The 10 most beautiful cycling passes in the Dolomites: the ranking of the must-see!

The Dolomites are THE paradise for cycling lovers, offering spectacular passes that combine physical challenges and breathtaking panoramas. For all passionate cyclists, climbing these mountains, following in the footsteps of the legends of the Giro d'Italia, is a dream.

Located in northern Italy, these mountains, classified by UNESCO, are among the most beautiful in the world.

After having explored the entire region during our on-site scouting, here is our selection of the most beautiful cycling passes in the Dolomites, each with its own character and history.

(This ranking is obviously our humble opinion, we are waiting to know your ranking! 😛)

1. Giau Pass (2,236 m)

The Passo Giau is an essential pass in the Dolomites, and probably also one of the most difficult.

The ascent from Selva di Cadore is 9.9 km with an average slope of 9.3%, sometimes reaching slopes of 14%. During the climb, we move forward (as we can...) under magnificent rocky spurs emblematic of the region.

It is this side of the Passo Giau that wrote the history of the Giro d'Italia, and was the scene of decisive stages, in particular because of its technical difficulty and its spectacular setting! The Giro has ventured there 9 times since 1973 (at the time, the top of the pass was not even paved!). More recently, in 2021, Egan Bernal, with the pink jersey on his shoulders, attacked in Passo Giau and won a huge stage marked by apocalyptic weather conditions!

The view from the top is completely breathtaking, with 360-degree landscapes, you don't know where to look!

On the other side, the road switches, through numerous hairpin bends, to the valley of Cortina d'Ampezzo, a famous city in the region, which will also host, along with Milan, the 2026 Winter Olympic Games!

Chez Belle Allure, we are starting to see some collars, but this one is certainly the most beautiful!

2. Fedaia Pass - Marmolada (2,057 m)

The Passo Fedaia, is one of the most beautiful passes in the Dolomites, it is the favorite of our last sighting! 🥰

From the town of Caprile, the ascent measures 14 km with ramps that exceed 10% for a good part of the climb. The maximum slope reached 18%, which makes it a real test of endurance and perseverance for cyclists. On this side of the Passo Fedaia, we find the Malga Ciapela, a famous 3km straight line at 12%!

On the other side, starting from Alba-Penia, it is an ascent of 10.7 km on a more affordable but still serious slope: 8.3% of average. This is the slope we took during our scouting!

This climb is first under the pine trees, before arriving under an imposing rock block, which will make you feel very small, and which will remain engraved in your memory, as it is so majestic.

At the top, you will discover the majestic Marmolada Glacier, the highest in the Dolomites, which is reflected in the waters of the great Fedaia Lake!

The summit of the pass also forms the border between Trentino Alto Adige and Veneto, two Italian provinces.

The Giro d'Italia regularly ventures onto the slopes of the Passo Fedaia, there are no less than 15 passages, and the first time was in 1970!

You can't go to the Dolomites without putting your wheels on this majestic pass.

3. Stelvio Pass (2,757 m)

Although not entirely located in the Dolomites, the Passo Stelvio deserves a place of honor in this ranking, as it is legendary!

There are mountain climbs that are more than a physical challenge. The Passo Stelvio is one of them.

Located on the border between Italy and Switzerland, it is the third highest road pass in Europe and certainly one of the most emblematic of cycling.

With its 49 shoelaces north side and a climb of 24.3 km with an altitude difference of 1,808 m, it is a major challenge for any cyclist. This slope, starting from Prato Allo Stelvio, is the most popular and the most spectacular.

Each pin is numbered so that each turn becomes a milestone in your ascent. Each turn you take brings you a little closer to the top.

After about 14km of ascent, leaving the forest, you look up and see in front of you. (or rather, above you), the incredible spectacle: a succession of hairpin bends, up to the summit, forming like a garland attached to the mountain! This image, often captured by photographers, is forever etched in the minds of those who had the chance to climb the Passo Stelvio.

When you reach the top, with all the turns you've left behind, you know you've had an unforgettable experience, one that nourishes the cyclist's soul.

Known for being one of the legendary stages of the Giro d'Italia, the Passo Stelvio was the scene of epic battles between the biggest names in cycling. He first appeared there in 1953, where Fausto Coppi took the lead and took over the race leader's pink jersey. It was Coppi's last major feat at the Giro.

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4. Pordio Pass (2,239 m)

The Passo Pordoi is one of the most popular passes in the Dolomites. It is part of the famous “Sella Ronda Tour”: a one-day itinerary including the Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella and Gardena passes.

Like many Dolomite passes, it is also a legendary Giro d'Italia pass, often referred to as the “Cima Coppi” (the highest point of an edition). The Giro has been there 38 times in its history! Moreover, a statue in honor of Fausto Coppi, Italian cycling legend, is erected at the top of Passo Pordoi!

The most famous climb, starting from Arabba, is long 9.3 km with an average slope of 7%, his 33 hairpin bends make the ascent fun and dynamic. The slope is steady, which makes Passo Pordoi pleasant to climb.

The landscapes of Passo Pordoi make sporting effort secondary, as there are so many things to observe while looking up. The Sella massif stands in front of you, with its sharp and imposing peaks.

You are here really in the heart of the Dolomites, which are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, just that!

5. Rolle Pass (1,984 m)

The Passo Rolle is a pass that is less famous than other Alpine giants, but its beauty is in no way inferior to the others.

The ascent from Predazzo is 19.8 km with a moderate altitude difference of 914 m. The main difficulty of this pass is its length, as the percentages rarely exceed 8% and the average is 4.6%.

We really liked this pass for the diversity of its landscapes, combining coniferous forests, alpine meadows and finally, at the top, the majestic peaks of the Dolomites!

Throughout the climb, a boulder stands out in front of you: the Pale di San Martino, one of the most spectacular rock formations in the Dolomites!

Historically, this pass was first crossed by the Giro d'Italia in 1937. Gino Bartali has taken the lead 4 times at the top of the pass, in 5 editions!

In total, the Giro has ventured there 25 times, and the last time was in... 2024!

6. Falzarego Pass (2,105 m)

The Passo Falzarego is located west of Cortina d'Ampezzo, which connects the Agordino and Ampezzo valleys. It is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating passes in the Dolomites, both for its sporting challenge and for its historical setting.

Starting from Cortina d'Ampezzo, its ascent is long 15.8 km with an average slope of 5.7%, which makes it an accessible pass but one must be wary of the irregularity of the slope, with a flat slope of 2 km in the middle of the ascent.

This pass is marked by a strong historical presence: during the First World War, it was the scene of important battles between Italian and Austro-Hungarian troops.

In terms of sport, the Passo Falzareggo has often been climbed by the Giro d'Italia, often associated with its neighbor the Passo Valparola. In 1940, Falzareggo welcomed the start of the rivalry between two cycling legends: Gino Bartali and Fausto Coppi. Although teammates, they attacked and annihilated the opponents' hopes on the rise, then both went first to the top, Bartali then won the stage further. It is a striking fact of their rivalry. A few days later, the Giro d'Italia came to an abrupt end due to the sending of Italian soldiers to France.

7. Passo Gavia (2621m)

Like the Stelvio, the Passo Gavia is located west of the Dolomites, very close to Switzerland, it culminates at 2,621 meters, and is one of the most emblematic and feared passes in the Italian Alps.

Its ascent from Bormio extends for about 17 kilometers, with an average slope of 7.9%, but the first few kilometers are often the most difficult, with slopes sometimes reaching 10%. This pass is known for its intense physical challenge, especially considering the variable weather conditions that can complicate the climb.

Its landscapes are simply spectacular. The ascent winds through wild and varied alpine panoramas, passing from dense forests to alpine meadows, before reaching a more arid and rocky landscape near the summit. Yes, you will be 2620m away!

The Passo Gavia marked the history of the Giro d'Italia, with its first appearance in 1960.

One of the most memorable editions of the Giro took place in 1988, when Giuseppe Saronni won the Gavia stage in intense snow conditions, demonstrating not only his bravery but also his ability to ride in difficult conditions.

8. Three Cross Pass (1,805 m)

The Passo Tre Croci is less well known than its neighbors, but just as interesting to climb by bike. It is located on the road connecting Cortina d'Ampezzo to Lago di Misurina and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

It is a relatively short ascent of 8 km, but with an average slope of 7.4%, and passages of more than 10%, it requires considerable effort. This pass is appreciated for its landscapes and its breathtaking view of the surrounding peaks, such as Monte Cristallo.

At the top, we recommend continuing to Lake Misurina and even then to Lake Antorno (we had a picnic there!) , offering an incredible view of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

9. Gardena Pass (2,136 m)

The Passo Gardena is part, like the Passo Pardoi, of Sellaronda Tour. The ascent from Selva di Val Gardena measures 9.5 km with an average slope of 6.4%.

During the ascent, you are surrounded by the Sassolungo and Gruppo Sella mountains. At the top, the view opens up and reveals alpine meadows, under rock formations.

The Giro d'Italia has also been regularly crossed by the Giro d'Italia since 1949, even if it is not the most difficult part of the course.

On its slopes, in winter, there is one of the most exclusive winter sports resorts in Italy!

10. Costalunga Pass (1745m)

We couldn't make a ranking of the most beautiful passes in the Dolomites without talking about the Passo Costalunga, which amazed us so much!

Also known as Karerpass, it separates the provinces of Trento and South Tyrol.

From Vigo di Fassa, it's a climb of 13 kilometers for an average of 5.7%. A very steady climb!

The Passo Costalunga is best known for hosting one of the most photographed viewpoints in Europe: the Lago di Carezza!

This emerald-green lake is surrounded by a dense pine forest, and above them, the majestic Latemar massif.

Legend has it that this lake is the meeting place for witches and fairy creatures!

The Dolomites by bike are also other magnificent passes!

We have not been able to present them all to you, but we must also mention the Passo Nigra, the Passo San Pellegrino, the Passo Valles, the Passo Duran and the Passo Staulanza, which are passes that are all as beautiful as the others!

Explore the most beautiful passes of the Dolomites by bike with Belle Allure, it's possible!

As you have seen, the Dolomites offer magnificent landscapes and bike routes that will delight all cycling enthusiasts. Iconic passes such as the Passo Giau, the Passo Pordoi or the Passo Fedaia promise you unforgettable memories. Whether you are looking for challenges or simply want to take advantage of these spectacular vistas, these mountains are the perfect setting for your next getaway.

Do not hesitate to throw a 👀 at our Grand Tour of the Dolomites by bike now and get ready to experience unforgettable moments through this unique massif! 🤩

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