Cortina-Alta Badia
From the Cortina d’Ampezzo bus station, climb up through the village of Pocol and continue towards the Cinque Torri and Falzarego Pass (2,109 m). The pass is located between Lagazuoi and Col Gallina, in front of Sass de Stria, and offers a splendid view over the Marmolada, the highest mountain in the Dolomites. Falzarego, with its endless curves and steep climbs set against breathtaking scenery, is one of the historic passes in the Dolomites stages of the Giro d’Italia, made famous by the achievements of the strongest climbers of all time.
Continue right towards Valparola Pass (2,192 m), at the top of which you will find the Rifugio Valparola mountain lodge as well as a small alpine lake. Given the significance of the pass during the First World War when the border between Italy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire passed through here, the Tre Sassi fort was built on its summit and today houses the museum of the Great War.
From here, descend towards San Cassiano, at the foot of the Lavarella and Conturines massifs, towards La Villa. From here continue towards Corvara and in ascent to the easy and panoramic Campolongo Pass (1,875 m) which, along with the Pordoi, Sella and Gardena passes, forms the Sellaronda: a famous ski, hiking and cycling route around the Sella Group. It was scaled in the Giro d’Italia for the first time in 1949 and has been included in various editions since then.
Descend for 5 kilometres towards Arabba, the main tourist hub in the Fodom Valley and pass Andraz castle, a fortification dating back to the 11th century where a narrow road winds its way through the “tabià”, the wooden barns typical of these valleys, and other characteristics dwellings. The town of Castello is home to the famous 17th-century church of SS. Trinità and a medieval castle.
Continue towards Colle Santa Lucia where, to the left, the challenging climb to Giau Pass (2,236 m) begins and where you can enjoy a spectacular view over the Dolomites and the Ampezzo Valley and admire a large and enchanting pasture in bloom, complete with grazing cows.
Follow a fun and panoramic final descent towards Cortina d’Ampezzo.
