Sella Group Dolomites
Dramatic Dolomite massif offering world-class skiing on the Sellaronda and stunning hiking trails with unique 'lunar' landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Prime skiing on Sellaronda
Sella Group Dolomites
Best Time
Prime skiing on Sellaronda
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dramatic Dolomite massif offering world-class skiing on the Sellaronda and stunning hiking trails with unique 'lunar' landscapes.
"It's incredible area. We managed it circle around Sella mountains."
🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom
Essential for exploring the Sella Group and surrounding valleys. Public transport can be limited.
⛷️ Sellaronda Ski Pass
One pass covers the entire 45km Sellaronda circuit in winter.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sellaronda Circuit
Around the Sella Group
Iconic ski circuit connecting four valleys, offering breathtaking views and 45km of slopes.
Passo Sella
Between Val Gardena and Val di Fassa
A stunning mountain pass with dramatic peaks, popular for hiking, biking, and scenic drives.
Piz Boè
Highest peak of the Sella Group
Accessible via cable car, offering panoramic views and a unique high-altitude experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Getting Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom
Essential for exploring the Sella Group and surrounding valleys. Public transport can be limited.
⛷️ Sellaronda Ski Pass
One pass covers the entire 45km Sellaronda circuit in winter.
🌅 Sunrise at Lago di Braies
Visit Lago di Braies at dawn for magical light and fewer people.
🥾 Hiking Boots Essential
Sturdy footwear is a must for the varied terrain and trails.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom
Essential for exploring the Sella Group and surrounding valleys. Public transport can be limited.
⛷️ Sellaronda Ski Pass
One pass covers the entire 45km Sellaronda circuit in winter.
🌅 Sunrise at Lago di Braies
Visit Lago di Braies at dawn for magical light and fewer people.
🥾 Hiking Boots Essential
Sturdy footwear is a must for the varied terrain and trails.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is unforgettable, but cameras can't fully capture its grandeur.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Sella Group for its breathtaking, 'unforgettable' scenery and the incredible Sellaronda ski circuit. The 'lunar landscape' and dramatic peaks are highlights, offering year-round adventure from skiing to hiking and via ferratas. Some find the area very crowded during peak seasons.
"One of the best ski areas with 500 km slopes"
Ernő Dús
"It's incredible area. We managed it circle around Sella mountains."
Сергей Пронин
"summer or winter all year the best"
Ivan Manco
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The nearest major airports are Venice (VCE), Verona (VRN), and Milan (MXP). From there, renting a car is the most convenient way to reach the Sella Group, with drives typically taking 2.5-4 hours. Alternatively, you can take trains to towns like Bolzano or Trento and then connect with local buses, though this is less direct.
While possible, it's challenging. Public transport exists between villages, but it can be infrequent and less reliable, especially for reaching trailheads or specific viewpoints. A car offers the most flexibility for exploring the various passes and valleys.
Key access points include Passo Sella, Passo Pordoi, Passo Gardena, and Passo Campolongo. These passes connect the valleys of Val Gardena, Val di Fassa, Alta Badia, and Arabba, offering different starting points for exploration.
Yes, the mountain passes like Passo Sella and Passo Pordoi are open to vehicle traffic during the warmer months, offering spectacular scenic drives. Be aware of cyclists, especially on Passo Sella.
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is often considered the most convenient, about a 2.5-hour drive away. Bolzano Airport (BZO) is closer but has fewer flight options. Munich (MUC) in Germany is also a viable option for those flying internationally.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, you'll need a Dolomiti Superski pass, which covers the entire Sellaronda circuit and over 500 km of slopes across 12 resorts. This pass is essential for accessing the lifts and slopes.
There are no general entrance fees for the Sella Group itself. However, some specific attractions like cable cars to peaks such as Piz Boè will require separate tickets.
Prices vary by season and duration, but a typical adult day pass can range from €60-€70. Multi-day passes offer better value. It's best to check the official Dolomiti Superski website for current pricing.
Yes, hiking trails are generally accessible without a specific pass. However, if you plan to use cable cars to ascend to higher altitudes for hiking, you will need to purchase tickets for those lifts.
The Sellaronda ski circuit is typically open from December to April. The mountain passes for driving are usually open from late May/early June to late October, depending on snow conditions.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
For stunning 'lunar landscapes,' consider trails around Passo Sella and Passo Pordoi. The hike to Piz Boè is popular, and via ferratas offer adventurous routes. Many trails are well-marked and suitable for various skill levels.
Absolutely! Many areas offer family-friendly hikes and activities. Cable cars make higher altitudes accessible for all ages, and some rifugios (mountain huts) are very welcoming.
Weather can change rapidly in the mountains. Expect sunny days in summer, but be prepared for cooler temperatures at higher altitudes and potential afternoon thunderstorms. Winter brings snow and cold temperatures. Always check the forecast before heading out.
Yes, numerous rifugios are scattered throughout the Sella Group, offering refreshments, meals, and even overnight stays. They are great places to rest and soak in the views.
The Sella Group is also popular for mountain biking, climbing, and via ferratas. In winter, snowshoeing and ski touring are also options.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Expect hearty South Tyrolean and Trentino cuisine. Dishes often feature dumplings (canederli), polenta, speck (cured ham), and delicious pasta. Mountain huts (rifugios) offer traditional meals with incredible views.
Yes, you'll find excellent restaurants in the surrounding villages like Selva di Val Gardena, Corvara, and Canazei. Many rifugios also serve delicious food at higher altitudes.
Don't miss 'canederli' (bread dumplings), 'Schlutzkrapfen' (spinach and ricotta ravioli), and ' Kaiserschmarrn' (shredded pancake). Local speck and cheeses are also highly recommended.
Most restaurants and rifugios offer vegetarian options, often including pasta dishes, vegetable soups, and cheese-based meals. It's always a good idea to ask about vegetarian choices.
In villages, expect mid-range prices similar to other European tourist destinations. Rifugios can be slightly more expensive due to their remote locations, but offer great value for the experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Passo Sella offers dramatic foregrounds with the Sella massif. Seceda, accessible from Val Gardena, provides iconic ridgeline views. Lago di Braies at sunrise is a photographer's dream.
Golden hours (sunrise and sunset) offer the most dramatic light and colors. Midday can be harsh, but the unique geological formations still make for stunning shots.
Drones can capture incredible aerial perspectives, as seen in some reels. However, be aware of local regulations regarding drone usage in national parks and protected areas.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating mountain peaks. A sturdy tripod is recommended for low-light conditions and long exposures.
While not explicitly advertised, many local guides and tour operators can tailor trips to include prime photography locations and optimal timing. Inquire with local tourism offices.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for family-friendly rifugios that offer welcoming environments and simple, hearty meals. Some huts even have play areas. The experience of riding a cable car and seeing the vast mountain panoramas can be a highlight for younger visitors. Remember to pack layers, as mountain weather can change quickly, and ensure everyone has comfortable walking shoes.
⛷️ Ski Enthusiasts
Popular ski resorts within or adjacent to the Sella Group include Selva di Val Gardena, Corvara, Arabba, and Canazei. These resorts offer a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to cozy apartments, and provide direct access to the Sellaronda and other ski areas. The quality of the slopes and the stunning scenery make it a top destination for a winter ski holiday.
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (early summer or early autumn) for softer light and fewer crowds, allowing for more contemplative photography. The 'lunar landscape' of the Sella Group provides unique textures and formations that are captivating at any time of day, but especially during the golden hours.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sellaronda: A Winter Wonderland
In winter, the Sellaronda transforms into a vibrant hub of activity. Skiers and snowboarders flock to experience its well-groomed pistes, which cater to a range of skill levels. Beyond the skiing itself, the route is dotted with charming mountain huts (rifugios) where visitors can enjoy traditional cuisine and warm beverages. The sheer scale and beauty of the landscape make it a truly immersive winter experience, often described as a 'dream trip.'
While primarily a winter destination, the Sellaronda's infrastructure also supports summer activities. In warmer months, the circuit becomes a popular route for road cyclists and mountain bikers, offering a different kind of challenge and equally spectacular scenery. The passes that form part of the Sellaronda, like Passo Sella and Passo Pordoi, are iconic routes for cycling enthusiasts.
Hiking and Via Ferratas: Summer Adventures
Via ferratas (protected climbing routes) are a significant draw for adventurous travelers. These routes, equipped with steel cables, ladders, and bridges, allow climbers to ascend steep rock faces safely. Popular via ferratas in the Sella Group offer breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment. For those seeking less adrenaline, numerous hiking trails wind through alpine meadows, past crystal-clear lakes, and up to panoramic viewpoints.
Key hiking destinations include the area around Passo Sella, offering access to trails leading towards Sassolungo and Sassopiatto. Piz Boè, the highest peak in the Sella Group, is accessible via hiking trails, with a cable car option available to shorten the ascent. Many mountain huts (rifugios) are strategically located along these routes, providing essential rest stops and opportunities to savor local cuisine amidst stunning scenery.
The Iconic Peaks and Passes
Passo Pordoi is another crucial pass, serving as a gateway to Piz Boè, the highest summit of the Sella massif at 3,152 meters. A cable car from Passo Pordoi significantly reduces the effort required to reach the summit, making it accessible to a wider range of visitors. The panoramic views from Piz Boè are described as 'unforgettable' and are a highlight for many.
These passes and the surrounding peaks create a 'lunar landscape' that is unique to the Dolomites. The jagged rock formations, steep cliffs, and vast, open plateaus offer a sense of wild, untamed beauty. Photographers and nature lovers alike are drawn to the dramatic scenery, which is best appreciated during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit