Jouf de Sela - Passo Sella - Sellajoch
Pass · 2240 m · Dolomites
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Passo Sella crowns one of the four passes that ring the Sella massif, connecting Val Gardena to Canazei's Val di Fassa. It forms the Sella Ronda circuit with Pordoi, Gardena and Campolongo, and is the third of seven passes on the Maratona dles Dolomites race. Marco Pantani first wore the Giro's pink jersey after cresting Passo Sella in 1998, the race's Cima Coppi that year.
Archaeological finds place people crossing the pass as far back as the Stone Age, long before any road existed. The route wasn't paved until the 1850s, and the new road opened the valley to tourism. Three of the huts built in that first wave still operate today. The Valentini hut, from 1884, is the oldest in the area. The summit's own Rifugio Passo Sella dates to 1903, and the Maria Flora tavern followed in 1934.
What you see
The jagged spires of the Sassolungo group rise on one side of the road, the sheer wall of the Sella massif on the other.
Practical
The road closes to motor traffic for Sellaronda Bike Day, one Saturday each in June and September, when cyclists have the full 55 km loop over Gardena, Sella, Pordoi and Campolongo to themselves, with no registration or fee.
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