Hut-to-Hut: the Pale Di San Martino - Italian Dolomites
Dates TBD
The Pale di San Martino, the largest and one of the most dramatic groups of the Dolomites, offer a spectacular high-altitude plateau of pale limestone towers, vast lunar landscapes, and sweeping alpine panoramas.
This 4-day trek connects some of the area’s most iconic rifugi while crossing sections of rugged terrain, airy ridges, and the famous Altopiano delle Pale.
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Trip Overview
• Starting Point: San Martino di Castrozza
• Duration: 4 nights / 4 trekking days
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (exposed sections, rocky terrain)
• Accommodation: Mountain huts (rifugi):
• Rifugio Mulaz
• Rifugio Rosetta (Giovanni Pedrotti al Rosetta)
• Rifugio Pedrotti (Pradidali)
• Highlights:
• Views of Cimon della Pala (“The Matterhorn of the Dolomites”)
• Traversing the Pale di San Martino plateau
• High ridge approach to Passo Mulaz
• The dramatic basin under Cima Canali and Sass Maor
• Comfortable, atmospheric rifugi with traditional cuisine
$2495 pp 1-3 $2195 pp 4+ plus airfare
Included in Cost:
- All ground transportation
- All overnight accommodations double occupancy. $350 supplement for single room.
- All Accommodations and meals in Refugio Bunk rooms
- All Breakfast
- Welcome Dinner
Not Included:
- Meals out side above mentioned
- entrance fees out side of included tours
- Travel Insurance
- Tips for local guides and drivers
Itinerary:
Sunday:
Arrive Venice transfer to San Martino di Castrozza
Settle into the charming alpine village of San Martino di Castrozza, surrounded by the sheer walls of the Pale.
Depending on arrival time, enjoy a gentle walk around the village, visit the Paneveggio Nature Park visitor center, or take the Colverde gondola for a warm-up viewpoint.
Prepare for the next day’s early start.
Monday:
Passo Rolle → Rifugio Mulaz
Distance: ~10–12 km
Ascent: ~900 m
Time: 4.5–6 hours
Begin the trek with a short transfer to Passo Rolle. From here the trail quickly delivers big views of Cimon della Pala and the northern ridges of the Pale.
Route Description
1. Passo Rolle to Baita Segantini:
Follow the classic panoramic trail toward the postcard-perfect Baita Segantini, with sweeping views over the Val Venegia.
2. Traverse toward Passo Venegiotta:
The trail continues under rocky spires and crosses alpine meadows before climbing gradually toward the wilder northern sector of the group.
3. Climb to Passo Mulaz (2619 m):
A steep yet well-marked zig-zag ascent leads to the pass, where the scenery opens dramatically over the Pale plateau.
4. Descent to Rifugio Mulaz:
Drop down on rocky terrain to Rifugio Mulaz (2550 m), perched on a natural ledge with breathtaking sunset views.
Enjoy dinner in a cozy, intimate hut with a rugged high-mountain feel.
Tuesday:
Rifugio Mulaz → Rifugio Rosetta (Pedrotti al Rosetta)
Distance: ~12–14 km
Ascent: ~650 m
Descent: ~550 m
Time: 5–6.5 hours
A classic traverse across the northern rim of the Pale, with a combination of airy passages and wide-open lunar landscapes.
Route Description
1. Ascend from Rifugio Mulaz:
A short climb puts you back on the high route below the jagged crest of Cima di Focobon.
2. Cross the Altopiano delle Pale:
The terrain becomes surreal—vast stretches of pale, weathered limestone forming a natural stone desert. Navigation is straightforward via cairns and red-white markings.
3. Approach toward Rosetta Plateau:
As you cross the undulating plateau, views open toward the central towers and deep valleys below.
4. Final descent to Rifugio Rosetta:
Reach Rifugio Rosetta (2581 m), one of the most accessible huts in the group and your comfortable base for the night.
Sunsets from the nearby viewpoints are a must.
Wednesday:
Rifugio Rosetta → Rifugio Pradidali (Pedrotti)
Distance: ~7–9 km
Ascent: ~350 m
Descent: ~600 m
Time: 4–5 hours
A shorter but dramatic day with rugged terrain and vertical scenery.
Route Description
1. Depart across broken limestone shelves:
The trail winds across the plateau, gradually descending while staying close to the steep walls of Cima Rosetta.
2. Descent toward the Pradidali Basin:
A more technical section leads down toward the amphitheater surrounding Rifugio Pradidali, framed by Sass Maor and Cima Canali.
3. Arrive at Rifugio Pradidali (2278 m):
The hut sits dramatically beneath towering vertical cliffs. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon—this is one of the most scenic rifugi in the Dolomites.
Optional: Short ascent to Porton or Cacciatore for experienced hikers (often with some aided sections).
Thursday:
Rifugio Pradidali → San Martino di Castrozza
Distance: ~8–10 km
Ascent: ~200–300 m
Descent: ~900–1000 m
Time: 4–5 hours
A beautiful final stage returning to the valley.
Route Description
1. Climb to Passo di Ball or Col dei Bechi (depending on conditions):
A moderate but rewarding ascent provides a final high-mountain panorama over the Pale.
2. Descent toward San Martino:
Follow the trail toward the Colverde station, passing scree slopes, wild towers, and pockets of alpine vegetation.
3. Return to San Martino di Castrozza:
Either continue on foot into town or take the Colverde cable car down (depending on time and preference).
Celebrate the end of your loop with a well-earned meal in San Martino.
Friday and Saturday:
Transfer to Venice for overnight and flight home to US
For more info or to register:
email or call us at
717.917.1359
