The Sella Pass, with its panoramic view of the Dolomites and the striking ruins of the Città dei Sassi at the foot of the Sassolungo, captures the attention of skiers, hikers, and cyclists, providing an intense experience for those who tackle Val Gardena on their own energy. The climb to the top of the tour, just before the City of Stones, offers unforgettable thrills, although it is a bit steep. The trail to Rifugio Comici, located below the imposing Sassolungo, offers fun trails. Rifugio Comici is an ideal place for a rest, with culinary delights for every palate. The long and varied descent back to Selva makes this a short but exciting tour.

The tour begins at the Selva Tourist Association. You can warm up along the gentle slope of the old railroad track. Next, ride about 2.5 km along the Sella Pass road, which can be very busy during peak season and offers no alternative for mountain bikers. However, you can quickly overcome the difference in elevation of less than 200 meters and proceed more quickly to the Sella Pass. The upper part of the route, initially on a dirt road, turns into a breathtaking trail with narrow serpentines, offering views of the low rock formations of the City of Stones. Although challenging, it is a rewarding route for experienced cyclists.

From the parking lot of the gondola to the Forcella del Sassolungo, the trail begins, leading through the Città dei Sassi. During peak season and weekends, you may share this section with numerous hikers and cyclists, but it is a route to take your time to admire the boulders that fell centuries ago from the Sassolungo with their striking shapes.

The next descent begins with a supertrail in the shadow of the Sassolungo. At this point, you can continue the trail or make an unforgettable stop at Rifugio Comici, located 1.5 km down the trail. This refuge offers not only an extraordinary location but also high-quality culinary delights, including fresh fish, the main ingredient in some of the owner’s famous recipes. You can delight in his cuisine before resuming your journey.

Fortunately, the final stretch of the tour to Selva is mostly downhill and you will be able to proceed more quickly with a full stomach. Be careful, because the descent follows a barely visible path that you could easily overlook if you do not follow the signs carefully (point 36). Before you get to Selva, you will face a short but steep 50-meter climb, then you can proceed quietly and cheerfully to Selva, the starting point of the tour.

Variants

  1. Ascent by cable car: This variant does not allow you to see the Sella Pass and the City of Stones, but you can ascend to Selva by cable car to Ciampinoi and then follow the signs to Rifugio Comici, thus reaching point 30 of the previously described tour, near the proposed rest stop.
  2. Extension through Monte Pana: At point 36, which is difficult to locate, do not turn right but continue straight along the dirt road. After exactly two kilometers, turn right towards Monte Pana and descend along the trail towards Cislat and La Selva, thus reaching point 46 of the previously described tour.
  3. Ascent entirely along the pass road: The ascent from Plan de Gralba to the parking lot of the cable car to the Forcella del Sassolungo, along the road to Passo Sella, is recommended only when there is little traffic. At Plan de Gralba, at point 10, proceed straight along the main road, continuing to follow it uphill. Just before you reach the Sella Pass, you will find the cable car parking lot on the right, where at point 23 you can continue the previously described tour.