Sass Pordoi cable car - Image 1
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Sass Pordoi Cable Car

4.7
·4k reviews·, Italy

Ascend to a surreal, moon-like plateau for unparalleled 360° Dolomite views. A quick cable car ride to an otherworldly landscape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, crisp air

CrowdLow
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Sass Pordoi cable car - Image 1

Sass Pordoi Cable Car

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, crisp air

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.7
(4k reviews)

"Riding the cable car up to Sasso Pordoi feels like entering another world – vast, rocky, and surreal."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 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!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sass Pordoi Plateau

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

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

Rifugio Maria

At the top station

Enjoy a warm drink or a meal with unparalleled views from this mountain restaurant.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

The Sass Pordoi cable car is a popular attraction. To avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy the stunning panoramic views with fewer people, aim for early mornings or late afternoons. Check the operating hours, as they can vary seasonally and close around 5 PM.Reddit

Budget for the Ride

While the experience is widely considered worth the cost, be prepared for the ticket price. A round trip can be around €28-€30 per person.InstagramReddit Booking in advance might be an option, but check the official website for the most current pricing and availability.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, crisp air
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light, sunset views
Crowd
Medium
When
September/October
Why
Autumn colors, fewer summer tourists
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#trentinoaltoadige #neve 12 Settembre 2024. Selva di Val Gardena in provincia di Bolzano. Chalet Gerard a 2000 metri vicino passo Gardena. Già un bell’accumolo di neve Settembrina. 📽️ Video di Ettore Romizi #cittaborghiluoghiditalia #meteo #viralreels #fyp #italy #italia
@cittaborghiluoghiditalia
30.1K likes • 1.6M views

📸 Capture the Moonscape

The unique terrain at the top is often compared to the moon. Don't miss capturing this surreal landscape! Instagram

☕️ Refuel with a View

Grab a coffee or strudel at Rifugio Maria. The views are as good as the treats! InstagramReddit

apprezza anche la minima comodità che hai in alta quota !! #rifugiovicenza #langkofelhütte #dolomites #dolomiti #dolomitesitaly #valgardena #valgardenadolomites #sassolungo #seceda #langkofel #langkofelscharte #sassopiatto
@rositasantoleri
20.9K likes • 222.1K views
Reach Sass Pordoi in just 4 minutes by cable car and immerse yourself in the magic of the Dolomites 🏔🤩 The lunar panorama awaits you! 🌕❤️ #mountainmodeon #dolomites #sasspordoi
fassalift
139 likes • 2.8K views

⏰ Check Closing Times

The cable car typically closes around 5 PM. Plan your descent accordingly to avoid being stranded! Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

While the cable car does the heavy lifting, you'll want sturdy shoes for exploring the plateau.

It only takes 4mins to get from 2239m to 2950m, its that simple🫡 If you visit the Dolomites ,from Pass Pordoi you have to catch the cable car up to Sass Pordoi. At the top, on the plateau, you will find Rifugio Maria , a beautiful restaurant with a breathtaking panorama where you can enjoy a warm tea and an apple strudel The cable car costs £23/per person return. We would have loved to hike this ...
andre.e.ea
43 likes • 543 views

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! Instagram

☕️ Refuel with a View

Grab a coffee or strudel at Rifugio Maria. The views are as good as the treats! InstagramReddit

⏰ Check Closing Times

The cable car typically closes around 5 PM. Plan your descent accordingly to avoid being stranded! Reddit

👟 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

4.7
(4k reviews)

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

Breathtaking panoramic views
Unique lunar landscape
Swift cable car ride

What People Dislike

Ticket price can be high

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.TikTok

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.TikTok

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.TikTok

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.InstagramReddit 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.Reddit

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.InstagramReddit It's also a starting point for hikes, including to Piz Boe.Instagram

The ascent to Sass Pordoi is remarkably quick, taking only about 4 minutes.Instagram+1 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.Instagram+1

Expect unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding Dolomite peaks, including Sella Group, Marmolada, and Langkofel. The landscape is often described as lunar or otherworldly.InstagramReddit

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.InstagramReddit

The rifugio typically serves traditional mountain fare, including hot beverages like coffee and tea, pastries like apple strudel, and light meals.Reddit

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.Reddit

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.Instagram

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.Instagram

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

The Sass Pordoi cable car offers an exciting adventure for families. The short, swift ride is usually manageable for children, and the 'moon-like' landscape at the top provides a unique and engaging environment for them to explore. It's a fantastic way to introduce kids to the grandeur of the Dolomites without requiring strenuous hikes.TikTok

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

Sass Pordoi is a paradise for photographers and anyone who appreciates dramatic natural landscapes. The 'lunar' terrain of the plateau itself is a unique subject, while the 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding Dolomite peaks are simply spectacular.InstagramReddit The interplay of light and shadow on the rugged mountains, especially during sunrise and sunset, creates incredible photographic opportunities.Instagram

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

While the cable car provides access to the high plateau, Sass Pordoi is also a significant hub for hikers. The plateau itself is relatively flat and offers easy walking trails, allowing you to explore the unique terrain at your own pace.Instagram It's a great place for a scenic stroll with incredible backdrops.

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.Instagram 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

The Sass Pordoi plateau, often dubbed the 'Terrace of the Dolomites,' offers a truly unique geological and visual experience. Reaching an altitude of 2,950 meters (9,678 feet), the landscape here is stark, rocky, and vast, earning it comparisons to the moon's surface.InstagramReddit This otherworldly terrain is a stark contrast to the lush green valleys below, making the ascent via the cable car a journey into a different realm.

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.Instagram 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

The Sass Pordoi cable car (also known as the Passo Pordoi cable car or Pordoi cable car) is a modern and efficient way to access the high-altitude plateau. The ride itself is a highlight, taking just about 4 minutes to cover the 700 meters of altitude difference from Passo Pordoi (2,239m) to Sass Pordoi (2,950m).Instagram+2 The cabins are designed to offer excellent visibility, allowing passengers to soak in the breathtaking views as they ascend.

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.Reddit Ticket prices are a consideration, with round trips generally costing between €28 and €30 per person.InstagramReddit 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.

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