Paradisiacal curve adventures in the Alos

Silvretta Pordoijoch

Our partner hotel Gran Paradis is like our favorite Greek restaurant at home around the corner: with heart-warming hospitality and a long menu full of delicacies - especially of a driving nature. The Gran Paradis is located near Canazei in the heart of the Dolomites. Our host Bernd Colcuc raves about three "delicacies" in particular - starting with the Pordoi Pass.

DATA AND ROUTE
Length: 21 km
Highest point: 2,239 m
Difficulty: medium
Toll: No
Winter closure: None

The Passo Pordoi is after all the second highest of all the asphalted Dolomite passes, surpassed only by the Sella Pass, which "cheats" in these statistics, as its pass summit is at 2,218 m, while the actual summit of the Sella south ramp is at 2,244 m. And thus cheats its way to 1st place in the altitude ranking. On the other hand, the route over the Pordoi, with its 56 hairpin bends, is much more challenging and a wonderful pleasure to ride at an angle, which ranks high on Bernd's "menu". And before the Sella Pass.

From Gran Paradis to the highest point:
Kurviger Route ›››››

Passo di Giau

The Passo di Giau is still a little insider tip on the "menu" of our partner hotel, Hotel Gran Paradis.

DATA AND ROUTE
Length: 26 km
Highest point: 2,236 m
Difficulty: medium-difficult
Toll: No
Winter closure: possible due to weather conditions

This magnificent Dolomite pass still lies in the tourist "shadow" of the adjacent Falzarego and Valparola double pass to the west, which are two of the region's main biking hotspots. With the exception of July and August, we often only have to share the more challenging Giau with racing cyclists, who enjoy a real Giro d'Italia feeling on the Giau. And they need to be in good physical condition, as there are plenty of vertical meters and gradients of up to 14% to conquer. For motorized bikers, the Giau is a great deal of fun in the midst of magnificent landscapes.

Our tip: treat yourself to the Giau in both directions as perfect training for the fine art of alpine motorcycling.

From Gran Paradis to the highest point:
Kurviger Route ›››››

Passo Rolle

Speaking of "alpine motorcycling" – our third tour tip takes us over a true Dolomite pass, one that will earn attention and pats on the back at every regulars' table: the almost unknown Passo Rolle.

DATA AND ROUTE
Length: 28 km
Highest Point: 1,984 m
Difficulty: Medium
Toll: No
Winter Closure: Possible depending on weather conditions

The road over the Rolle Pass is one of the oldest in the Dolomites. Records show it was completed around 1872, based on a drivable track that must have existed as early as 1820. Between 1840 and 1872, both ramps of the pass were completely redesigned, and during World War I, it became an important supply route for the frontlines. Today, the Rolle Pass is peaceful, shared with road cyclists and some tourist traffic. The rather challenging narrow north ramp and the winding southern ramp often deter buses, and trucks are completely excluded. This significantly enhances the appeal of the Rolle Pass.

From Gran Paradiso to the highest point:
Kurviger route ›››››

Kurven & Knödel Blog

Paradisiacal curve adventures

Silvretta Pordoijoch

Passo di Giau

Passo Rolle

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