Sella group

The Sella massif lies in the centre of the Dolomites, which have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by the four Dolomite passes Passo Gardena, Passo Campolongo, Passo Pordoi and Passo Sella, the mountain massif is easily accessible. While the Sellaronda offers ideal conditions for skiers and mountain bikers, the Sella Towers attract climbers from all over the world. At an altitude of 3,152 metres, Piz Boè is the highest peak of the Sella massif. To the east of the massif is the Boè Group, which is separated from the Mëisules Group to the north-west by the Val Lasties leading south into the Val di Fassa. In the opposite direction, the Val Mezdì leads north towards Colfosco and separates the Boè Group from the Pisciadù Group. The Murfreid Group is the northernmost subgroup of the Sella Group.

Sella Group: Facts

• Altitude: 3,152 m
• Highest point: Piz Boè
• Province: South Tyrol, Trentino, Belluno
• Country: Italy
• Passes:Passo Gardena, Passo Campolongo, Passo Pordoi, Passo Sella
• Valleys: Val Gardena, Val Badia, Pieve di Livinallongo, Val di Fassa
• Towns:Selva, Corvara, Arabba, Canazei
• Lakes: Boe, Gelato, Pisciadù, Lech dl Dragon

Piz Boè: The highest mountain in the Sella

At an altitude of 3,152 metres, Piz Boé is the highest mountain and the only three-thousand-metre peak in the Sella Group. The provinces of South Tyrol, Belluno and Trentino border on its summit. First climbed by Paul Grohmann in 1864, the summit is now easy to reach: From the mountain station of the Pordoi cable car to the summit of Piz Boè, it takes around 1.5 hours to cover 561 metres in altitude. Once at the highest point of the Sella, hikers are treated to a 360-degree panorama in a class of its own. The return journey leads back to the cable car at Sass Pordoi.

Several marvellous hiking trails lead through the Sella Group. A special experience is guaranteed on the Dolomites High Trail No. 2, which leads from Brixen to Feltre. The entrance to the Sella is via the Passo Gardena. A real highlight on this trail is the climb through the Val Setus, which leads to the Pisciadù Hut. For mountain lovers, a crossing of the Sella is also interesting, which follows part of the Dolomites High Route No. 2. As this tour leads at over 3,000 metres and includes some challenging climbs, fitness, surefootedness and appropriate equipment are essential.

Hikes with a good view of the Sella

The Sella Group also reveals its beauty from afar. Numerous hikes in Val Gardena offer you an excellent view of the Sella massif and the opportunity to take fascinating photos of this landmark of the Dolomites. These hikes include the circular trail to the Stevia Hut, the Puez Circuit through the Puez-Odle Nature Park, the small Sassolungo circuit and the hike around the Sassolungo group.

The Sella massif is a hotspot for via ferrata climbers in South Tyrol. The via ferratas in the Sella Group in particular are great fun and offer you a sporting challenge. The most famous via ferratas in the massif include the Vallon via ferrata, the Pisciadù via ferrata, the Mesules via ferrata, which is over 100 years old and still popular, and the Piazzetta via ferrata. None of the via ferratas in the Sella Group should be underestimated. Be sure to check the current weather conditions and only venture onto the via ferrata if you are well equipped and prepared.

The Sellaronda around the Sella massif is one of the most famous ski circuits in the alps. Spectacular views and wonderful descents await you on around 40 kilometres, over 20 of which are covered by cable cars. In summer, the Sellaronda is a popular destination for mountain bikers.

Sellaronda in winter

If you love skiing and fancy an unforgettable day tour in the Dolomites, you should definitely consider the Sellaronda for your next holiday in Val Gardena. You only need one ski pass to use the lifts on the ski circuit, which can be travelled in both directions: the Dolomiti Superski ski pass. You can expect five pretty villages, spectacular views, the crossing of four Dolomite passes and lots of skiing fun on one of the most famous ski circuits in the whole of the alps. In March, an exciting ski marathon is held on the Sellaronda.

Sellaronda in summer

In summer, the Sellaronda is a paradise for mountain bikers. On Sellaronda Bike Day, the Dolomite passes of the circuit are closed to car traffic and the way is cleared for a top-class cycling spectacle. The HERO Dolomites bike race, which takes place the day before the Sellaronda Bike Day, is regarded as the toughest mountain bike marathon of all. Look forward to emotional moments and plenty of thrills. During the summer months, recreational mountain bikers have the chance to ride the Sellaronda MTB tour and not only enjoy magnificent views, but also push their own limits. Bikes can be taken on the lifts that you use on this MTB tour.

Given the magical and beautiful appearance of the Sella Group, it makes sense that numerous legends and myths surround the mountain massif in the Dolomites. The best known is the story of the forest woman Gana, who, according to legend, lived in the Val Mezdì and stopped at the Pecëi farm in autumn. The son of the farmer's family fell in love with the wild beauty and married her after promising Gana never to touch her with the back of his hand. When he broke his promise, Gana turned pale, cried out loudly and was never seen again.