The Pordoi Pass is a high mountain pass linking the valley of Fodom with the Val de Fassa in the regal Dolomites. The snaking trail that traverses the scenic pass is the Dolomites’ second-highest major road and presents a showcase of the mountain range’s Alpine splendour. Click into your skis and experience some of the region’s finest terrain for carving or visit in summer to challenge yourself with gravity-defying mountain bike trails. The journey is just as good as the destination at the Pordoi Pass hairpin bends and sheer inclines make this stretch of road a favourite for sightseeing drivers and adventurous cyclists.
Whatever activity you choose, the vistas from Pordoi Pass are sure to take your breath away. From a height of 7,346 feet (2,239 metres), you’ll see a sweeping view across the plateau to the jagged peaks of the Stella and Marmolada mountain groups. Ride the Pardoi Pass cable car to the natural mountaintop terrace of Sass Pordoi. Take photographs of the mountain panorama, which encompasses Marmolada, Pale di San Martino, Sassolungo and the southern section of Ortles and Cevedale, as well as the distant peaks of the Austrian and Swiss Alps. If you look closely, you might spot rock climbers taking on the rugged face of nearby mountains.
If the weather is fine, relax on a deckchair and enjoy the views. Alternatively, find a cosy table at one of the restaurants or cafeterias next to the cable-car station and try local specialities, such as canederli dumplings and speck.
There’s plenty of adventure to be found on the Pordoi Pass, too. Explore the spectacular ski slopes in winter or experience the thrilling trails on your mountain bike. The pass makes up one of the sections in the grueling Maratona dles Dolomites, which is a single-day cycling race.
The Pordoi Pass is located in the Dolomites in the Alps. If you are driving, a good place to start is the ski resort, Arabba. Gaze up at the towering Dolomites from the Val Gardena and make your way toward the dizzying mountain groups of Odle and Sella. The pass is 5.6 miles (9 kilometres) from Arabba and 7.9 miles (12.7 kilometres) from Canazei. It is free to visit but the cable car has an admission fee.
