Passo Gardena (Ponte Gardena)

Start Town	Altitude	Elevation Gain	Length	Gradient	Difficulty	Rating
Ponte Gardena	2,121m	1,580m	31.0 km	5.1%	620	***

Climb Description

Passo Gardena from Ponte Gardena is a long climb taking you into the heart of the Dolomites mountains. Most cyclists only ride the last few kilomtres as part of the famous Sella Ronda loop, which takes in the most scenic section of the climb.

The lower part of the climb, as far as Santa Cristina is busy with traffic and not particularly scenic. We don't recommend riding this unless you are staying in the valley down towards Ponte Gardena (and even then, Passo Nigra is a better option.

The top part of Passo Gardena, however, is quieter and really beautiful. Particularly from Plan de Gralba, it is thoroughly enjoyable to ride.

Passo Gardena is best climbed from late May to early October.

Roads & Traffic

The road surface is in very good condition throughout.

There is a lot of traffic on the climb, particularly during the summer. It spoils the enjoyment of it on the lower slopes, and is a mild nuissance on the upper section.

Alternative Routes

Passo Gardena can also be climbed from the east, starting in Corvara.

Nearby Climbs

Passo Nigra

Passo Campolongo

Passo Sella

Passo Pordoi

Passo delle Erbe

Passo Fedaia

Passo di Giau

Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Passo Costalunga

Cycling Holidays

Passo Gardena is climbed from Corvara on our Dolomites & Italian Alps cycling holiday, which crosses Northern Italy from Zoncolan to Mortirolo.

In the links below you can find out more about this and some of the other tours that we run in high mountains.