The Sellaronda
Campolongo Pass, Gardena Pass, Sella Pass, Pordoi Pass
Starting from Alleghe, the classic Giro dei 4 Passi takes on an important value, not only in terms of landscape but also from the point of view of the commitment required. In fact, before joining the circuit, it is necessary to reach Arabba. Where it is possible to complete this panoramic and fascinating tour of the Sellaronda both clockwise and anticlockwise. We will describe the latter.
From Alleghe the usual 4 km warm-up to Carpirle before beginning the climb. After the village of Saviner you leave the Fedaja to the left and proceed to Digonera and from here up a good climb to the junction of the SS48 road where the false-flat that leads to Arabba begins. The town, at an altitude of 1600 m, is a crossroads of tourist activities, including military posts from the Great War, extraordinary routes equipped to reach the peaks of the Dolomites, the rich traditions of the Ladin valleys rich in history and culture, and in winter the largest ski carousel in the world.
The Sellaronda begins here. Campolongo, Gardena, Sella and Pordoi are the names of the four popular Dolomite passes that ring the Sella massif and are often travelled by the 'Giro d'Italia'. From Campolongo you descend to Corvara to take the long ascent of the Gardena Pass. There is not a metre of plain. You cross the Sella and in quick succession the Pordoi: the Cima Coppi of the Tour Once back in Pieve di Livinnallongo at the next hotel exelsior, you can continue towards Andraz and the Bivio di Cernadoi.
Two kilometres of additional climbing but then a long and pleasant 10 km descent to Caprile. This concludes a ring of 100 km
ROUTE CHARACTERISTICS
Length: km. 100 with departure from Alleghe ascent to Digonera and return to Cernadoi. (Only 47 for those who decide to start from Arabba for the Sellaronda ring only)
Positive height difference: 2406 from Alleghe / 1756 for the Sellaronda only Type of roads: Regional and Provincial asphalt roads
Ascents:
Caprile - Arabba 20 km - difference in altitude 610m - max. gradient 8% with false-floors
Campolongo Pass 4 km - difference in altitude 261m - Max gradient 8% average 7.2%
Gardena Pass 9.0 km - difference in altitude 594m - Max gradient 8% average 6.7%.
Sella Pass 5.3 km - difference in altitude 377m - Max gradient 10% average 7.1%.
Pordoi Pass 6.0 km - difference in altitude 424m - Max. gradient 10% average 6.6%
Notes:
2 Galleries before Digonera. The second, although short, is not illuminated.
The Sellaronda can be covered in both directions F
or the less trained we recommend the departure from Arabba
