Skiing the Sellaronda: A One-Day Guide to the 4 Passes in the Dolomites

The Sellaronda is one of the most iconic ski routes in the world, circling the Sella Massif through four breathtaking Dolomite passes: Passo Pordoi, Passo Sella, Passo Gardena, and Passo Campolongo. It’s a 40 km loop (including lifts and slopes) that you can ski clockwise (orange route) or counterclockwise (green route) in about 5-6 hours without stops. Morning: Start Early to Beat the Crowds (8:30 - 12:00) 📍 Choose Your Starting Point Start from Corvara, Arabba, Selva di Val Gardena, or Canazei. The best option is Arabba if you want a scenic, less crowded start. 📍 Pick Your Direction • Clockwise (Orange Route) → More challenging, with steeper slopes. • Counterclockwise (Green Route) → Easier, with gentler descents. 🚠 First Lift Up & Ski the First Pass • If clockwise: Head towards Passo Pordoi from Arabba. Enjoy long, sweeping reds. • If counterclockwise: Head towards Passo Campolongo, skiing easy, rolling slopes. 🏔 Mid-Morning: Ski Through the Sella Massif • Enjoy panoramic views from Passo Sella, with the mighty Sassolungo towering above. • Take a break at Comici Hut (if coming from Val Gardena) for a quick espresso with a view. Lunch Stop (12:00 - 13:30) 🍽 Best Rifugios for Lunch: • Rifugio Jimmy (Passo Gardena) – Great local dishes & stunning views. • Rifugio Fodom (Arabba side) – Famous for its polenta and grilled meats. • Ütia de Bioch (Corvara side) – Fantastic pasta & traditional Ladin cuisine. 🥂 Don’t Miss: A glass of Bombardino (hot eggnog liqueur) to warm up before continuing! Afternoon: Complete the Loop (13:30 - 16:00) • Keep an eye on the last lift times (most close around 16:00-16:30). • If clockwise, ski the fast, technical descents from Passo Gardena into Val Gardena. • If counterclockwise, enjoy the wide, scenic runs from Passo Pordoi to Arabba. • Optional: Take a detour to Lagazuoi (near Passo Falzarego) for incredible powder skiing. Après-Ski & Evening (16:00 - 19:00) 🍻 Best Après-Ski Spots: • La Stua (Selva di Val Gardena) – Cozy, lively atmosphere. • Miky’s Pub (Canazei) – Great for craft beer & a fun vibe. • Ütia L’Tamá (Corvara) – A hidden gem for an authentic Dolomites feel. 🔥 Dinner Suggestion: For a full Ladin experience, try Rifugio Col Pradat (Corvara) or L’Ostaria Posta (Selva). Order Speck, Canederli, and Strudel to refuel! Tips for the Perfect Sellaronda Day ✔ Start early – It gets crowded by late morning. ✔ Check the weather – Whiteout conditions make navigation harder. ✔ Don’t stop too long – If you take too many breaks, you risk missing the last lifts. ✔ If in doubt, hire a guide – They’ll help you find the best conditions and hidden spots. #dolomites #italy