When (and Why) You Should Bike the Dolomites.

The Dolomites are top ranked in most cyclists’ bucket lists. As one of the most important mountain ranges in Italy (and one of the most important during each edition of the Giro d’Italia), biking the Dolomites is an experience of a lifetime. However, proper planning when to go will give you the ultimate experience.

Many cyclists travel with Ciclismo Classico since we’ve been living the mountain lifestyle for almost three decades. From Bolzano to Trento, you’ll see why the Dolomites are a protected UNESCO heritage site. However, many of our guests don’t realize that Passo dello Stelvio is not part of the actual Dolomite chain. Luckily, Ciclismo Classico brings you to the passes you want to climb, regardless of their geographic title.

So before we delve into when to go, which alpine passes are in the Dolomites? Let’s take a look at what the Dolomites are, precisely.

More Than A Name

The Dolomites are a mountain chain in the northeastern corner of Italy (between Italy and Austria). These hills were only recently given the title “Dolomites” by Marquis Déodat Gratet de Dolomieu (1750 – 1801). This French geologist was fascinated at the rhomboid-crystal composition of the mountains. In fact, de Dolomieu noticed the unique white – almost “pale” – complexion which adorned the mountainside. Under further study through international circles, Dolomieu’s team discovered a new compound composed of a double carbonate containing calcium and magnesium. As a recognition of this new compound, the scientific team called it “Dolomite” in honor of its discoverer.

Geographically, the Dolomites lie west of the city of Bolzano, northeast of Trento and north of Belluno. So when you’re looking for mountains to climb (and delicious food to eat) the Dolomites should be your first choice.

When Should I Go to The Dolomites?

The Dolomites are at high elevation. Most of the highest peaks are over 3,000 meters tall. Many of the bikeable passes are between 2,000-3,000 meters. Considering most high-altitude locations are dicey in cold weather, you wouldn’t want to attack any of the mountain passes during the rainy seasons (October – April). Attempting an ascent from the late spring through the summer sets you up for a successful trip.

Choosing to go in the summer limits the possibility of finding rain or snow on the roads, or discovering a snow fall has blocked the passes. Ciclismo Classico runs its legendary Majestic Dolomites departure all summer long. Our trips next year begin on July 5th and Aug 23rd. We consider this to be the best time of the year to have great weather in the mountains.

More Sun, More Fun

But it isn’t just the weather you should consider. Amateur cyclists need long sunlight-filled days. Hitting the passes during the pinnacle summer solstice is crucial. The more popular climbs can last over 20 km. You need the time and light to ascend each legendary pass. And you shouldn’t go alone: travel with a friend and – ideally – a support vehicle.

Ciclismo Classico has all of that. Our expert guides have the means and the knowledge necessary to get you up and over the passes. So in the rare event of a flash rain storm or strong winds, we can attempt a different ascent over another pass in the Dolomites.

The Real Passo dello Stelvio

Most people wrongly assume that Passo dello Stelvio is part of the Dolomites. Well, it isn’t. Imagine the surprise when cyclists arrive to bike the Dolomites on their own and discover that Stelvio – a 24 km climb with its unique 48 switchbacks – is a three-hour car ride away.

Ciclismo Classico takes you to Passo dello Stelvio in style. Many of the mountains around Stelvio belong to a range called the Alpi Venoste. However, Stelvio is on the Dolomite’s doorstep. We tackle this important pass from the Venosta valley before continuing our way over to the classic Dolomites, through Bolzano.

The Best Time of Year Needs the Best Route

With mild temperatures and lots of sunshine you should consider the best route to maximize your enjoyment. Consider which side of the passes you’ll need to summit (some are steeper than others). Once again, Ciclismo Classico has it all figured out.

We start out of Glorenza in the western part of the Venosta valley and ride through Switzerland. We come up toward the summit of Passo dello Stelvio just six kilometers away from the top. And what an amazing place: local restaurants and cafes, outdoor bars and local sausage food-trucks. There is an entire community of cyclists and bicycle enthusiasts at the zenith, waiting for comrades and fellow roadies to make their way to the top.

After Passo dello Stelvio, we make our way down-valley towards Bolzano. We summit the well-known passes Mendola and Paulade on the southwestern side of the city. Making our way northeast from Bolzano on day 3, we summit Passo Pinei and make our way to the small mountain village of Canazei, hometown to our own guide Gianpaolo Fosco.

We continue our route through Marmolada, Falzarego and the stunning Sella Ronda. Choosing the right time to bike the Dolomites is also important for the exceptional views you’ll have along the way.

Don’t Forget the Alpenglow

In the late fall or the early spring you’ll find low-hanging clouds around the Cima Pordoi. These prevent you from enjoying the gorgeous views of the late evening sunlight illuminating the mountains with its rose hues. The most impressive aspect of the Dolomites is this reflective rock, able to express the fabulous spectrum of its mineral composition. During the day, enjoy the climbs, but don’t miss an evening in the Dolomites.

Biking in Italy

Perhaps you’ve never bicycled in Italy and the thought of traffic concerns you. Our early July Ciclismo Classico Dolomites trip is a perfect opportunity to encounter fewer cars on the road and have a special personal experience.

Along the same lines, if you travel to the Dolomites after ferragosto (after August 15th) you will find fewer Italians on vacation and more open roads. Luckily, Ciclismo Classico has you covered on both ends of the calender: whether an early season departure or a late season departure, you’ll have the opportunity for memories of a lifetime.

In addition, biking through the streets of Italy is a must for everyone. The respect and consideration the motorists show cyclists are unparalelled. All Italians have had a bike at some point in their life and they appreciate the multitude of cyclists, actively biking up these challenging roads. It is a wonderful moment, as you approach the top hearing the cars cheering and waving on your accomplishment.

Other Summer Fun

There are some exceptional cycling events in the Dolomites during this same time period. For decades the Maratona dles Dolomites has been a contest of physical ability and will. One of the pinnacle Italian granfondo, the Maratona offers three different course options (55 km, 106 km, and 138 km) though some incredibly hilly terrain. After beginning with the Sella Ronda on closed-roads, you have the option of continuing over Passo Giau and Falzarego if you challenge yourself to the extreme. This one-day event is just before our early summer departure, so you’ll be ready to go with us if you finish the short course!

Another spectacular activity is the Sella Ronda Bike Day. In response to the popular Maratona dles Dolomiets, the organizers of local Dolomite bike events have scheduled the Sella Ronda Bike Day for June 27, 2020. This is a closed-road event meaning there is no motorized traffic. Open to families and anyone eager to get on a bike and ride through this wonderful mountain paradise, it is a great way to spend the day in the Dolomites.

If you’re looking to spend some quality time in the Dolomites, join Ciclismo Classico in July and August on our Majestic Dolomites trip. Or – if you’re into our Top Guide Tour Series – join Marcello Bonini and Gianpaolo Fosco in an incredible trip of the senses. Contact us to find out!