From Corvara (4,993 ft / 1,522 m) to Passo Gardena (6,959 ft / 2,121 m) it’s 5.8 miles (9.3 km) at an average of 6.5% with 1,972 ft (601 m) of climbing, according to CyclingCols. Climbfinder gives 5.7 miles (9.1 km) and 1,969 ft (600 m); salite.ch, 6.0 miles (9.6 km) and 1,965 ft (599 m). It’s a short, steady climb, perfect for linking with the other Sella passes.
What the climb is like
It leaves Corvara heading west and climbs an open slope, with meadows and ski runs on either side. The grade is very consistent: almost always between 6 and 8%, with a maximum of 10% according to CyclingCols (Climbfinder gives 11.9% for the steepest 330 ft / 100 m). Near the top the road switchbacks up to the pass. Ahead of you are the towers of the Cir peaks (Pizes de Cir), which loom over the pass from the north.
There are mountain huts and restaurants at the top. From there the road descends toward Selva, in Val Gardena.
History
The Gardena often appears in the Giro d’Italia’s Dolomite stages. According to CyclingCols, riders first over the top include Mariano Piccoli (1993), José Rujano (2005), Rubén Plaza (2016) and Mikel Landa (2017).
It’s the fourth of the seven climbs in the Maratona dles Dolomites, which goes up the Selva side and comes down this one, and it’s part of the Sella Ronda, the loop around the Sella massif with the Pordoi, the Sella and the Campolongo. Every December, Ski World Cup races are held on either side of the pass: the Val Gardena downhill and the Gran Risa giant slalom in Alta Badia.
When to go, water and traffic
The best season runs from June to September. In summer there’s heavy traffic from tourists, motorcyclists and cyclists: start early. Fill your bottles in Corvara. The descent toward Selva is fast, with hairpin bends; watch for cars coming up.
What gearing to use
At 3 W/kg and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 8.1 mph (13 km/h) on 6.5%; with a 34x28 that’s about 85 rpm. A 34x28 handles this climb without trouble; if you arrive with several passes in your legs, a 34x30 gives you some margin. Compare options in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Climb it at a steady pace: there are no ramps that force big gear changes.
- This is the side you climb if you ride the Sella Ronda counterclockwise, after the Campolongo.
- Bring a wind jacket for the descent.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb Passo Gardena from Corvara?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 43 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 51 min at 2.5 W/kg and 33 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
Where does the Gardena come in the Maratona dles Dolomites?
It's the fourth of the event's seven climbs, after the Campolongo, the Pordoi and the Sella. But the Maratona climbs it from the other side, from Val Gardena, and descends toward Corvara.
How high is Passo Gardena?
CyclingCols, Climbfinder and salite.ch put it at 6,959 ft (2,121 m); English Wikipedia gives 7,008 ft (2,136 m).