Yes, the Sellaronda is a spectacular tour that can be done in summer by mountain bike (MTB), including e-bikes. It utilizes a network of lifts to help you circumnavigate the Sella massif, similar to the winter ski circuit.
Quick Facts
The Summer Sellaronda MTB Tour
In summer, the Sellaronda transforms from a ski circuit into a breathtaking mountain bike tour. The route uses a combination of lifts (which transport bikes) to gain altitude and a network of single tracks, gravel paths, and forest roads to descend and connect the four Dolomite passes: Gardena, Campolongo, Pordoi, and Sella. The tour is well-signposted and can be ridden in both a clockwise (orange) and counter-clockwise (green) direction, just like its winter counterpart.
Key Differences: Winter vs. Summer
While both tours circle the same iconic Sella massif, the experience is quite different. * Mode of Transport: The most obvious difference is skis and snowboards in winter versus mountain bikes in summer. * The Route: In winter, you ski on a continuous network of groomed snow pistes. In summer, the route follows a mix of dedicated bike trails and roads, which may not always trace the exact line of the ski slopes. * Lifts & Tickets: The winter circuit requires a Dolomiti Superski pass. The summer MTB tour requires a Dolomiti Supersummer Card, which covers the specific lifts equipped for bike transport. Not all winter lifts are open in the summer. * Difficulty & Skill: The clockwise (orange) MTB tour involves less uphill pedaling and is more focused on downhill trails, requiring good bike handling skills. The counter-clockwise (green) tour has more significant uphill sections, making it a challenge for fit riders or more manageable with an e-bike.
For the summer MTB tour, starting from Selva in the clockwise (orange) direction begins with the
Dantercepies gondola
. The counter-clockwise (green) route starts with the
Ciampinoi gondola
. Especially for a first attempt, consider hiring a local guide to handle navigation and technical support.