Sass Pordoi Cable Car
Ascend to a surreal, moon-like plateau for unparalleled 360° Dolomite views. A quick cable car ride to an otherworldly landscape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, crisp air
Sass Pordoi Cable Car
Best Time
Fewer crowds, crisp air
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend to a surreal, moon-like plateau for unparalleled 360° Dolomite views. A quick cable car ride to an otherworldly landscape.
"Riding the cable car up to Sasso Pordoi feels like entering another world – vast, rocky, and surreal."
📸 Capture the Moonscape
The unique terrain at the top is often compared to the moon. Don't miss capturing this surreal landscape!
☕️ Refuel with a View
Grab a coffee or strudel at Rifugio Maria. The views are as good as the treats!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sass Pordoi Plateau
Top of the cable car
Experience a surreal, moon-like landscape with 360-degree panoramic views of the Dolomites.
The Cable Car Ascent
Passo Pordoi to Sass Pordoi
A swift 4-minute ride offering incredible aerial perspectives of the dramatic mountain scenery.
Rifugio Maria
At the top station
Enjoy a warm drink or a meal with unparalleled views from this mountain restaurant.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Budget for the Ride
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Moonscape
The unique terrain at the top is often compared to the moon. Don't miss capturing this surreal landscape!
☕️ Refuel with a View
Grab a coffee or strudel at Rifugio Maria. The views are as good as the treats!
⏰ Check Closing Times
The cable car typically closes around 5 PM. Plan your descent accordingly to avoid being stranded!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
While the cable car does the heavy lifting, you'll want sturdy shoes for exploring the plateau.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Moonscape
The unique terrain at the top is often compared to the moon. Don't miss capturing this surreal landscape!
☕️ Refuel with a View
Grab a coffee or strudel at Rifugio Maria. The views are as good as the treats!
⏰ Check Closing Times
The cable car typically closes around 5 PM. Plan your descent accordingly to avoid being stranded!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
While the cable car does the heavy lifting, you'll want sturdy shoes for exploring the plateau.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Temperatures at 2950m can be significantly cooler than at the pass. Be prepared for changing weather.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the Sass Pordoi cable car, calling it a 'must' for any Dolomites trip. The surreal, moon-like landscape at the top and the breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views are universally praised as unforgettable experiences. The quick and scenic cable car ride itself is also a highlight.
"A must for the dolomites area. If you have to pick a single cable car, pick this one, it's great and different to what you see around.
30E per person at this point but still worth it"
Moisa Mihai Lucian
"Riding the cable car up to Sasso Pordoi feels like entering another world — vast, rocky, and surreal. The views are out of this world!"
Zongle
"An absolute must-visit! The ride itself is an amazing experience, and once you reach the top, the views are simply breathtaking. There are just not enough words to describe the beauty of this place – truly unforgettable."
Valentina Cakova
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Sass Pordoi cable car is located at Passo Pordoi, accessible by car or bus. Many visitors drive to Passo Pordoi, which is a scenic mountain pass. Public buses also connect to the area from nearby towns like Canazei and Arabba.
Yes, Passo Pordoi is generally accessible year-round, though winter conditions can affect road travel. The cable car itself operates seasonally, so always check its operating status before your visit.
Driving offers the most flexibility, with parking available at the base station. Alternatively, regional buses are a good option if you prefer not to drive. The journey itself offers stunning Dolomite views.
Absolutely! Regular bus services connect Passo Pordoi with major towns in the Dolomites. This is a great option for those who want to enjoy the scenery without the hassle of driving and parking.
Passo Pordoi is situated at an altitude of 2,239 meters (7,346 feet) above sea level, serving as the base for the ascent to Sass Pordoi.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A round-trip ticket for the Sass Pordoi cable car typically costs around €28-€30 per person. Prices can vary, so it's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance, especially during peak season, is recommended to secure your spot and potentially save time waiting in line. Check the official website for booking options.
The cable car usually operates from morning until around 5 PM. Hours can change seasonally, so it's crucial to verify the exact operating times before your visit.
Discounts may be available for children, seniors, or groups, and sometimes with specific regional passes. It's advisable to inquire directly with the cable car operator or check their website for details.
The standard ticket covers a round-trip journey on the cable car, taking you from Passo Pordoi to the Sass Pordoi plateau and back.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
At the top, you can explore the unique 'moon-like' plateau, enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the Dolomites, and visit Rifugio Maria for refreshments. It's also a starting point for hikes, including to Piz Boe.
The ascent to Sass Pordoi is remarkably quick, taking only about 4 minutes. The ride itself offers stunning aerial views.
Yes, the plateau is relatively flat and offers opportunities for easy walks. More challenging hikes, like the one to Piz Boe, also start from here.
Expect unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding Dolomite peaks, including Sella Group, Marmolada, and Langkofel. The landscape is often described as lunar or otherworldly.
Yes, on a clear day, you can often see the Marmolada glacier, the highest peak in the Dolomites, from the Sass Pordoi plateau.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Rifugio Maria is located at the top station, offering food and drinks with incredible views. You can enjoy a warm tea or an apple strudel.
The rifugio typically serves traditional mountain fare, including hot beverages like coffee and tea, pastries like apple strudel, and light meals.
As with most mountain refuges at popular tourist spots, prices can be higher than at lower altitudes. However, many find the experience and views justify the cost.
While there are no restrictions on bringing your own food, enjoying a meal or drink at Rifugio Maria is part of the experience, offering a warm place to rest with spectacular views.
To enjoy your meal with the best views and potentially fewer crowds, consider visiting during off-peak hours, perhaps mid-morning or mid-afternoon, rather than during the main lunch rush.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire plateau offers incredible photo opportunities, from the vast, rocky landscape to the panoramic views of surrounding peaks. Sunsets can be particularly magical.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography. The 'golden hour' before sunset can create dramatic shadows and warm tones on the mountains.
A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating distant peaks or details.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography. However, always be mindful of other visitors and respect any posted signage.
Use a smaller aperture (higher f-number) for greater depth of field to keep both foreground and background sharp. Consider using a polarizing filter to enhance sky colors and reduce glare.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
At the summit, Rifugio Maria offers a place for snacks and drinks, which can be a welcome break for younger travelers. The open plateau allows for some freedom to roam, but always keep a close eye on children due to the sheer drops and uneven terrain. Ensure everyone is dressed warmly, as it can be significantly colder at 2,950 meters.
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
For the best shots, aim for the 'golden hours' of early morning or late afternoon. A wide-angle lens is essential to capture the vastness of the landscape. Don't forget to capture the cable car itself as it ascends or descends, offering a dynamic perspective. The unique geological formations and the sheer scale of the mountains make Sass Pordoi a truly unforgettable location for capturing stunning imagery.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Adventurers
For more ambitious adventurers, Sass Pordoi is the starting point for challenging hikes, most notably the ascent to Piz Boe, the highest peak in the Sella mountain range. This trek requires good fitness and proper hiking gear. Even if you're not planning a summit attempt, the area offers numerous trails for all levels, providing access to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Dolomites.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sass Pordoi Experience: A Lunar Landscape
Visitors can spend time exploring the plateau, taking in the 360-degree panoramic views that stretch across numerous iconic Dolomite peaks. The sheer scale and rugged beauty are awe-inspiring. It's a place where you can feel a profound sense of solitude and wonder, even with other visitors around. The unique geology and the dramatic elevation create an unforgettable visual spectacle that photographers and nature lovers alike will cherish.
For those seeking a bit more adventure, Sass Pordoi serves as a gateway to further exploration. It's a popular starting point for hikes, including the trek to Piz Boe, the highest peak in the Sella mountain range. Even if you don't plan on a strenuous hike, a leisurely walk around the plateau allows you to fully appreciate its surreal beauty and the immense scale of the surrounding mountains.
Navigating the Sass Pordoi Cable Car
When planning your visit, it's crucial to be aware of the operating hours. The cable car typically runs until around 5 PM, so ensure you have ample time to enjoy the summit and make your way back down before closing. Ticket prices are a consideration, with round trips generally costing between €28 and €30 per person. While this might seem steep, most visitors agree that the experience and the unparalleled views are well worth the investment.
For the best experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (late spring or early autumn) or during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak crowds. This will allow for a more relaxed exploration of the plateau and better photo opportunities. Dressing in layers is also a wise precaution, as the weather at high altitudes can change rapidly.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit