Hi, I'm Kurt Wallant
I grew up on a farmstead between Ortisei and Castelrotto, in a large family where the mountains were part of everyday life. At six years old I was already hiking with my father and at eight I knew the trail names better than most adults. Since then I have never stopped walking.
A deep connoisseur of the Dolomites for over 15 years, I have turned my visceral love for high altitude into a reference point for over 10,000 travellers. I am the founder of Dolomites and Secret Places, the community born to share those remote and precious corners that escape mass tourism.
My golden rule is one: the true essence of the Dolomites reveals itself only to those with the patience to walk. I spend most of my life exploring the territory — I have covered over 2,000 km of trails and personally tested more than 80 hotels.
But the high-altitude experience cannot be complete without the right reward for the palate. I know the flavour map of these mountains inside out: I can tell you where to find the hut with the best canederli or the restaurant that reinterprets tradition with mastery.
Legendary passes, perfect curves
Val Gardena is directly connected to Passo Gardena, Passo Sella and Passo Pinei. From here you can build epic itineraries like the Sellaronda, the Grand Tour of 4 Passes, the Falzarego + Giau loop and much more. Within 50 km you have over 12 alpine passes.
✅ What You Can Do by Motorcycle
- Tackle the great Dolomite passes: Gardena, Sella, Pordoi, Campolongo, Giau, Falzarego, Fedaia
- Enjoy perfect curves and impeccable tarmac — South Tyrolean roads are among the best maintained in Europe
- Panoramic stops and mountain huts reachable by motorcycle or short walks
- Day tours without ever repeating the same route — over 12 passes within 50 km
🚫 What's Not Recommended
- Ride as if on a race track — the Dolomites are not a circuit, noise bounces off the rock walls
- Park outside designated spaces — meadows and roadsides are fragile habitats, fines are steep
- Tackle the passes on a full August weekend — between cyclists, cars and coaches, riding becomes stressful
- Trust the sat-nav in winter — many passes are closed from November to April
Legendary routes through the Dolomites
All start from or pass through Val Gardena. Perfect tarmac, dream curves, breathtaking panoramas.
1. Sellaronda by Motorcycle
Passo Sella – Gardena – Campolongo – Pordoi. The most iconic loop in the Dolomites. Four passes, four valleys, an unrepeatable experience.
2. Passo Giau + Falzarego
Technical curves and postcard panoramas. The Giau is the most technical pass in the Dolomites: it requires precision and focus.
3. Passo Fedaia + Marmolada
Flowing road and spectacular dam at the foot of the Queen of the Dolomites.
4. Passo Pinei + Alpe di Siusi
Perfect for warming up or a short ride with views over Europe's largest alpine plateau.
5. Passo Sella at Sunset
Leave after 6 pm: almost zero traffic, golden light on the Sassolungo. The most scenic pass in the Dolomites.
6. Passo Erbe Loop
Tight curves, forests and silence. A unique route, away from the crowds, rewarding those who love technical riding.
7. Passo Gardena + Corvara + La Villa
Wide curves, perfect tarmac and views over Alta Badia. Ideal for beginners on the Dolomite passes.
8. Passo Costalunga + Carezza
Lake Carezza with its Latemar reflections is a mandatory stop. Wide and flowing road.
9. Passo San Pellegrino + Moena
For those who love gentle curves and green landscapes. A relaxing route generous with varied scenery.
10. Passo Nigra + Tires + Sciliar
Technical, low traffic, very panoramic. A hidden gem for experienced riders.
Practical tips for motorcyclists
Weather changes in 10 minutes, checks are frequent and cyclists deserve respect. Here are the golden rules.
🕐 Leave early: passes are freer between 7:00 and 9:30.
🌦️ Always bring a windproof jacket: weather changes in 10 minutes.
⛽ Refuel in the valley: petrol stations at altitude are rare.
🚴 Respect cyclists: overtake only with full visibility, never honk the horn.
📸 Official rest areas only: never stop on a curve or in the middle of the road.
⛈️ Thunderstorm? Descend immediately: better a coffee at the bar than hail on the Sella.
"The Dolomites are a privilege, not a right. Respect them and they give you the most beautiful curves of your life. Approach them with arrogance and they quickly remind you who's in charge."
Hotels with garage, strategic location
Covered garage or secure motorcycle parking, strategic location for heading to the passes, immediate access to the SS242.
Hotel Talblick
Panoramic hotel above Ortisei, ideal for those seeking tranquillity.
🏍️ Garage · Panoramic view
Garni Snaltnerhof
Traditional B&B in the town centre.
🏍️ Motorcycle parking · Direct access to main road
Hotel La Cort
Modern hotel at the valley entrance (Roncadizza).
🏍️ Large parking · Perfect for arrivals from Bolzano
Garni Mirabel
Quiet B&B with views, between Ortisei and Santa Cristina.
🏍️ Outdoor parking · Quick departures
Hotel Niblea
Modern property between Ortisei and Castelrotto.
🏍️ Covered garage · Panoramic and quiet location
Hotel Cendevaves
Hotel in a panoramic position above Santa Cristina (Monte Pana).
🏍️ Motorcycle parking · Perfect for routes to Passo Sella
Hotel Cristallo
Elegant hotel with views of the Sassolungo.
🏍️ Covered garage · Great for departures towards Gardena
Arya Alpine Lodge
Modern and welcoming property.
🏍️ Motorcycle parking · Quiet but near main road
Hotel Freina
Hotel in a central position, near the lifts.
🏍️ Covered garage · Perfect for departures to Sella and Gardena
Hotel Salegg
Hotel near the Alpe di Siusi gondola.
🏍️ Motorcycle parking · Great for Tires and Passo Nigra
Hotel Waldrast
Property surrounded by greenery in Siusi.
🏍️ Motorcycle parking · Quiet and panoramic location
Hotel Alpenflora
Traditional hotel near Castelrotto centre.
🏍️ Covered garage · Perfect for curves towards Sciliar
The 15 most frequently asked questions
The ultimate guide for motorcyclists who want to experience Val Gardena and the Dolomite passes in the best way.
When is the best time to come by motorcycle?
The best months are June and September: perfect tarmac, manageable traffic, ideal temperatures. July and August are spectacular but the passes become crowded. May and October can be excellent, but it can snow at altitude even out of season.
Are the Dolomite passes always open?
No. From November to April many passes close for snow or avalanche risk: Sella, Gardena, Pordoi, Giau, Fedaia. Even in summer they can close for landslides or bad weather. Always check the pass status on the morning itself.
Where can I park my motorcycle safely?
All Val Gardena villages have secure parking. If you want peace of mind, choose a hotel with a covered garage. A sudden thunderstorm or hailstorm can damage your bike.
Which is the most technical pass?
Passo Giau. Tight curves, significant gradients, narrower road. It requires precision and good braking control. If it's your first time, tackle it after getting comfortable with Gardena and Sella.
Which is the most scenic pass?
Passo Sella. Every curve opens a new vista: Sassolungo, Sella, Marmolada. It's the pass that represents the essence of the Dolomites: vertical, dramatic, unique.
Where can I refuel?
You'll find reliable stations in Ortisei and Santa Cristina. There are none at altitude: don't wait for reserve before climbing the passes. Always fill up in the valley before a long ride.
Sellaronda: clockwise or anticlockwise?
Both are valid. Anticlockwise: more fluid, less traffic, more regular curves. Clockwise: more scenic, especially on the Sella and Pordoi. If it's your first time, do both.
How to behave around cyclists?
With patience and respect. Cyclists face brutal gradients and have as much right to the road as you. Overtake only with full visibility, never cut blind corners. Never honk: it startles and can cause falls.
What should I always carry?
The essentials: compact rain gear, spare gloves, water, tyre repair kit, power bank, light thermal layer. Weather changes in 10 minutes: you need to be ready.
Where to take photos without blocking traffic?
Only in official rest areas. Never stop on a curve, in the middle of the road or on meadows. Passes are narrow and very busy: a wrong stop can create real danger.
How to handle sudden weather changes?
If you see black clouds on the ridges, descend immediately. At altitude, storms arrive in 5 minutes. The rule: when in doubt, descend. Better a coffee at the bar than hail on the Sella.
Can I tackle the passes as a beginner?
Yes, but choose the right passes: Gardena → perfect to start. Costalunga → wide and flowing. Avoid Giau, Fedaia and Erbe until you feel confident. The Dolomites reward those who ride with humility.
Are the roads slippery?
Early morning yes, especially in shaded sections. Also be careful after storms: gravel washed by rain can be treacherous. In the forests, humidity lingers longer.
How to manage traffic on summer weekends?
The trick is timing. Leave before 9 am or after 5:30 pm. Avoid 10:30 am–4 pm, especially Saturday and Sunday. Cyclists are many and deserve respect.
What's the most common mistake motorcyclists make?
Riding as if they were on a race track. The Dolomites are not a circuit: they are a fragile ecosystem full of cyclists, hikers and families. The mountain must be respected: good riders go home with a smile, not a fine.
Impressum
Site Owner
BikeFriendly.it — The independent guide for motorcyclists in the Dolomites
Santa Cristina Val Gardena (BZ) — Italy
Content Manager
Kurt Wallant — Local territory expert, connoisseur of the Dolomite passes and promoter of responsible riding in the mountains.
Site Purpose
Neutral information on motorcycle routes, safety advice, scenic itineraries, bike-friendly hotels and services, mountain respect education. The site does not sell services, make bookings or receive commissions.
Responsibility & Privacy
Information is carefully curated and periodically updated. Pass status may change without notice. BikeFriendly.it does not collect personal user data except for voluntary email communications. The site loads fonts from Google Fonts, a service that may receive the visitor's IP address for font delivery (see Google Privacy Policy).