Passo Pordoi is one of the iconic passes of the Dolomites: at 2,239 metres it links the Val di Fassa with the Arabba area, set between the Sella group, the Sass Pordoi, and the Sassolungo. It is one of the hubs of the Sellaronda, the celebrated ski circuit that loops around the Sella massif touching four passes on skis. From the summit, the Sass Pordoi cable car climbs in under five minutes, almost vertically, to 2,950 metres: up there a broad, rocky plateau nicknamed the Dolomites Terrace offers views of the Marmolada, the Piz Boè, the Sassolungo, the Catinaccio, and on clear days peaks well beyond the border.
For cycling enthusiasts, the Pordoi is legendary: it is one of the most storied passes in the history of the Giro d'Italia and frequently the scene of decisive stages. Not by chance, just below the summit stands a monument to Fausto Coppi. In winter the pass connects ski resorts and allows the Sellaronda to be tackled in both directions; in summer it fills with hikers, motorcyclists, and cyclists heading toward the other passes. Between lifts, mountain huts, and panoramic vantage points, the Pordoi remains one of the most vibrant and photographed spots in the entire Dolomites arc.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Sellaronda?
It is the ski circuit that loops around the Sella group connecting four passes: Pordoi, Sella, Gardena, and Campolongo. It can be skied clockwise or anticlockwise and is one of the classic experiences of Dolomiti Superski.
Can you go up to Sass Pordoi without skiing?
Yes, and in fact it is one of the things to do. From the top of the pass, the cable car takes you in minutes to the Sass Pordoi plateau — the Dolomites Terrace — open in summer as well for walks and 360-degree panoramas.