FATMAP by Strava

Passo Pordoï to Plans Frara

Alta Badia

Dolomites

Arabba

Canazei-Belvedere

Trentino-Alto Adige

The big one! The longest lift-free section of the Sella Ronda is wild and beautiful.

Also in Trento, Italy

Mountain Biking Difficult

Distance
22 km
Ascent
803 m
Descent
1.4 km
Duration
1-2 hrs
Low Point
1.5 km
High Point
2.2 km
Gradient
12˚
Passo Pordoï to Plans Frara Map

This long, wild and adventurous part of the Sella Ronda begins at the top of the Vauz-Pordoï (Fodom) gondola, right on the Passo Pordoï. It's possible to drive, hike or bike up to Passo Pordoï but the gondola is certainly the most enjoyable option!

Description

Regardless of how you got there, the Passo Pordoï is a beautiful place which is worth exploring briefly. In winter it's home to some epic ski terrain (just check this out if you don't believe us /discover/guidebook/12700...) and in summer is the start point for countless hiking and biking adventures.

For this particular trip ride east off the col along a track and follow it to the Ossario - a somewhat creepy cemetery containing remains from WW1 and WW2 Austrian and German soldiers. The positioning of the Ossario seems somewhat random but there are certainly worse views to spend eternity looking at.

From the Ossario drop onto the flowing singletrack to the south-east. The track rolls and undulates across the hillside beneath the Sella towers and has an amazing view across to the Marmolada range too. There are several short climbs on the track but they're rocky and awkward - getting off and pushing is easier than trying to pedal up them but they're only a couple of minutes long either way.

The riding is never hard but it does involve some rocky sections and tight-ish curves mixed in amongst the flow.

The track leads to the impossibly well-positioned Rifugio Col de Burz. Grab a coffee and then drop into Burz singletrack. This is tougher than what's proceeded it, with some tight turns and (usually) some muddy sections too. The riding is fun though and once you get used to the slightly steeper angle you can get a nice flow going.

All too soon the trail leads down to a jeep track, which in turn leads to Arabba. Climb out of Arabba on the road to Varda and then drop down on a singletrack to the La Stua dei Bacagn restaurant, where a final coffee before the big climb is recommended!

Climb up to Cherz on a paved road and then continue climbing up through a beautiful, open valley towards the Passo Incisa on a bumpy jeep track. Those with exceptionally strong thighs might be able to ride every metre of the route to Incisa, but most mere mortals will need to get off and push a couple of times on the steeper sections of the jeep track!

Once at Incisa, award yourself a pat on the back, grab a drink at the stunning Rifugio Marmotta and begin the descent down to Corvara. There are trails everywhere (and more being developed all the time) so either follow our suggested line down some fun terrain, or piece together your own route. At worst you'll end up on a road which leads down to Corvara and at best you'll find some epic riding!

Whichever way you go, you'll eventually be funnelled down into Corvara - a busy little village with a fun, buzzy feel. Cross the village and climb up on a series of smooth shared use trails to reach the foot of the Plans gondola, which will likely be a welcome sight after a long spell in the saddle!

Difficulty

Difficult

Mostly stable trail tread with some variability featuring larger and more unavoidable obstacles that may include, but not be limited to: bigger stones, roots, steps, and narrow curves. Compared to lower intermediate, technical difficulty is more advanced and grades of slopes are steeper. Ideal for upper intermediate riders.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between June and September

Features

  • Technical
  • Picturesque
  • Singletrack
  • In the forest
  • Road sections
  • Roots
  • Rock Gardens
  • Wooden Feature

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area