Are you looking to organize a cycling challenge that combines sports, fun, breathtaking landscapes, epic climbs, and the unique UNESCO World Heritage Site? Then you should consider taking a Tour of the Dolomites. This cycling loop covers some of the most iconic and beautiful mountain passes in the Dolomites, offering spectacular views, peaks over 3000 meters, snow-covered summits, green valleys, and enchanting vistas.
Cycling Tour of the Dolomites
climbs, gradients, and guided itineraries
In this post, we will provide you with an overview of what to expect from the cycling tour of the Dolomites in Belluno, how to plan your two-wheeled journey, what to see, the easiest routes for beginners, and the most challenging and heroic climbs to the Alpine passes. You will also find some tips to make the most of your cycling experience in the Venetian Dolomites.
And if you’ve wanted the bicycle, now, pedal away!
-
ConfrontaDOLOMITES MTB
E-Bike8 Days Cycling Tour of Dolomites in MOUNTAIN BIKE
Add to cartCycling Tour of 8 Days in MOUNTAIN BIKE on Dolomites
-
ConfrontaDOLOMITI MTB
Tour8 Days Cycling Tour of Dolomites in MOUNTAIN BIKE
Read moreCycling Tour of 8 Days in MOUNTAIN BIKE on Dolomites
-
ConfrontaVENICE - MUNICH
E-BikeCycling Tour Monaco – Venice or Venice – Monaco
Read moreMunich – Venice or Venice – Munich Cycling tour
Climbs and Passes of the Dolomites
cycling through the history of the Giro d’Italia
The Giro d’Italia is one of the most prestigious and spectacular cycling races in the world, and the climbs of the Dolomites in Belluno are its natural stage. In fact, these climbs have often determined the winner of the race. Many Dolomite passes and alpine cols have hosted the King of the Mountains (KOM) competition in the history of the Giro d’Italia. Some of the most famous climbs include Passo San Pellegrino, Passo Pordoi, Monte Bondone, and Passo Fedaia. Other Dolomite passes have also found their place in the Giro’s history, such as Monte Lussari, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Colle Santa Lucia, Passo di Valparola, and Passo Giau.
The most demanding climbs in the Dolomites
Dolomites Bike Tour
climbing the Dolomite Passes
If you love cycling in the mountains, you can’t miss the opportunity to take the Dolomite Passes Tour. It will offer you breathtaking panoramas and exciting challenges.
Passo Giau: The toughest climb and the most demanding challenge on the roads of the Dolomites. From this pass, you can admire the Tofane, Cristallo, Pelmo, and Civetta mountains in all their splendor. The ascent from Selva di Cadore is 9.9 km long, while the ascent from Colle Santa Lucia is 10.1 km long.
Passo Falzarego: Rich in history and charm, it overlooks the Tofane, Lagazuoi, and Sass de Stria. The ascent from Caprile is 11 km long, while the ascent from Cortina d’Ampezzo is 12.5 km long.
Passo Pordoi: One of the most famous and scenic passes in the Dolomites. You’ll enjoy the view of the Sella Group and the Sassolungo. The ascent from Canazei is 9.2 km long, while the ascent from Arabba is 9.4 km long.
Passo Gardena: This pass features a mixed and gentle route with a view of Sassongher and Val Badia. The ascent from Corvara is 9.5 km long, while the ascent from Selva di Val Gardena is 5.8 km long.
Passo Fedaia: One of the toughest and most spectacular passes in the Dolomites. The view of the Marmolada glacier is breathtaking. The ascent from Malga Ciapela is 14 km long, while the ascent from Canazei is 13.6 km long.
Passo Falzarego: Offers a regular and gradual climb. From the hairpin turns of the ascent, you’ll have a magnificent view of the Tofane, Lagazuoi, and Monte Civetta.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo: Symbol of the Dolomites and a must-visit for every cyclist. You can circumnavigate it through a 48 km loop starting and ending in Misurina.
Il Sella Ronda: A panoramic loop around the Sella massif, connecting four passes: Pordoi, Campolongo, Gardena, and Sella.
There are many other routes that will challenge your legs and your endurance.
Are you ready to accept the challenge? Come and ride with us!
Bike vacation on the roads
of the Belluno and Ampezzo Dolomites
Where to rent a bike in the Dolomites?
Whatever your cycling passion or bike model preference, if you want to rent a bike in the Ampezzo and Veneto Dolomites, you can contact our Customer Service by calling +393312848636, and we will provide you with all the necessary information to make your two-wheeled vacation an unforgettable experience.
Italy Cycling Tour offers a comprehensive bike rental service with expertise, services, hospitality, assistance, and organization. We have been operating in these areas since 2011, providing high-quality bike, electric bike, mountain bike (MTB), and road bike rentals.
Among our services, in addition to Rent a Bike, we also offer shuttle and transfer services for bike and luggage transport, delivery, and pick-up during your stay, as well as mechanical assistance at any time during the tour.
We organize and provide consultancy for guided group or individual tours and biking experiences for families, friends, and team-building events.
When to go for the Dolomites tour?
Undoubtedly, the best season for cycling in the Dolomites is from June to September, when the weather is summery, the alpine passes are open, free of snow, and the roads are clean. However, if you prefer to avoid the crowd and traffic of the peak tourist season, you can choose the months of May or October, but be prepared for colder temperatures and shorter days.
In fact, the average temperature in spring (March-May) is around 10-15°C, and in autumn (September-November) it is about 5-10°C. In summer (June-August), the average temperature is around 20-25°C, with approximately 10-12 rainy days per month.
How to get to the Dolomites?
The closest airports to the Dolomites are Venice Airport (150 km) and Treviso Airport (130 km), which are connected to the Veneto Alps by buses and trains. By car, you can reach your final destination in the Dolomites by taking the A27 motorway from Venice or Treviso and exiting at Ponte nelle Alpi, then following the road signs.
If you are coming from the west, you can use the Pedemontana Veneta toll highway until it merges with the A27 motorway.
What to pack?
Cycling in the Dolomites requires a good-quality bike, appropriate equipment and clothing, and a bit of endurance if you want to test your athletic preparation by taking on the most challenging mountain passes. You will need a well-maintained bike with responsive gears for the climbs and ascents. You will also need a helmet, sunglasses, gloves, and water bottles.
What to pack in your backpack?
If you enjoy having your favorite accessories at hand while cycling, we suggest you bring snacks, an emergency kit, sunscreen, and a map or GPS with you. But above all, the changeable weather in the high mountains requires you to avoid long routes without a rain jacket and a change of clothes for your protection and personal hygiene.
Which bike to use for climbs in the Dolomites?
When it comes to choosing the bike model for climbing in the Dolomites, there are several factors to consider, such as the type of route, your experience, and your endurance level. However, for difficult climbs, it is recommended to choose a lightweight bike with an agile gear ratio. Equally important to ensure maximum stability during the ascent is having a bike with a rigid frame and optimal geometry. Lastly, it is recommended to use tires with a profile suitable for climbs and a gear ratio that matches your abilities.
What to see while cycling the climbs of the Dolomites
nature, beauty, and a touch of glamour
Marmolada Glacier: the highest peak in the Dolomites at 3,343 meters, and a coveted destination for skiing, hiking, and mountaineering. You can admire it from Passo Fedaia or take a cable car to the summit.
Lagazuoi: a mountain rich in history and offering breathtaking views. You can reach it by cable car from Passo Falzarego or by walking through the tunnels and trenches of the First World War. Once at the top, you can also visit the open-air museum and Rifugio Lagazuoi.
The lakes of the Ampezzo Dolomites: some of the most beautiful lakes include Lago di Limedes, Lago Federa, Lago Sorapis, and Lago di Misurina.
Conca del Cadore and Valle d’Ampezzo are famous for their natural beauty. They are completely surrounded by the Ampezzo Dolomites. In the center of this mountain crown lies the town of Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Queen of the Dolomites. From its center, you can admire the massif of Croda da Lago, the Tofane, the Pomagagnon, and Monte Cristallo.
Cortina d’Ampezzo is one of the most famous and glamorous destinations in the Dolomites, known for winter sports, cultural events, and shopping. It is also a great starting point for exploring the surrounding mountain range, such as the Tofane, Cristallo, and Sorapiss.
Gastronomic specialties
to taste in the Dolomites
Some typical gastronomic specialties of the Venetian Dolomites are:
- Polenta: cornmeal cooked in salted water and served as an accompaniment to cheeses, meats, and mushrooms;
- Canederli: dumplings made with stale bread, milk, eggs, and speck. They are usually served in broth or with meat sauce;
- Casunziei: ravioli filled with potatoes or vegetables and ricotta, seasoned with melted butter and fragrant herbs;
- Speck: typical smoked ham from mountain environments, originating from Alto Adige;
- Asiago cheese: hard cheese produced in both Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige;
- Wild mushrooms: during the harvesting seasons;
- Wild berries: same as above;
- Apple strudel.
