From the Maratona dles Dolomites to the Sellaronda, Alta Badia delivers bucket-list riding in the heart of the Dolomites.
Epic mountain passes, traffic-free riding and some of the most iconic roads in the sport make Alta Badia one of Europe’s great cycling destinations.
Set in the South Tyrolean Dolomites, Alta Badia has long held a special place in the imagination of cyclists. Surrounded by peaks recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this is a region where road riding, gravel adventures, e-biking and mountain biking all come together in one of the most dramatic landscapes in Europe. More than simply a base for a cycling holiday, Alta Badia offers direct access to some of the sport’s most legendary climbs — from the Pordoi and Sella to Gardena, Falzarego, Giau and even the formidable Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
What makes the area stand out is not only the quality of the riding, but the breadth of it. Strong road cyclists can test themselves on long Alpine ascents and famous mountain passes, while less experienced riders can explore the region on gentler routes, guided tours or pedal-assisted e-bikes. Add in Ladin culture, mountain cuisine and a growing emphasis on sustainable tourism, and Alta Badia starts to feel less like a destination and more like a complete cycling ecosystem.
The Maratona remains the main event
For many riders, Alta Badia is synonymous with the Maratona dles Dolomites-Enel, one of Europe’s most celebrated granfondos. The 39th edition is scheduled for Sunday 5 July, and organisers reported 32,400 applications from 85 nationalities, underlining the event’s international draw. This year’s theme is Pax, with the event positioned not only as a sporting challenge but also as a symbolic ride built around the idea of peace and shared experience in the mountains.
The appeal of the Maratona has always been the route itself. Riders take on some of the Dolomites’ best-known passes, including Campolongo, Sella, Pordoi, Gardena, Giau, Falzarego and Valparola. There are three traffic-free options: the full 138km Maratona route with 4,230 metres of climbing, a 106km medium course with 3,130 metres, and the shorter 55km Sella Ronda course with 1,780 metres of elevation gain. It is this combination of challenge, scenery and atmosphere that has elevated the event to near-mythical status among amateur cyclists.
There is also a newer challenge for riders wanting to push even further. The SuperMaratona, presented with mountaineer Hervé Barmasse, strings together all the climbs featured across the Maratona’s history in a single 285km route with 8,400 metres of elevation gain over 13 Dolomite passes. It is described as a personal challenge above all else — less about racing, more about measuring yourself against the terrain and the history of the event.
Traffic-free days in the Dolomites
Even for those not lucky enough to secure a Maratona place, Alta Badia still offers unforgettable riding. The Sellaronda Bike Day and Dolomites Bike Day provide rare opportunities to ride major mountain roads without motor traffic, opening up the passes to cyclists of all levels in a relaxed, non-competitive atmosphere. No entry is required, and that accessibility is a big part of their appeal.
The Sellaronda Bike Day takes place on 6 June and again on 12 September, with roads around the Sella Group closed from 8:30am to 4:00pm. The counter-clockwise route covers 53km and includes 1,637 metres of climbing. A few weeks later, on 20 June, the Dolomites Bike Day rolls out over the Campolongo, Falzarego and Valparola passes, tracing a 51km loop with 1,370 metres of elevation gain, with road closures in place from 8:30am to 2:30pm. Both events capture something increasingly rare in modern cycling: the chance to ride iconic roads in peace, surrounded only by mountains and fellow riders.
More than a road cycling destination
While Alta Badia’s reputation has been built on road cycling, the region’s appeal stretches much further. In June and July 2026, it will again host Bike Guided Tours, with five weekly outings from Monday to Friday, led by local cycling experts. Among the featured destinations are classics such as the Sellaronda, Passo Fedaia and Passo Giau, with participation priced at €40. For visitors who want local insight without the stress of planning every climb and turn, it is an easy way into the best riding the region has to offer.
For riders who prefer a less demanding day in the saddle, Alta Badia is investing heavily in e-bike access. Its E-Bike Sharing service allows cyclists to collect and return bikes at the upper stations of the Col Alto, Piz La Ila and Piz Sorega lifts, making it possible to reach panoramic points and the Movimënt parks at around 2,000 metres altitude without the full physical toll of a major Alpine climb. The lifts can also transport bikes, reducing the need for car travel and making it easier to link different areas of the valley in a more sustainable way.
Mountain bikers are equally well served. The Bike Beats Movimënt trails offer flowing downhill lines with berms and jumps, while the area also provides access to the Sellaronda by MTB, a high-altitude circuit best tackled with an experienced guide. For gravel riders, the region has expanded its offer with routes through forests, meadows and traditional Ladin settlements, including beginner-friendly rides and tougher mixed-surface itineraries near the Fanes-Senes-Braies and Puez-Odle natural parks.
Built around the cyclist
Perhaps the most convincing argument for Alta Badia is how comprehensively it caters to riders. Maps, guides, hire services, specialist shops and cyclist-friendly restaurants are all part of the offer, while certified Bike Expert and Bike Friendly accommodation includes secure storage, washing and repair areas, maintenance tools, laundry services and rider-focused food options. Even the lifts transport bikes free of charge, removing another common friction point for cycling holidays in the mountains.
Partnerships with major cycling brands such as Castelli and Cicli Pinarello reinforce the resort’s standing, but Alta Badia’s real strength is not branding — it is the riding itself. Few places can match the sheer concentration of famous climbs, varied terrain and organised cycling experiences found here. Whether you arrive chasing a personal best on the Maratona route, looking for a family-friendly e-bike holiday, or simply wanting to ride spectacular roads without traffic, Alta Badia makes a persuasive case as one of the finest cycling destinations in the Alps.
