Less publicised than its neighbours the Sella or the Pordoi, Passo San Pellegrino remains one of the essential crossings of the Dolomites, linking the Fassa valley to the Biois valley by way of a climb that is both demanding and approachable.
A steady climb to 1,918 metres
From Moena, the road climbs 11.41 km for 778 m of elevation gain, averaging 6.8%. The profile, more regular than most of the range’s big passes, alternates stretches around 7-8% with a few flat sections, before opening onto the pass plateau, ringed by the limestone walls typical of the Dolomites.
A pass regularly used by the Giro d’Italia
Passo San Pellegrino has been climbed several times by the Giro d’Italia over the decades, fitting naturally into the great mountain stages crossing the Dolomites. Its central position, between the Marmolada and Civetta massifs, makes it a strategic link between the region’s most iconic passes.
Getting the ride right
A compact or triple crankset is more than enough to get through the few steeper stretches without being put in difficulty. A lightweight windbreaker jacket is useful for the descent, often cool even in the height of summer at this altitude.
When to go
June to September, as the road is generally closed or snow-covered the rest of the year like most of the great Dolomites passes. July and August offer the most stable conditions, with moderate traffic on weekdays.
Good to know
Moena and Falcade, at either end of the ascent, offer a wide choice of accommodation and convenient access to the area’s other great passes such as the Sellaronda or Passo Pordoi, for building a complete pass-hunting stay in the Dolomites.
