Sellaronda in Mountain Bike
The Sellaronda mountain bike tour is the king of summer scenic tours in the Dolomites, combining the spectacle of the four legendary mountain passes with breathtaking descents and top-class comfort. Whilst in winter this circuit is the mecca of world skiing, from mid-June to the end of September the Sella massif is transformed into a paradise for mountain bikers. Thanks to the strategic use of the ski lifts, you can focus on the pure enjoyment of the single tracks without the stress of daunting gradients.
Find out how to plan your ideal day in the saddle, choosing the perfect route for your ability and the best facilities to recharge your batteries.
The Two Faces of the Sellaronda: Clockwise vs Anti-clockwise
The tour takes in four Ladin valleys (Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Arabba and Val di Fassa) and can be completed in a single day. The choice of direction radically changes the experience:
Clockwise (Orange Trail Markings): This is the most popular and spectacular route. It makes the most of the ski lifts, reducing the active ascent to just 370 metres. Ideal for those seeking an adrenaline rush on the dedicated downhill trails, and also perfect for an e-bike with pedal assistance.
Anti-clockwise (Green trail markers): Designed for cycling purists. It requires a good level of fitness as it involves over 1,100 metres of active elevation gain. The descents are mainly along forest tracks and mixed trails.
Practical Details for the Tour: Prices and Lifts
To make the most of your experience without any administrative hassles, plan your costs and logistics:
- The Single Bike Pass: The essential access pass is the Dolomiti Supersummer Card, which includes bike transport on every lift in the circuit. Standard prices for the summer season are €67.00 for a day pass, €145.00 for a 3-day-out-of-4 pass and €185.00 for a 5-day-out-of-7 pass.
- Lift timetables: Most cable cars and chairlifts (such as Dantercepies or Col Alt) operate from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm / 5.30 pm. We strongly recommend starting the tour by 9.00 am at the latest to complete the loop at a leisurely pace.
- Guided tour: Although the trails are very well marked, tackling the Sellaronda with a specialist local guide (average cost of a guided tour around €65.00 per person) ensures a personalised choice of trails and maximum technical safety.
The Luxury Bike Hotel Experience in the Dolomites
Such an intense adventure calls for the right base. TopHotelDolomiti’s partner establishments offer standards of excellence tailored to those travelling with their own bikes or wishing to hire top-of-the-range models:
- Top-of-the-range facilities: CCTV-monitored garages with alarms, fully equipped workshops for quick maintenance, dedicated washing areas and a free express laundry service for technical clothing.
- Hire and technology: In-house partnerships to reserve the latest generation of full-suspension e-MTBs and GPS devices with pre-loaded tour routes.
- Wellbeing and nutrition: Exclusive spas offering post-ride recovery treatments and balanced, energy-boosting breakfasts before you set off. If you’d like to combine sport with superb high-altitude cuisine, don’t miss a gourmet stop at one of the historic mountain huts overlooking the massif, where Ladin culinary tradition meets spectacular views.
