Pordoi Pass is one of the highest roads of the Dolomites
Italy, europe
15.6 km
2,242 m
hard
Year-round
# Passo Pordoi
Want to tackle one of the Dolomites' most iconic mountain passes? Passo Pordoi sits pretty at 2,242 meters (7,355 feet) above sea level, making it the second-highest paved pass in the entire range. Located right on the border between Trentino and Veneto in northern Italy, this legendary route cuts through some seriously stunning Alpine scenery.
The 15.6-kilometer (9.69-mile) stretch runs east-west between Arabba and Canazei, snaking between the Sella group to the north and the dramatic Marmolada massif to the south. Built back in 1904 as part of the Dolomites Road project, it was designed to connect Bolzano with Cortina and open up tourism in the charming Ladin valleys.
Fair warning: this isn't a leisurely cruise. You're looking at 33 hairpin turns and grades that max out at 9.7%, plus you'll be battling serious wind exposure the whole way. Most drivers tackle it in 30 to 40 minutes of pure concentration.
The fully paved road stays open year-round, though winter can throw some curveballs—occasional closures happen when weather gets gnarly, and heavy vehicles are banned from November through April. Summer? Expect crowds, especially July and August. Your best bet? Get there before 10:00 AM or visit in June or September instead.
This isn't just any mountain pass—it's cycling legend territory. The Giro d'Italia regularly finishes here as the Cima Coppi (the race's highest point), and a memorial to the legendary Fausto Coppi marks the summit. Add in its fascinating WWI history, and you've got a road with serious soul.
Where is it?
Pordoi Pass is one of the highest roads of the Dolomites is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 41.8851, 12.9238
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 15.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,242 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 41.8851, 12.9238
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