Ottovolante Dolomitico: ten passes, a perfect figure of eight.
Blue · full day
A motorcycle loop from Ortisei that traces a figure of eight through Val Gardena, Val d'Ega, Val di Fassa, the Agordino and Primiero: ten passes, many of them little known and all the more surprising for it, and a finale with two giants, Pordoi and Sella.
The ten passes, in order.
| # | Pass | Altitude | Km |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Passo Pinei | 1,437 m | 5 |
| 2 | Passo Nigra | 1,690 m | 49 |
| 3 | Passo di Costalunga | 1,745 m | 57 |
| 4 | Passo San Pellegrino | 1,918 m | 83 |
| 5 | Forcella Franche | 991 m | 121 |
| 6 | Passo Cereda | 1,369 m | 135 |
| 7 | Passo Rolle | 1,971 m | 165 |
| 8 | Passo Valles | 2,032 m | 178 |
| 9 | Passo Pordoi | 2,239 m | 240 |
| 10 | Passo Sella | 2,240 m | 252 |
Before you set off.
Who it suits
Anyone with some riding experience: the roads are beautiful, but the route takes a full day of riding. It works two-up and on practically any motorcycle.
When to go
May and June, then from mid-September to early October, avoiding the busiest periods.
Start and finish
Ortisei, in Val Gardena. The route is a loop: Ortisei → Passo Pinei → Tires → Cencenighe → Agordo → San Martino di Castrozza → Passo Valles → Arabba → Sella Pass → Ortisei.
Why the name
The stretch between Falcade and Cencenighe is ridden twice, first coming down from San Pellegrino and again after Passo Valles: that crossing is what draws the figure of eight.
Along the way.
Passo Pinei, straight into the bends
You start by tackling Passo Pinei right away. It is not one of the famous ones, but it is fun and gets you in tune with the bike.
Castelrotto, a picture-postcard village
Just over the top you ride through Castelrotto, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
Costalunga and the marks of Vaia
Towards the Costalunga Pass the landscape changes: the marks left by storm Vaia in 2018 are still clearly visible in the forests.
The complete stage-by-stage story, elevation profile, recommended stops, fuel stops and the best time to set off are in the complete guide (in Italian).
Download the free PDF sheet (Italian)Prefer to ride it with a guide? Guided rides in small groups, six bikes at most. 2027 season, waiting list open.
Join the waiting list