia, one of the most important and well-known cycling races in the world. The climb has often been the site of turning points in the race and a monument to Fausto Coppi, one of the greatest Italian cyclists of all time, stands at the pass. Coppi set impressive records uphill at Passo Pordoi, which remain a benchmark for many cyclists.
Sass Pordoi cable car: the Terrace of the Dolomites
The Sass Pordoi cable car with a single leap, you can reach the 2950 meters of Sass Pordoi, known as the Terrace of the Dolomites. From the top, you can enjoy one of the most spectacular views of the Dolomites and the Alps. It is a unique experience, an unforgettable memory that you will take home.
The Sass Pordoi cable car is one of the most famous summer ski lifts in the Dolomites. This cable car connects Passo Pordoi at 2239 meters with Sass Pordoi at 2950 meters.
Sass Pordoi, where the cable car arrives, is known as the "Terrace on the Dolomites" due to its spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. From here, it is possible to see a series of important mountain groups, including the Sassolungo, the Marmolada Group, Monte Civetta and many other peaks of the Dolomites.
The cable car in summer is very popular with hikers and mountain lovers who want to quickly reach the top to start their adventure. Many tourists take the cable car up just to enjoy the view towards the Marmolada and rest in the high-altitude sun. In the arrival station there is also a refuge restaurant where you can have lunch at high altitude.
The cost of the pass is just under €30, while the opening of the lifts starts in May and ends in October.
Historical monuments on the Pordoi Pass
Passo Pordoi bears witness to important historical events. Crucial battles took place here during the First World War, as the German Ossuary recalls. Furthermore, the pass was the backdrop for numerous stages of the Giro d'Italia, and was the scene of legendary cycling feats, such as that of Fausto Coppi. A monument dedicated to the famous cyclist recalls these exciting races.
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