Great Dolomites Road

What should you know before visiting Great Dolomites Road?

Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €12 (Italy).

• The three passes lie between 1,745 m and 2,239 m. According to the South Tyrol tourism board, the Dolomite passes mostly stay open in winter, with winter tires or snow chains depending on weather.
• On a few days each year, Dolomite passes are closed to motor vehicles for a time during bike days or cycling races. Check dates beforehand.
• Wild camping is not permitted on the Dolomite passes or in Italy generally. Motorhome stopovers usually allow up to 72 hours; for longer stays a campsite is the better choice.

The drive

The road starts in Bolzano, climbs over the Costalunga Pass (1,745 m) into the Val di Fassa and on via Canazei to the Pordoi Pass (2,239 m). Beyond Arabba and Andraz it crosses the Falzarego Pass (2,105 m) to Cortina d'Ampezzo. It was built by 1909; the section to Vigo di Fassa was finished in 1895. Today it is driven over just over 110 km with many bends and viewpoints. Allow at least a day for driving and stops.

Planning

In winter the Dolomite passes are mostly drivable, but depending on weather winter tires or snow chains are needed. In summer, bike days such as the Sella Ronda Bike Day or cycling marathons can close passes like Pordoi, Sella, Gardena and Campolongo to motor vehicles for a time; Falzarego and Valparola were also affected on one bike day. Dates change every year, so check beforehand with the South Tyrol or local tourist or traffic office.

Camping

The South Tyrol tourism board notes that wild camping is not permitted on the Dolomite passes, as in all of Italy. Designated motorhome stopovers usually allow stays up to 72 hours and often have electricity and waste disposal. For longer or more comfortable stays, a campsite is recommended. If you sleep in the vehicle on a public car park, heed local bans and keep awning, chairs and levelling supports stowed.

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