The San Boldo Pass, which connects the Treviso side of Miane to the Valbelluna, is not just a geographical pass, but an open-air monument to military engineering. Universally known as the “Road of the 100 Days”, This path represents one of the most spectacular and intact remnants of the Great War in the Venetian Pre-Alps.

The Story: An Impossible Undertaking (1918)

The name “Strada dei 100 Giorni” is not an exaggeration, but a chronicle of an extraordinary logistical feat.

• Military GenesisBetween February and June 1918, during the Austro-Hungarian occupation, the imperial army required a rapid communication route to supply the front on the Piave river.
• Record BuildingUnder the direction of military genius, thousands of labourers (including many prisoners and locals) worked incessantly to cut into the living rock.
• ArchitectureTo overcome a very steep gradient in an extremely confined space, they were designed 5 spiral tunnels dug directly into the mountainside, with hairpin bends allowing the road to climb over itself.

Winter Activities: Exploring the Pass Between Frost and History

Despite the altitude, the San Boldo Pass remains an extremely fascinating destination, even in winter. The sparse deciduous vegetation and the low winter sun highlight the rock textures and the millimetre precision of the stone arches in the tunnels.

1. By Bicycle: The Vertical Challenge on Ice

Although the temperatures are harsh, many cyclists choose San Boldo in winter for the stable road surface and reduced traffic.

• E-bike and GravelThe use of pedal-assist bicycles allows for better management of physical exertion, avoiding overheating on ascents and then suffering from the cold on descents.
• The Microclimate of TunnelsThe galleries dug into the rock offer partial shelter from the icy wind, maintaining a slightly more constant temperature compared to exposed sections.
• SecurityThe presence of traffic lights for alternating single-lane traffic ensures that cyclists can navigate the hairpin bends within tunnels without the risk of encountering heavy vehicles on curves.

2. On Foot: The Historic Path and the Scenic Viewpoints

For those who prefer trekking, winter is the season of infinite visibility.

• Path of the 100 DaysBesides the asphalt road, there are paths that follow the old military mule tracks. Walking here in winter means enjoying panoramas that range from the snow-capped peaks of the Belluno Dolomites to the Veneto plain.
• Photography and SilenceThe absence of the summer crowds allows you to stop at the scenic viewpoints to observe the road's construction details, such as the support buttresses that appear to be suspended in mid-air.

What is the "Road of 100 Days" at the San Boldo Pass?
It is a masterpiece of military engineering built in 1918 by the Austro-Hungarian army in just 100 days. It is distinguished by its 5 spiral tunnels dug into the rock and its overlapping hairpin bends that overcome an extreme vertical difference. It is accessible in winter by car, bicycle (e-bike recommended), or on foot along the scenic historic paths.

Do you want to tackle the hairpin bends of the San Boldo without having to worry about the logistics? At La Corte di Marga we organise bike and walking excursions with transport upon requesttowards the San Boldo Pass and the other routes of the Treviso Prealps, such as the loop from Posa Puner to Malga Mont - email us for a tailored quote.