Passo Gardena

Updated October 2026 · Sources: Province of Bolzano, IDM South Tyrol, Val Gardena Marketing, Alta Badia, Dantercepies, Dolomiti Superski

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Passo Gardena (Gardena Pass; Grödner Joch in German, Jëuf de Frea in Ladin) is a mountain pass at 2,121 metres between Val Gardena and Val Badia in South Tyrol, northern Italy. The SS243 road climbs from Selva di Val Gardena (1,563 m) on one side and from Colfosco and Corvara (1,568 m) on the other: about 11 km each way. The pass sits between the Sella massif to the south and the spires of the Cir group to the north, at the edge of the Puez-Odle Nature Park.

It is one of the four passes of the Sellaronda, with Sella, Pordoi and Campolongo. In summer you come to hike, climb via ferratas or ride; in winter it is a crossing point on the ski circuit around the Sella. Val Gardena is about 40 km from Bolzano airport, 120 km from Innsbruck and 190 km from Verona.

Before you go: parking at the pass is limited and roadside parking is banned. In 2026 the pass stayed open to everyone; for 2027 the provincial government is studying a limited-traffic zone, with no decision yet.

There are only a few buildings at the top, some bars and mountain huts. What makes the stop worthwhile is the mountains around you and the trails that start here.

The Cir group

The jagged rock towers north of the pass are the Cir peaks. Gran Cir reaches 2,578 m, Pitla Cir 2,514 m. A trail runs between the spires to Passo Cir (2,470 m), inside the Puez-Odle Nature Park and on the Dolomites High Route No. 2 (Alta Via 2).

The Sella massif and Pisciadù

To the south, the Sella rises in vertical walls. From the pass you look into Val Setus and the Pisciadù area, where the Brigata Tridentina via ferrata climbs. The Pisciadù hut stands at almost 2,600 m beside a small lake on the Sella plateau.

Rifugio Jimmi

Rifugio Jimmi (often spelt Jimmy) sits at 2,220 m, about a hundred metres above the pass on the Cir side. You can walk up from the pass, take an easy path from the top of the Dantercepies gondola, or ride the Plans–Frara lift from Colfosco. The terrace faces the Sella. In winter it stands on the Sellaronda slopes.

Dantercepies and the Bustac cross

The Dantercepies gondola runs from Selva up to 2,300 m, above the pass. From there the Promenade Cir is 1.5 km with 80 m of climbing to Rifugio Jimmi, fine with a pushchair. Another short walk leads to Bustac hill (2,250 m), with its crucifix and a wide view over the Dolomites, usually quiet.

Plans de Frea

These are the meadows below the Sella on the Val Gardena side. In July the arnica is in bloom. A trail crosses them and descends to Selva: 6.5 km and 700 m of descent, about three hours.

Puez-Odle Nature Park

The pass is one of the gateways to the park, part of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond Forcella Crespeina (2,530 m) lies the stony Puez plateau. The same park includes the Odle peaks you see from Seceda.

A pass with history

The first road for vehicles was built in 1915 to supply the front in the First World War; today’s road dates from 1960. Since 1950 a chairlift has linked Selva with the pass. The Cir run hosted the women’s downhill at the 1970 World Ski Championships.

Passo Gardena is one of the classic road-bike climbs in the Dolomites and has featured 18 times in the Giro d’Italia. Cyclists can ride the road without restrictions, including under the plans to limit cars.

The two climbs

• From Selva di Val Gardena: about 11 km and 560 m of climbing, average gradient 5.3% with ramps around 11%. Up to the junction near Plan de Gralba it is the same road as the Sella Pass.
• From Corvara via Colfosco: about 10 km and 600 m, slightly steeper on average. The first pass of the Sellaronda if you ride anticlockwise.

Summer traffic is heavy, motorbikes included: start early in the morning.

Sellaronda Bike Day

Two days a year the roads over the four passes around the Sella close to motor vehicles and belong to cyclists. The announced dates for 2027 are Saturday 5 June and Saturday 11 September, with roads closed from 9am to 4pm. The loop is about 54 km with about 1,700 m of climbing. No registration, and it is not a race. The recommended direction is anticlockwise from Corvara, where there is parking for cyclists. Thousands of riders take part.

Mountain biking

From the top of the Dantercepies gondola two easy trails of the Gardena Trail Arena start: the Giara Trail (1.6 km, 160 m descent) ends at the pass and can be repeated with the Cir chairlift; the Tiera Line (1.4 km) runs down to the mid-station. On the Val Badia side, the Frara single trail descends 4.1 km and 456 m. The pass is also on the Sellaronda MTB Tour. Note: bikes are not allowed on the pass buses, and some lifts don’t carry them.

You already start at 2,121 m, or at 2,300 m with the Dantercepies gondola. Times and climbs are those published by the lift company and the tourist boards.

Passo Gardena loop (easy)

4 km, about 2 hours, 160 m up and down. From the top of Dantercepies you pass Rifugio Jimmi, drop to the pass and return through the Cudlea meadows. Shorten it with the Cir chairlift. Good for families.

Passo Cir (moderate)

4 km, about 2.5 hours, 300 m of climbing, high point 2,470 m. The trail threads through the Cir spires on Alta Via 2. A lot of scenery for little effort.

Puez plateau and Vallunga (hard)

14.5 km, about 6.5 hours, 490 m up and 1,120 m down. You climb to Forcella Crespeina (2,530 m), cross the Puez plateau to Rifugio Puez and descend the Vallunga valley to Selva, passing Lake Crespeina. A full day for fit hikers; take the bus back up to the pass.

Rifugio Pisciadù via Val Setus (hard)

8 km return, about 5 hours, 650 m of climbing (500 m with the Cir chairlift). You climb the Val Setus gully to the hut on the Sella plateau. Just before the hut there is a short, easy protected section: you need to be sure-footed. The hut is open from June to September.

Brigata Tridentina via ferrata

The best-known via ferrata in the area, and a busy one. It starts from the car park on the Colfosco side, east of the pass (“Parcheggio Pisciadù” bus stop), with about 15 minutes of approach. The protected route climbs about 530 m, is graded C (moderate) and crosses a suspension bridge between the Exner Tower and the wall. You reach Rifugio Pisciadù and descend via Val Setus or Val Mezdì. Allow 4–5 hours in total. You need a harness, helmet, via ferrata set and experience; start early and avoid weekends.

Cir via ferratas

Above the pass there are two short via ferratas. Gran Cir (2,578 m) is easy: about 2 hours and 460 m, a good first one. Pitla Cir (2,514 m) is moderate: about 1.5 hours and 410 m. Full kit and a helmet are required.

On foot from Colfosco or Selva

From Colfosco: about 7 km, 2 hours, 500 m. From Plan above Selva: 3.5 km, about 2 hours, 516 m. From Selva via the Dantercepies valley station: about 2.5 hours, 650 m.

In winter the pass is where two ski areas meet: Dantercepies (Val Gardena) and Colfosco (Alta Badia). Both are part of Dolomiti Superski and of the Sellaronda, the 44 km ski circuit around the Sella massif.

Dantercepies

The Dantercepies area has 13 km of runs and 700 m of vertical. The gondola climbs from Selva to 2,300 m; the Cir chairlift links the pass with the top station. Main runs:

• Dantercepies: 2.8 km and 658 m down to Selva, blue/red. The easiest way down to the village.
• Cir: 2.7 km and 680 m, black. The 1970 World Championships run.
• La Ria: 2.1 km and 310 m, black.
• Short blue and red runs around the pass: Costabella, Risaccia, Frea, Val Setus, Panorama.

Colfosco and Alta Badia

From the pass you ski down to Colfosco and Corvara into the Alta Badia area: 130 km of runs and 53 lifts, about 70 km of them easy. The 2026/27 season in Alta Badia runs from 4 December 2026 to 4 April 2027. From Colfosco, the Plans–Frara lift takes you back towards Rifugio Jimmi and the pass.

Sellaronda and lift passes

For the Sellaronda you need the Dolomiti Superski pass, valid in 12 ski areas with about 1,200 km of runs. For 2026/27 an adult day pass in high season costs €89 and a 6-day pass €453 (official Dolomiti Superski prices). Local lift pass prices for 2026/27 have not been published yet: check dolomitisuperski.com before you go.

Summer (June–September). The season for hiking and via ferratas. In 2026 the Dantercepies gondola ran from 12 June to 4 October. In July the Plans de Frea meadows are in flower. July and August are also the busiest months for traffic: South Tyrol’s tourist board advises avoiding 9–11am.

June and September. Fewer people and the two Sellaronda Bike Days. Early in the season there may still be snow on the highest trails.

October and November. Lifts and many huts closed: a quiet pass with few services.

Winter (December–April). Skiing on the Sellaronda from early December. The pass road is normally open all year, except for temporary closures after heavy snowfall: check the provincial traffic centre and carry winter tyres or chains.

There is very little accommodation at the pass itself. Stay in one of the villages below, about 10–11 km by road on either side. Pick the side that fits your plans.

• Selva di Val Gardena: the nearest village on the Gardena side, with the Dantercepies gondola: in winter you are straight onto the Sellaronda, in summer you reach the pass without a car. Plenty of hotels, apartments and B&Bs. Best for skiers and bus users.
• Plan de Gralba: a higher hamlet of Selva at the Gardena/Sella junction. Few places to stay, close to the slopes; little going on in the evening. For skiers and cyclists who start early.
• Colfosco: the nearest village on the Val Badia side, quieter. Plans–Frara lift, and the start of the Tridentina via ferrata is close. For families and hikers.
• Corvara in Badia: Alta Badia’s main village, with more choice. Start of bus 473 and of the Sellaronda Bike Day.
• Ortisei: lower down and further from the pass, but the largest village in Val Gardena, with the best connections. Good if you also want to visit Seceda.

Without a car, choose Selva or Corvara, with buses to the pass. Many places in Val Gardena give guests the Guest Pass, which makes public buses free.

By car

Take the A22 Brenner motorway to the Chiusa/Val Gardena exit, follow the Val Gardena road to Selva and then the SS243 to the pass (about 11 km from Selva). From Val Badia: drive up to Corvara and Colfosco, then the SS243 (about 10 km). The road has many hairpins and is very busy in summer, with plenty of motorbikes and cyclists. If you rent a car at the airport, make sure it has winter tyres in the cold season.

Traffic restrictions: what applies in 2026 and 2027

In spring 2026 many reports said the pass would close to private cars from September. That did not happen. The Province of Bolzano confirmed there are no barriers, permits or reservations in 2026. From 22 September to 5 October 2026 there was only a digital test: voluntary registration of your crossing, a questionnaire and random checks, with no new rules or fines.

The province is working on a seasonal limited-traffic zone on the SS243. Press reports describe possible rules for summer 2027 (free passage for residents and authorised groups, a small number of online bookable slots for others), but no regulation has been adopted. Before you travel, check the project site Dolomites Low Emission and the provincial traffic centre.

By bus

In summer line 473 runs hourly between Val Badia and Val Gardena over the pass, stopping at Corvara, Colfosco, Parcheggio Pisciadù and Passo Gardena. From Val Gardena you usually take the 350 or 352 to Plan de Gralba and change to the 473; early in the morning there is also a direct bus from Ortisei. The Val Gardena Guest Pass or a Mobilcard covers the buses; children up to 6 travel free. No bikes on the pass buses. Timetables at suedtirolmobil.info.

By train

The nearest stations are on the Brenner line: Ponte Gardena, Chiusa, Bressanone and Bolzano. From there bus 350 climbs into Val Gardena as far as Selva. The FRECCIALink service combines train and bus from several Italian cities to Selva.

By air

Distances to Val Gardena: Bolzano 40 km, Innsbruck 120 km, Verona 190 km, Treviso 230 km, Venice and Bergamo 270 km, Munich 300 km, Milan Malpensa 350 km. Bolzano airport has SkyAlps flights, some from London (seasonal). Direct AltoAdigeBus coaches run from most of these airports to Val Gardena; from the valley continue by bus or car to the pass.

Parking

Spaces at the pass are few and fill up quickly in July and August. Roadside parking is banned and fined, wild camping is not allowed and there are no public toilets. The easiest option is to leave the car in Selva and ride the Dantercepies gondola (summer 2026: €19 one way, €28 return for adults), or take the bus.

• Sella Pass (2,218 m): from the junction near Plan de Gralba, below the Sassolungo.
• Passo Pordoi: the highest of the four Sellaronda passes, towards Val di Fassa.
• Seceda: the Odle ridge above Ortisei, cable car with booking.
• Alta Badia: Corvara, Colfosco and La Villa, with the Gran Risa run, on the other side of the pass.
• Vallunga: the side valley above Selva in the Puez-Odle park, where the Puez hike ends.

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