
Selle Pass
Italy, europe
N/A
2,536 m
extreme
Year-round
Passo le Selle is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.536m (8,320ft) above the sea level, located in Trentino in the northern Italian region Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol. High winds blow here all year long. It’s
one of the highest roads of the country.
The road to the summit is gravel, rocky and treacherous. The drive offers stunning views of the enchanting Dolomites. 4wd vehicle required. Near the pass ruins of barracks from WWI can still be observed. At the summit is a mountain refuge known as Rifugio Passo le Selle. The road is usually passable in the summer season, from the beginning of June to - weather permitting - the first days of October. Altitude and extreme weather are always a factor at any time of year.
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Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,536 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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