Article prepared by our Media Partner Orizzonte Italia Magazine

Experiencing sunset at high altitude, falling in love with the colours and landscapes of the Dolomites is a unique experience. For this reason, we propose 5 walks to take in the afternoon during a holiday in Alta Badia, Val di Fassa, Madonna di Campiglio, and Val Gardena to closely appreciate the beauty of nature, local traditions, and typical flavours.

EXCURSION TO THE PIZ LA ILA PLATEAU

While in winter there’s a great bustle of skiers around Gran Risa, in summer La Villa is quieter and offers the opportunity for pleasant hikes surrounded by the impressive Dolomites of Alta Badia. If you wish to see a spectacular sunset at the summit and enjoy an aperitif in one of South Tyrol’s trendiest spots, at 2100 meters above sea level, we recommend an excitingwalk to the Piz La Ila Plateau where the Club Moritzino is located.

Departure:
La Villa
Arrival:
Piz La Ila Plateau
Duration:
01:50 h

Route:

You can reach the Piz La Ila Plateau starting from La Villa with the cable car, which is open every day during summer. Once you reach the top, you can choose to follow the numerous hiking trails to the plateau. Continuing on path no. 4, you can reach Piz Sorega, San Cassiano, or Col Alto in Corvara. Following path no. 23, you can instead reach the panoramic Pralongià Plateau.

LOOP HIKE FROM CIAMPEDIE

If you are in Val di Fassa, you can’t miss a beautiful and scenic afternoon walk starting and ending at Ciampedie. A natural sunlit terrace offering an exceptional sunset over the Dolomites of Fassa, ideal for a romantic dinner at sunset at the characteristic Baita Checco, which awaits you with its typical dinners every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from July to mid-September.

Starting Point:
Ciampedie – Upper station of the Catinaccio Ciampedie cable car
Arrival Point:
Ciampedie – Baita Checco
Duration:
04:16 h

The loop hike from Ciampedie will allow you to walk an old panoramic alpine path used by local shepherds to admire, from 2300 meters, with an almost 360° view, the mountain scenery overlooking Val di Fassa. From here you can observe the majestic Pale di San Martino, the Lagorai Chain, and the Marmolada.

Route:

Exit the Ciampedie cable car and follow the signs to Rifugio Roda di Vael, heading towards Rifugio Negritella. Pass in front of the refuge and follow the signs for path 545, shortly after you will find the sign indicating “Vial de le Feide”: this is your path! Take it and once you pass under the sign of Baita Pra Martin, which you will find a few meters ahead on your right, continue uphill for about 250 meters and proceed to your left (as indicated by the sign) leaving the path to Passo del Soffion on the right.

From here, the path is a panoramic trail at altitude skirting the Pale Rabbiose to Località Pael, under the imposing wall of the Roda di Vael.

From Località Pael follow the signs for path 541 towards Rifugio Roda di Vael and reach Sella del Ciampaz at an altitude of 2283 m, to find yourself in the middle of the Catinaccio group.

To return to Ciampedie take path 545 which starts from Baita Marino Pederiva and descends with steps.

After about 30 minutes and arriving at Località Mandra de Vael (a large plain), the path continues through the forest until you return in about 1h and 30 minutes to Ciampedie where at Baita Checco you can enjoy some Ladin cuisine dishes during the dinners at altitude (for info and reservations Tel: +39 338 1239694 – info@baitachecco.com).

EXCURSION TO LAKE RITORTO – ADAMELLO BRENTA NATURAL PARK

If you are thinking of a family walk within the Adamello Brenta Natural Park, Malga Ritorto is definitely a destination not to be missed to discover breath-taking sunsets and authentic mountain delights. It is a real gem set in a characteristic natural basin at altitude, with a magnificent view of the entire Brenta Group and extending along the picturesque Val Rendena.

An asphalt road, winding for just over 2 km from Patascoss, will lead you to this corner of paradise from where you can then reach the lake on foot in about 40 minutes.

Departure:
Upper station of the 5 Laghi cable car or Malga Ritorto parking
Arrival:
Lake Ritorto
Duration:
00:40 h – 01:00 h (from Malga Ritorto)

The route is very varied and never monotonous: it starts from the pasture of Malga Ritorto (Sat 277), enters the dense spruce forest, crosses Pian degli Uccelli, surpasses the mugheta, and culminates in the picturesque rocky environment framing the lake. The descent flanks the wet plain of Canton di Ritort and ends with a stretch of dirt road back to the Malga.

Route:

At the arrival point of the 5 Laghi cable car, take the path that in about 40 minutes, along the hillside, will lead you to Lake Ritorto. The path is easy and regular, suitable even for children. Alternatively, the lake can also be reached via the hiking trail starting from Malga Ritorto (reachable by shuttle from the Patascoss parking in season; directly by car out of season) in about 1 hour.

AROUND THE SASSOLUNGO GROUP – THE SYMBOL OF VAL GARDENA

If you are a mountain trekkingenthusiast, you must walk at least once around the giant of the Dolomites: theSassolungo. An excursion offering wonderful landscapes, imposing peaks, and vast alpine meadows, which can end with a good drink at sunset in the centre of Selva Val Gardena.

Departure:
Selva Val Gardena
Arrival:
Selva Val Gardena
Duration:
Approx. 03:00 h (using the lift system)

Route:

From Selva take the Ciampinoi cable car. Once at the top (station at 2254 m), the hike begins towards Rifugio Comici.

Here starts one of the most beautiful parts of the tour: the Città dei Sassi,(Stons’town) through which you can reach Passo Sella. After passing Rifugio Federico Augusto and Rifugio Sandro Pertini, follow the path to Rifugio Sassopiatto.

Here enjoy the splendid view of Alpe di Siusi, the largest high-altitude alpine pasture in Europe. Directly under the Sassolungo take the return path that will lead you to Mont de Sëura and then to Ciampinoi, where you can take the cable car back to Selva and enjoy some well-deserved rest with a good drink or a glass of wine at sunset, accompanied by good music. In a rustic yet modern environment mixed with a sporty philosophy, the bar Bar Saltos is definitely the ideal place after your day of trekking in the Dolomites.

EXCURSION TO RESCIESA

If you have decided to spend your holiday with the whole family in Ortisei and want to go on a hike, you can easily reach the top of Resciesa from where you can admire Sassolungo and all the surrounding Dolomite peaks, even at sunset.

The way to Resciesa, a paradise belonging to the Puez-Odle Natural Park, in the heart of the UNESCO Dolomites, is indeed a hiking route suitable for everyone, including children.

Departure:
Ortisei
Arrival:
Resciesa Alp
Duration:
02:00 h (descent by funicular)
03:30 h (descent on foot)

Route:

Starting from Ortisei, take the funicular that goes through the forest to the upper station of Resciesa, follow the path to the northeast to “Costa dl Cason”, then climb to the junction of path 31 leading to Resciesa di Fuori. Here you will have the chance to admire the spectacular panorama of the Puez-Odle Natural Park up to Val di Funes. Reaching the cross, which is the highest point of this hike (2281 m), descend to the Santa Croce Chapel. Here too you can enjoy a unique view of the Dolomites. The hike continues towards Rifugio Resciesa to the upper station of the funicular. The return to Ortisei is possible by funicular or on foot. Once in town, we recommend a visit to Café Adler to savour some local delicacies.

From an afternoon snack with sweets and hot drinks to an aperitif at sunset, you will surely find a tasty way to end your day at altitude.

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