T
7:00 h
21km
1000
9
THE HIKE
The Sciliar is one of the most famous mountain groups in the Dolomites — its "panettone" shape is hard to miss. Despite its imposing appearance, resembling a rocky tower à la El Capitan, it can be easily ascended from the Alpe di Siusi.
We start from Compaccio on the Alpe di Siusi (1844m), which can be reached either by car (though the road to the alp closes to traffic between 9:00 and 17:00, unless you have a reservation at a hotel on the Alpe di Siusi) or by cable car from Siusi (20€ round trip).
Following trail 10, we ascend the slopes of the Alpe di Siusi, with breathtaking views of Sassopiatto and Sassolungo, and of the Sciliar itself with its two characteristic pinnacles (Punta Santner and Punta Euringer). Amid ups and downs, we reach the Saltner Hütte (1830m), ideal for a first stop.
From here, the tone changes — no more alpine pastures, but a steep zigzagging path to surmount the rocky step of the Sciliar, with increasingly spectacular views of the Alpe di Siusi. Once on the Sciliar plateau, we reach the Rifugio Bolzano (Schlernhaus, 2457m) in a few minutes (2.45 hours).
From here, on an easy trail, we can then reach the summit cross of Monte Pez, the highest "peak" of the massif (2563m, 20 minutes), and the Monte Castello (2515m, 10 minutes) on level ground. It's a lunar and suspended landscape, made dazzling by the white rocks — it truly feels like being on an elevated platform suspended over Trentino.
We return to the Alpe di Siusi via the same route (2 hours).
MAP
PHOTO GALLERY
EQUIPMENT
The mountains are a dangerous environment: make sure you always have the right equipment — hiking or trail shoes, warm clothes and waterproofs in case of unexpected changes in weather conditions, a small emergency kit.
I've made an Amazon "shopping note" to make sure you have everything — ps if you buy from these links, 3% goes to support the development and maintenance of Hikes of the World 🙏.
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Breathable t-shirt ( example )
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Sweatshirt, fleece, or light jacket
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Waterproof windbreaker (for example: men / women )
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Gloves and hat (you never know)
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Backpack with rain cover
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Trekking poles (not essential, but they help to unload the weight of the backpack and ease the impact on the joints)
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Trekking or trail running shoes (in great vogue lately because they are lightweight. These Salomon ones - for men and women - are an excellent entry-level, preferably Gore-Tex)
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For via ferratas: complete via ferrata kit (I have this one , very light and compact, with this harness and helmet — or you can buy complete kits ). Buy in store to receive ad hoc support
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To sleep a night in a refuge: sheet or light sleeping bag
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Water bottle or thermos
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Light crampons if you think you will find ice or snow on the route
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Power bank or cell phone charger
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Camera
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Drone, for those who love to "fly" (used in moderation and at a distance from other people. I have had the DJI Mini 2 for over 2 years and have found myself very happy with it. The DJI Mini 3 also allows you to take vertical photographs)
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Small emergency kit ( example )
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Sun cream (essential)
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Sunglasses
