Where is Sella Pass?
Italy, europe
17.4 km
2,246 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, picture this: you're in Italy, cruising along Strada Statale 242 (SS242), also known as Sellajoch. You're straddling the border between Trento and Bolzano provinces, winding your way up to Passo Sella. This beauty tops out at 2,246m (7,368ft), connecting Val Gardena with Canazei.
Built way back in the mid-1800s, this 17.4km (10.81 miles) stretch is paved, but don’t get complacent! Get ready for some seriously sharp hairpin bends and steep drops. Speaking of steep, some sections ramp up to a 12.5% gradient! This road is no joke and has even been featured in the Giro d’Italia.
While it's usually open year-round, keep an eye on the weather – winter closures are common. Trust me, though, it's worth it! At the summit, you're greeted by the majestic Torri del Sella and Mesules, plus killer views of the Sassolungo group. The villages you pass through are totally charming, and there's even a hotel and places to grab a bite at the top. Word to the wise: it gets super crowded in the summer, especially in August, so plan accordingly! Just be prepared for the tour bus hordes and souvenir shop stampedes.
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 17.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,246 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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