Traverse of the Sella Group - from Passo Gardena to Passo Pordoi

DESCRIPTION
Pisciadù and Boè: a journey into the rocky heart of the Sella.

Geographical location
The Sella Group is a Dolomite massif, framed by the Gardena, Badia, Fassa, and Livinallongo valleys. It is characterized by a vast summit plateau, from which its highest peak, Piz Boè, rises to 3152 meters.

Hike
The traverse of the Sella Group from north to south is one of the classic hikes in the Dolomite area. It requires good training due to the considerable altitude difference, and a sure footing on gravel, exposed sections, and via ferratas. On the latter, especially for those with less experience, it is advisable to carry a via ferrata set to clip onto the cables along the route.
Those seeking a greater challenge can deviate towards two peaks, Cima Pisciadù and Piz Boè: two variants that lengthen the ascent and increase the overall altitude difference, but offer even wider viewpoints over the group.
The Sella Plateau, with its expanse of rocks and gravel, truly resembles a lunar landscape.
Along the entire itinerary, an excellent panorama of the surrounding Dolomite peaks unfolds.

History and curiosities
The Rifugio Franco Cavazza al Pisciadù was born in 1903, built by the Bamberga section of the German-Austrian Alpine Club (DuÖAV) under the name Bamberger Hütte, damaged during the First World War and restored in 1924. In the 1940s, it passed to the CAI section of Bologna, which in 1942 named it after Count Franco Cavazza, a member of the CAI Bologna and lieutenant of the Alpini of the Gemona battalion, who fell during the Italian campaign in Greece.
The Rifugio Boè also followed the typical fate of the first Dolomite shelters: erected by the D.Ö.A.V., Bamberga section, at the end of the 19th century with the initial name of Bamberga hut at Boè. The First World War left it devastated, and in 1921 it passed to the Società degli Alpinisti Tridentini (SAT). The SAT renovated it and brought it back into operation in 1924, with the name it still bears today: Rifugio Boè. In the following decades, it was expanded several times, up to the recent work that renewed its structure.

ITINERARY
From Passo Gardena (2121 m), take path 666 and ascend the Val Setus to the Rifugio Franco Cavazza al Pisciadù (2587 m) and the Pisciadù Lake. Continuing on the 666, you reach the Forcella d'Antersass (2839 m), ascend the Antersass (2906 m), and arrive at the Rifugio Boè (2873 m). From here, continue on path 638 and, passing by the Rifugio Forcella Pordoi (2848 m), descend to Passo Pordoi (2239 m).

EXCURSION DATE
6 September 2026

STARTING POINT
Passo Gardena

REFRESHMENT POINT
Rifugio Franco Cavazza al Pisciadù, Rifugio Boè and Rifugio Forcella Pordoi

AUTHOR'S SUGGESTIONS
For those with no experience on via ferrata sections, we recommend using a via ferrata set.

SAFETY ADVICE
The practicability of the proposed itinerary, like all mountain morphology, is subject to environmental changes due to natural events and weather conditions. Therefore, before setting off, consult the competent tourist offices and/or the relevant mountain huts.
Our GPX tracks are only indicative, meaning the route was completed under the best possible trail and weather conditions of that day. Therefore, always assess what to do on-site.
Also, remember to evaluate the route based on your physical capabilities, training, and the equipment you have.
It is advisable to inform someone of the itinerary you intend to follow.
Remember that the emergency number is 112.

EQUIPMENT
It is recommended to have equipment suitable for the route, weather conditions, and season: windproof and/or rainproof jacket, map and/or GPS device, sunglasses, sunscreen, hiking boots, first aid kit, specific clothing, gloves, backpack with food and drinks.

RECOMMENDED MAPS
Tabacco 07 - Alta Badia - Arabba - Marmolada

INTERESTING LINKS
https://www.rifugioboe.it/

HOW TO ARRIVE
A22 motorway, Egna/Ora exit. Follow the SS48 delle Dolomiti state road to Passo Pordoi.

PARKING AREA
Paid parking at Passo Gardena
GPS coordinates: 46.549138, 11.806037

Passo Gardena

Inizia la Val Setus

Tratto attrezzato della Val Setus

Tratto attrezzato della Val Setus

Arrivati al Rifugio Cavazza al Pisciadù

Si prosegue sempre sul 666

Lago di Pisciadù

Lago e rifugio Pisciadù dall'alto

La cima Pisciadù

Verso la Forcella d'Antersass

Alla Forcella d'Antersass

Il Rifugio Boè

Giunti al Rifugio Forcella Pordoi

Il Rifugio Forcella Pordoi

Scendiamo a Passo Pordoi