The Dolomites, by bike
The hairpins of a mountain pass, the old railway cycle path or an e-bike ride with time to stop along the way. In the Dolomites, a day on two wheels can take many forms.
From Dolomites Escapes in Serdes, explore the Boite Valley and plan rides into the mountains around Cortina. Afterwards, return to the quiet of the hamlet and the comfort of your own apartment.
01 / Road cycling
Giau, Falzarego, Valparola and Tre Croci: names that mean sustained climbs, mountain bends and memorable days to anyone who loves road cycling.
Passo Giau is one of the Dolomites’ landmark climbs. Approach it from the Cortina side or from Selva di Cadore, choosing a route that suits your fitness. Starting in San Vito means accounting for the ride to the climb and the journey home: this is a mountain day to plan, rather than a short spin from the doorstep.
Falzarego, Valparola and Tre Croci offer further possibilities, depending on the distance and elevation gain you want. Choose a single pass or link several climbs, leaving time for a stop and the views.
02 / The former railway
For riding largely away from traffic, the valley’s main route is the Lunga Via delle Dolomiti, connecting Calalzo di Cadore, San Vito, Cortina and Dobbiaco, much of it along the former railway.
From Serdes, join the route in San Vito. Head towards Cortina or ride down the valley through the villages of Cadore, choosing a distance that suits your day.
The Cortina–Calalzo section is predominantly paved and trends downhill towards Calalzo, although there are rises and connecting sections. North towards Dobbiaco, through Cimabanche, the route includes unpaved stretches, so choose your bike accordingly.
It can make a rewarding outing for families and e-bike riders when the section matches everyone’s experience. Crossings, gradients and the connection between the house and the cycle path should all be included in your plans.
03 / Beyond the tarmac
The unpaved section towards Dobbiaco is a good starting point for gravel and mountain-bike outings. Around the valley, forest roads and designated routes offer longer rides and more demanding terrain.
Not every walking trail is suitable or permitted for cycling. Follow designated cycling routes and check the surface, elevation gain and any restrictions.
An e-bike can help with the climbing, but terrain and battery range still matter. Leave room for a stop in a village or along the route: the day need not be measured only in kilometres.
Cycling meets the Dolomites
Gran fondo
One of the Dolomites’ best-known gran fondos, starting in Alta Badia and offering several routes over the mountain passes. The longest covers 138 km: a substantial undertaking that calls for training and planning.
Entry arrangements, participation requirements and road closures follow the rules of each edition. From Serdes, you will also need to plan the transfer to the start.
Roads reserved for bicycles
A chance to cycle around the Sella massif over the Sella, Gardena, Pordoi and Campolongo passes, with roads reserved for bicycles during the event’s designated hours.
It is not a race, but it is still a mountain circuit with climbs and descents. Check the dates, timings and participation arrangements for your chosen edition, and plan your transfer from San Vito.
Dolomites Escapes · Serdes
A shower, something to prepare in your own kitchen and time to rest after a day on the bike.
E-bike charging is available at Dolomites Escapes. Message us before arrival to agree the details and help us plan for your stay with your bicycles.
Before setting out
Yes. You can plan routes towards Giau, Falzarego, Valparola and Tre Croci. Distance and elevation gain depend on the approach and connections you choose, so account for the whole ride, including the return to Serdes.
The Lunga Via delle Dolomiti runs through San Vito and offers long sections away from motor traffic. Choose a distance and direction that suit your group, accounting for crossings, gradients and access from the house. The entire route is neither flat nor paved.
This may be possible with advance planning. Check seasonal bicycle transport services, stops, available spaces and conditions for carrying e-bikes.
It is a gran fondo starting in Alta Badia, with several routes over the Dolomite passes, including a 138 km long course. Participation is subject to the organiser’s entry process and requirements.
Yes. The cycle path towards Dobbiaco includes unpaved sections, and the wider area offers designated routes of varying difficulty. Always check that cycling is permitted and that the route suits your experience.
Yes, charging is available outside the house with your own charging sock. Contact us before arrival to agree the details.