Pordoi Pass – Stunning Views and Easy Walks in the Dolomites Pordoi Pass – Cable...
Read MorePordoi Pass – Stunning Views and Easy Walks in the Dolomites
Pordoi Pass – Cable Car, Panoramic Views & Easy Walks in the Dolomites
Pordoi Pass (Passo Pordoi) is one of the most spectacular mountain passes in the Dolomites, offering breathtaking views whether you arrive by car, motorbike, or on foot. Sitting at an altitude of 2,239 meters, it connects Canazei in Val di Fassa with Arabba in the Livinallongo valley.
The pass is also the starting point of the famous cable car to Sass Pordoi — known as the “Terrace of the Dolomites” — where the surrounding peaks seem close enough to touch. Even if you don’t plan to hike far, the panoramic viewpoint and short walking paths near the top make it a must-visit stop on any Dolomites itinerary.
The Pordoi Pass is one of four Alpine passes surrounding the Sella Group (Sella, Gröden, Campolongo, and Pordoi).
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Getting There, parking and useful tips
Getting There
The Pordoi Pass lies on the scenic SR48 road between Canazei and Arabba. It’s one of the four famous passes surrounding the Sella Group (together with Sella, Gardena, and Campolongo Passes), making it a popular stop on any Dolomites road trip.
By car:
The road is steep and winding but well-maintained. Canazei is the most common access point, about 15 minutes away from the top of the pass.
By bus:
During summer, buses (471 and 472) connect Canazei, Corvara, and Arabba with the Pordoi Pass. Always check current schedules before traveling: South Tyrol Mobility – Timetables
Parking
You’ll find several parking lots at the top of the pass, both free and paid, located along the main road and near the Sass Pordoi cable car station.
In peak season (July–August), it’s best to arrive early as spaces fill up quickly.
Where to stay near Pordoi Pass
You can stay right at the top of the pass or in the nearby villages of Canazei or Arabba:
Hotel Col di Lana – Traditional alpine hotel located directly across from the cable car base station, with cozy rooms and a panoramic restaurant.
Hotel Savoia – Also at the top of the pass, offering sauna, jacuzzi, and scenic mountain views.
Useful Tips
Weather: Even in summer, temperatures at 2,950 meters can be cold and windy — bring layers and a light rain jacket.
Safety: Avoid hiking towards Piz Boé if the path is snowy or icy.
Food: The upper station has a panoramic restaurant (Rifugio Maria), or bring your own snack for a short walk.
Family-friendly: The cable car and short walks are great for families, but the Piz Boé hike is better for experienced hikers.
- Hiking: There are hiking and walking trails of varying difficulty in the area, making it an excellent choice for families with children and even if you want to conquer one of the highest peaks in the Dolomites.
Sass Pordoi cable car – walk at 2,950 meters
Sass Pordoi Cable Car
The Funivia Sass Pordoi is one of the most scenic rides in the Dolomites. In just four minutes, it takes you from the Pordoi Pass (2,239 m) to the Sass Pordoi viewpoint (2,950 m).
From the top, a 360° panorama opens up — the Sassolungo, Marmolada Glacier, Catinaccio, and even distant peaks of Austria and Switzerland are visible on clear days.
Operating season: mid-June to early October (weather dependent)
Round-trip ticket: approx. €30 adult / €18 child
More info: Official Sass Pordoi Website
In the valley station building of the Pordoi pass cable car, there is a World War I museum that tells the story of the fierce battles in the Col di Lana and Marmolada mountains.
At the upper station, you’ll find Rifugio Maria, an excellent spot for lunch or coffee with a view. Short walking paths circle the rocky plateau, perfect for soaking in the incredible scenery.
Walk on the Sass Pordoi peak
After reaching an altitude of 2,950 meters by cable car, you will find yourself among the moon-like rocks of the Dolomites. Here, you can walk around the plateau on a trail nearly 1,000 meters long, admiring the surrounding mountains. Stepping out of the cable car, you can see Sassolungo, Alpe di Siusi and Catinaccio to the west, Val di Fassa valley and Marmolada glacier (the highest mountain in the Dolomites) to the south, and the Sella group and its highest peak, Piz Boè, to the east. When the sky is clear, you can even see the Swiss and Austrian Alps.
The Pordoi Pass and the Sass Pordoi cable car should be on every hiker’s bucket list, even if you’re not heading for the summit of Piz Boé. Even a short walk is enough to experience the breathtaking tranquility of the high mountains. And if the weather is good and the trail is passable, conquering Piz Boé offers a true Dolomite experience.
Hiking near the Pordoi Pass
Piz Boé Hike (for Experienced Hikers)
The Piz Boé (3,152 m) is the highest peak of the Sella Group. Due to the short lift ride, it is often considered one of the “easiest” 3,000-meter peaks in the Dolomites. From the top of Sass Pordoi, a steep trail leads to the summit, usually taking around 2.5–3 hours round trip. However, early in the season, the route is often covered with snow and may not be safe. When we visited in mid-June, much of the path was still snow-covered — so we decided to save the climb for another trip.
Short Walks & Sights Around Pordoi Pass
If you’re not planning a long hike, there are still several easy trails starting directly from the pass:
Memorial Germanico del Passo Pordoi
A short walk leads to this impressive circular memorial dedicated to the soldiers who fell during both World Wars. This gentle walk is about 3,5 km round trip. It’s a peaceful place with stunning views of the serpentine road below and the Sella massif.
Croce Campestre Chapel
Just a few minutes’ walk from the parking area, this small mountain chapel offers a tranquil viewpoint. This is an ideal stop before or after your cable car ride.
Final Thoughts
Even if you’re not planning a challenging hike, Pordoi Pass is one of the most rewarding places to visit in the Dolomites.
Take the cable car to the sky-high terrace, enjoy a walk among lunar-like rocks, and breathe in the peaceful silence of the mountains.
Whether it’s for a scenic drive, a day trip, or a short hike, Pordoi Pass is truly an unforgettable stop in the heart of the Dolomites.
Need help planning your trip?
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Here are my favourite sites to use when planning my trips:
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Find your flight: Kiwi or use the airline’s direct website
Book your Hotel: Booking.com and Airbnb
Search for a rental car: Discovercars
Stay Connected Anywhere: Airalo eSIM
Book an unforgettable experiences: GetYourGuide
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Source: Wandering Linda
Photos: Wandering Linda
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