Where is Sella di Russis?
Italy, europe
45 km
1,729 m
hard
Year-round
Sella di Russis, or Russiskreuz as the locals call it, is your off-the-beaten-path ticket to Alpine bliss! Nestled high in South Tyrol, Italy, at 1,729m (5,672ft), this pass is a real hidden gem in the Dolomites.
Where exactly? Think Autonomous Province of Bolzano, connecting the Isarco Valley (Eisacktal) to the Gader Valley (Val Badia). It slices right through the Plose mountain – stunning scenery guaranteed!
The SP29, as it's officially known, is totally paved and generally in good shape, but don't let that fool you. This 45 km (28 mile) route, stretching from Bressanone (Brixen) to San Martin de Tor, is a twisty, turny adventure with hairpin turns that demand your full attention. Fair warning: Some sections are carved into steep hillsides, so keep an eye out for potential rock slides, especially after rain or during the spring thaw.
The climb from Bressanone is a beauty, winding through alpine forests with peeks at the dramatic Odle (Geisler) peaks. Up at the top, you'll find the Russiskreuz (Russis Cross), a peaceful spot away from the Dolomite crowds. It's a great jumping-off point for exploring other legendary areas in the region.
Heads up: Sella di Russis usually closes for the winter (November to May) because of the altitude and avalanche risk. The southern side stays open, though, so you can still hit the slopes at the Plose ski resort!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 45 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,729 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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