La Villa Loop

The La Villa Loop is the epitome of riding in the Dolomites as it combines everything that makes road biking in the Cortina area such a wonderful experience—all without any climbs too long or too steep! Ridden counter-clockwise from our Cortina hotel, on this lollypop shaped route we'll climb out of Cortina (1225m) on the famous "Strada delle Dolomiti" (SS 48)—first through the huge meadows surrounding Cortina is this wide valley, then through the evergreen forests as we climb higher—with the soaring Tofana group to the north throughout our gradual climb to Passo Falzarego (2105m). Turning north we climb a short and easy 87 meters to Passo Valparola (2192m) where we'll begin our first descent of the day—long and fast to La Villa (1395m). First, we'll descend on tight switchbacks above tree line, continue into longer switchbacks through the forest, work a bit over some descending rollers near Amentarola, and finally fly down a steep section descending through lush green meadows. (Note: this entire section of road is north facing, and can be damp or wet, particularly through the forests, even when our climb was dry). A short false flat brings us to Corvara (1555m) and the start of our short climb through alpine meadows to Passo Campolongo (1875m). And equally short, but no less fun descent, brings us to Arabba (1602m), where we rejoin the "Strada delle Dolomiti" (SS 48), as we turn east and start back toward Cortina. Descending rollers along the shoulder of Col di Lana—with excellent views of Monte Civetta—brings us to Andraz (1420m), where we'll head uphill on Passo Falzarego's (2105m) south side. From Passo Falzarego, we'll "goderci la discesa"—enjoy ourselves on the descent—back to Cortina! Note: The La Villa Loop presents several variations that can add distance by combining sections of the Sellaronda Loop and/or Passo Giau. These variations are helpful when our riding days are limited by weather—or whenever it's advantageous to pack more of the Dolomites into a single ride! See: Passo Giau Out And Back, Falzarego and Giau Loop, La Villa and Giau Loop, and La Villa, Sellaronda, & Giau Loop.