Cycling routes in the Dolomites
Three passes near Carezza
There’s something magical about waking up in Carezza, with the Latemar peaks catching the first light and the crisp alpine air inviting you out for a ride. Based at the stunning Alpenrose Hotel, tucked between thick forest trails and high-altitude tarmac, I had the perfect launchpad for exploring three of the Dolomites’ most iconic and character-filled climbs: Passo San Pellegrino, Passo Nigra, and Passo Carezza.
Each pass brought its own rhythm, scenery, and soul—brutal in parts, breathtaking in others. Here’s a deeper dive into each of these unforgettable ascents.
Passo San Pelligrino Profile
Passo Nigra Profile
Passo Carraza Profile
Route(s) Information
Passo San Pellegrino: A Classic Dolomiti Ascent
Distance from Moena: ~10.6
Elevation gain: ~680 m
Average gradient: 6.54%
Max gradient: 14%
Starting in the postcard-pretty village of Moena, the road begins sneaking upward through lush alpine pastures and small hamlets. The surface is smooth and consistent, which helps when you’re grinding through the steeps. The views open up dramatically near the top, revealing grassy ridgelines, grazing cows, and a horizon that seems to stretch across all of Trentino. At the summit (1,918 m), Rifugio Passo San Pellegrino offers not just espresso but soul-soothing silence.
Passo Nigra /Nigerpass: Wild, Winding, and Wickedly Steep
Distance: ~17.99 km
Elevation gain: ~1438 m
Average gradient: 8.00%
Max gradient: 24%
Don’t let its relative anonymity fool you—Passo Nigra (Nigerpass) is one of the Dolomites’ hidden gems for masochists. It starts deceptively tame but quickly veers into “why am I doing this?” territory. The road tightens, the forest thickens, and the gradient punches hard—sections tilt to an outrageous 24%, especially around the 5–7 km mark.
The climb feels enclosed at first, with thick pine and larch canopy providing shade—and a sense of solitude. There’s little traffic, no shops, and only the sound of your breath and shifting gears. As you rise above 1,600 meters, the trees begin to thin, and then it happens: the Rosengarten (Catinaccio) massif appears like a cathedral of rock and light.
Passo Carezza: Gentle, Glorious, and Golden-Hour Perfect
Distance from Vigo di Passo: ~9.3 km
Elevation gain: ~436 m
Average gradient: 4.7%
Max gradient: 11.2%
A mellow but rewarding climb, Passo Carezza winds through forests and alpine meadows with views of the Latemarpeeking through the trees. Mostly steady, with a few sharper ramps early on, it’s ideal for a relaxed spin or golden-hour ride. After the summit, the road opens to reveal Lago di Carezza—a sparkling gem set beneath jagged peaks. Quiet, beautiful, and unforgettable.
This climb isn’t about max heart rate—it’s about soaking in that Dolomiti dolcezza.
Where to Stay: Alpenrose Hotel, Carezza
After long hours in the saddle, Alpenrose Hotel felt like a high-mountain haven. Bike-friendly and beautifully designed, it offered secure bike storage, a spa with sauna and hot tub, and incredible South Tyrolean cuisine to replenish the soul and legs. The rooms overlook the Latemar, and the sunrise from the pool terrace? That alone is worth the trip.
Ride Tips
Best base: Carezza is ideally located for tackling several classic passes with minimal transfers.
When to go: Late June to early September ensures snow-free summits and long daylight hours.
Don’t miss:
• Sunrise at Lago di Carezza
• Golden hour descent from Passo Costalunga (next to Carezza Pass).
• Mid-ride apple strudel in Moena.
Three distinct climbs. One perfect home base. Endless memories written into the tarmac and sky. If you’re chasing Dolomite drama, solitude, and legendary road cycling, Carezza delivers—and its passes will stay with you long after your legs recover.
Click below for GPX file & accommodation
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Passo Nigra
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Passo San Pelligrino
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Passo Carezza
