Thirty-two high passes in a week, all of them paved, most of them empty before nine in the morning. The Dolomites are the reference point for alpine motorcycle touring in Europe.
The loop we use starts in Bolzano and threads Pordoi, Giau, Sella and Gardena before crossing into Switzerland for the Stelvio approach from Prato.
Surfaces are excellent but narrow: assume gravel in every hairpin apex and expect camper traffic between 10:00 and 16:00.
Afternoon thunderstorms build fast above 2,000 m. Ride exposed ridges before 13:00 and keep a low-altitude alternative in reserve.
