Passo di Sella is a Dolomites classic, approachable yet commanding. The climb begins with steady gradients through pine forests, easing the rider into a rhythm before the more technical switchbacks arrive. The surrounding spires of limestone create an awe-inspiring backdrop, giving every turn a cinematic quality.
Midway, the gradient varies, offering moments to recover interspersed with ramps that test your legs and focus. The road is well-paved and wide, allowing riders to enjoy both the scenery and the challenge without constant technical worries.
The summit is a celebration of Dolomites grandeur. Sweeping views across valleys and jagged peaks reward the effort, and the crisp mountain air makes every pedal stroke worthwhile. Passo di Sella is elegant, scenic, and fulfilling—classic Italian Alpine climbing at its best.
01 / The ascent
Elevation profile
02 / The crux
Where it gets difficult
Choose a distance to find the steepest continuous section of the climb.
Steepest 500 m average
9.4%
Where to find it
1.80–2.30 km from start
- Net height gained
- 47 m
- Section length
- 500 m
03 / The numbers
Climb statistics
- Distance
- 5.42 km
- Elevation gain
- 426 m
- Average gradient
- 8.2%
- Climb category
- 2
- Start elevation
- 1,813 m
- Summit elevation
- 2,239 m
04 / Your effort
How long would it take?
Enter the power you could hold for the whole climb. We calculate a moving time from the elevation profile and the forces you ride against.
Use your intended climbing effort, rather than FTP unless you can hold it for the predicted duration.
Bike + kit includes clothing, bottles and luggage.
Advanced settings
Defaults represent a road-bike scenario. Adjust these settings to match your tyres, drivetrain and riding position.
Modelled moving time
28 min
- Power throughout
- 225 W
- Average speed
- 11.5 km/h
Based on the 5.45 km elevation profile. Assumes steady power, with no stops, braking or drafting. Rounded to the nearest minute.
The science behind the calculation
For each part of the stored profile, we solve the steady-state cycling power equation for speed, then add distance ÷ speed across the climb. Gravity uses rider + equipment weight; available power is W/kg × rider weight. This uses the profile’s distance and elevation together, without mixing in another route’s metrics.
Power × efficiency = gravity + rolling resistance + air resistance + bearing losses
The resistance equations are adapted from Martin et al. (1998), Validation of a Mathematical Model for Road Cycling Power. Air density changes with profile altitude using NASA’s standard-atmosphere model. This calculator’s adaptation has not been independently validated.
It predicts travel at the power you enter, including on descents. It does not model acceleration, cornering, braking, traffic, wind, changing weather or fatigue. At altitude, choose power you can sustain there: thinner air reduces drag, but this model does not predict its effect on your ability to produce power. Profile quality and assumed equipment settings also affect the result.
05 / On the ground
Route map
Route overview
Passo di Sella
Canazei, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
- Route length
- 5.42 km
- Total ascent
- 426 m
- Average gradient
- 8.2%
06 / Take it home
The climb, as artwork
Turn the route into a personalised topographic print. Choose your colours and composition, then download your artwork.
07 / Keep exploring
Nearby climbs
Passo Sella
11.1 km · 7.3% · 805 m gain
Canazei, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
2.7 km away · Explore climb →
Alpe di Siusi from Lanzin
9.3 km · 7.8% · 1038 m gain
South Tyrol, Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, Italy
18.8 km away · Explore climb →
Passo delle Erbe
15.2 km · 5.8% · 1019 m gain
San Martino In Badia, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
22.6 km away · Explore climb →
Passo Lavazè
11.8 km · 7.6% · 894 m gain
Birchabruck, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
24.6 km away · Explore climb →
Passo Valparola from Pocol
11.4 km · 5.7% · 780 m gain
Belluno, Italy, Veneto, Italy
24.8 km away · Explore climb →