Cycling Carezza to Corvara via Paso Pordio
A great days ride in the heart of the Dolomites
Nadezhda Pavlova, editor in chief
The Dolomites are one of the most beautiful places for a cycling trip, anywhere in the world. Filled with climbs that twist and turn upwards, with the rocky peaks looking down in their majesty. This is a short route in terms of distance; but with an epic climb involved in the ride from Carezza to Corvara, via the Paso Pordio.
The Pordoi Pass marks the border between the Province of Trento and the Province of Belluno – both quite stunning areas of the Italian mountains. The road features as many as 28 hairpin bends and is one of the 4 passes of the Strada delle Dolomiti (Dolomites Road), built in the beginning of the 20th century to link Bolzano with Cortina, and to encourage the development of tourism in the Ladin valleys – which it certainly has. Cyclists love this area – and we do, here at Pedalnorth!
Check out the route & climbs
The route rolls out of Carezza for the first 20km, before the climbing begins, at the Paso Podio. It’s then a 10km ascent, at an average gradient of 6.6%, with a maximum gradient of 11%. In total, you ascend 791 metres over the 10km.
The stats of the whole route are as follows.
Distance: 46.14km Ascent: 1,784 metres
The second – and final climb – is a short and more relaxed effort, before the descent begins to Corvara – a renowned centre of cycling in the region. Arriving at Corvara, you can rest overnight, before tackling another route the next day – maybe a return journey. Alternatively, arrange transport to take you back to Carezza and your accommodation there. Either way, there’s great coffee, tea and biscuits to be enjoyed along the way, and at each end of the ride.
Accommodation Recommendation: Paso Carezza is an excellent hotel used to catering for cyclists, with great access to the Italian cycling passes, and excellent facilities.
Route Information
- Leave Carezza and cycling on the main roads towards Pozza di Fassa at 12km.
- The gradient then rises steadily over the next 10km, until you reach Campitello di Fasso, where you join the endless hairpins of the Paso Podio.
- Ascent the pass for 10km, before resting and taking in the view. Wrap up warm for the descent.
- At 37km, the hamlet of Araboa, the final short ascent leads to a long and sweeping descent into the Dolomites hub town of Corvarra.
Either book transport for the return, or maybe stay over here and cycle the reverse route once refreshed and rested. Corvarra has everything required for a stay here in this amazing region, and is a great base for another ride, the next day.
