The Sella Group is a high group of peaks, think of a massive mesa above Canazei. There is a ring of ski areas at its base that one could essentially ski around riding gondolas and chair lists up and skiing down to circumnavigate the massif. In addition, there are Nordic Ski races, running races, road bike rides and mt bike rides that accomplish the same goal, Sella Rondo. Probably other obscure events I'm not aware of as well. Our chosen mode of transportation was to mt bike around the Sella Group, a classic ride.
There are two ways to make the loop, clockwise and counter-clockwise. The first being more downhill, advanced leaning, the second a little more uphill, but more mellow downhill. We chose the first approach, clockwise. Not that we were cocky, just looking for some adventurous riding.
The best way to do this is hire a guide from the Fassa Valley Guides. They can show the route and add some color and perhaps secret paths along the way. We were grouped with four young Germans and Alex, our guide. The loop consists of roughly 7 gondola and chairlift rides and ~3.5 Dolomiti (~12,000 ft) descending.
Not a GoPro kinda guy, but rather a stop and take pictures along the way type, here are some of the sights and scenes.
Top of the first Gondola - Dantercepies.
Humble in the presence of Gods.
How does one keep their focus on the trail when there is this above?
Gondola bike loading skill is important. Alex (guide in yellow shirt) gives some guidance.
Somewhere early before the mud treatment and blood letting.
Damn, it's just amazingly beautiful!
Good perspective of Marmolada Glacier and Punta Penia (climb from yesterday) from Porto Vescovo.
Getting near the end, Passo Pordoi above. Single track through the left slope was classic CO-style.
Oh, yeah, the blood. Between the slimey mud, the slick roots, the drops, the rocks and fast descents all had fallen and were leaking body fluids to some extent or another. In the end we had big grins and nothing but praise for Alex for showing some of the "special" routes. Highly recommended. Bring the betadine. :)
Getting near the end, Passo Pordoi above. Single track through the left slope was classic CO-style.
Oh, yeah, the blood. Between the slimey mud, the slick roots, the drops, the rocks and fast descents all had fallen and were leaking body fluids to some extent or another. In the end we had big grins and nothing but praise for Alex for showing some of the "special" routes. Highly recommended. Bring the betadine. :)
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