Trekking from Alpe di Siusi to Catinaccio in 7 days

Arrival in Val Gardena

Welcome to the heart of the Dolomites! Your journey begins with your independent arrival in Val Gardena, one of the most fascinating valleys in the Alps. After checking in at your base hotel, located in Ortisei, Selva or Santa Cristina, you can collect your travel package and consult your itinerary. The afternoon is a perfect opportunity to explore Val Gardena, a land rich in history and centuries-old traditions. Here live the Ladins, a people of ancient origins who have managed to preserve their language, culture and craftsmanship despite the passing of the centuries.

Walking through the picturesque villages of the valley, you will notice the extraordinary craftsmanship of the wood carvers, a local tradition that dates back to 1600. Wooden sculptures and decorations adorn the streets and artisan workshops, giving a timeless atmosphere. Breathe in the mountain air and be enchanted by the breathtaking landscapes: your journey in the Dolomites has just begun.

Sciliar massif
Ascent 820 m | Descent 370 m | Altitude 1200 - 2450 m | Distance 13 km | Travel time 5 hours

Your first hike takes you across the Alpe di Siusi, the largest high plateau in Europe, a place where green meadows merge with the sky. Along the way, wooden chalets dot the landscape and some huts transform into cozy refuges where you can taste local specialties, such as the famous canederli.

After three hours of walking, you will leave the gentle slopes of the Alpe di Siusi to begin the ascent towards the majestic Sciliar Massif. The path climbs through increasingly wild scenery to the refuge, located just 100 meters from Monte Pez. From here, in just 20 minutes, you can reach the summit and admire a 360-degree panorama that includes some of the most iconic peaks of the Dolomites: Adamello, Ortler, Latemar, Catinaccio, Sella and the queen of the Dolomites, the Marmolada.

At sunset, the sky lights up with shades of red and gold above the peaks of Antermoia and Rosengarten. A true natural spectacle not to be missed!

Alpe di Tires and Cresta di Siusi
Ascent 500 m | Descent 630 m | Altitude 2170 - 2450 m | Distance 13 km | Travel time 5 hours

The descent from the Sciliar towards the Alpe di Tires offers a breathtaking view of Antermoia, a mountain group that you will soon see up close. One of the most suggestive points of the day is the imposing rock formation of the Denti di Terrarossa, also called Rosszahne or "Horse Teeth" for their characteristic jagged shape.

Continuing along the Cresta di Siusi, a panoramic path without great differences in altitude, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Sassopiatto, the Sella Group and the Marmolada. The route ends at the foot of the Sassopiatto, where you will find welcoming refuges immersed in the quiet of the mountain.

Sassolungo and Sassopiatto
Ascent 590 m | Descent 550 m | Altitude 1970 - 2400 m | Distance 12 km | Travel time 5 hours

The path that circles the Sassolungo and Sassopiatto winds along the border between alpine meadows and rock formations, offering extraordinary views of the surrounding Dolomites. You will pass through forests of black pines, pre-glacial trees with roots wrapped around the limestone rock, before reaching the City of Stones. This magical place is a labyrinth of cyclopean boulders scattered among small pines, with an unparalleled view of the Sella Group.

Antermoia Lake
Ascent 850 m | Descent 750 m | Altitude 1800 - 2500 m | Distance 14 km | Travel time 6 hours

Today you will venture into increasingly wild landscapes, passing from the very quiet Val Duron to the rocky region of Antermoia. The highlight of the excursion is Lake Antermoia, an alpine jewel at 2495 meters, surrounded by an almost lunar atmosphere. According to Ladin legends, the nymph Antermia inhabited these enchanted waters, observed by the dwarves who populated the surrounding peaks.

Here you can take a contemplative break before the sun disappears behind the peaks.

Rosengarten and Vajolet Towers
Ascent 750 m | Descent 1140 m | Altitude 1620 - 2770 m | Distance 13 km | Travel time 6 hours

The last stage begins with a challenging climb to the Antermoia Pass, the highest point of your journey. Here you will find yourself facing a primordial landscape: the Rosengarten, an ancient fossilized coral reef 230 million years old. Its name, "Rose Garden", comes from the pink reflections that color its walls at sunset.

If you have the energy, you can take an extra hike to the iconic Torri del Vajolet, one of the most emblematic sights of the Dolomites. The trip ends at Passo di Carezza, where a comfortable transfer will take you back to your base hotel.

After a hearty breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to the Dolomites and start the journey home. You will take with you not only indelible memories, but also the magic of these legendary mountains.