Trento

HIKING IN THE DOLOMITES - PALE DI SAN MARTINO

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Hiking

What you'll do

An incredible circular journey, accessible to all, that takes you from one shelter to another, offering a deep exploration of the breathtaking Dolomite group of the Pale di San Martino. This route traverses the Dolomites' vastest plateau, navigating around and approaching grand peaks and bold spires.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Dolomites Hiking Begins

Meet at the Train Station of Trento around 9 AM. A transfer will pick you up and bring you to Fiera di Primiero, where we will start our trek. Here we will introduce ourselves and describe the hikes, making sure everyone has the necessary equipment. Then we set off for our first destination: the Pradidali Refuge. the first will be the day with the greatest altitude difference. In fact, just over 1,000 metres separate us from the destination. Here we will be able to refresh ourselves and rest surrounded by immense Dolomite walls and spires. Distance: 7,5 km (4.6 mi) | Elevation Gain: +1,050 m (+3,444 ft) | Time: 4 hours

Day 2 - Ascent to Cima Rosetta

On the second day, we will leave the Pradidali Hut and head into the heart of the mountain. We will touch the majestic plateau of the Pale di San Martino (which we will cross the following day), heading for the Rifugio Rosetta, our destination. We will also walk on the last glacier in the Pale di San Martino (The Fraustra glacier). Half way there, we will take a break at a beautiful, cold lake at about 2,700 meters above sea level where we can relax and cool off. Once we are at the hut, after freshen up, those who wish, can reach Cima Rosetta, a beautiful peak close to the hut, from which we can enjoy a unique panorama. To reach the refuge, we will tackle 450 metres difference in altitude. For those who wish to reach the summit, there are still a hundred meters difference in altitude in front of us. Distance: 9 km (5.6 mi) | Elevation Gain: +650 m (+2,132 ft) -200 m (-656 ft) | Time: 5 hours

Day 3 - Towards Refuge Petina or Velo della Madonna

The third day will be the most challenging of the trek. We begin with a downhill hike, descending into vast grasslands surrounded by towering rock walls in the heart of the Dolomites. From there, we ascend along a steep mountain trail across high-alpine terrain until we reach our final refuge. Depending on availability and the guide’s choice, we will spend the night at either Petina Refuge or Velo della Madonna Refuge. From this spectacular vantage point, we can admire one of the most breathtaking sunsets in the region. As always, a warm dinner awaits us, followed by a well-deserved rest in comfortable beds. For Petina: Distance: 16.5 km (10.3 mi) Elevation Gain: +800 m (2,625 ft), -1,100 m (3,609 ft) Duration: 7 hours - For Velo della Madonna: Distance: 12.5 km (7.8 mi) Elevation Gain: +150 m (492 ft), -1,100 m (3,609 ft) Duration: 7 hours

Day 4 - Goodbye Dolomites!

Our final day's descent will take us through all the environments of the Dolomites: starting from the hut at 2,400 meters (7,874 ft) above sea level, we will descend first from rocky scree and valleys, then into relaxing forests and grasslands surrounded by breathtaking views. And, as cherry on top, we will end on the shores of the bluest lake you might have ever seen. Here we may regenerate by getting our feet wet, and those who can resist the chill of the water, may take a dip. Our transfer will be waiting for you to bring you back to Trento train station at 6 PM. From Petina: Distance: 6 km (3.7 mi) | Elevation Gain: +120 m (+393.7 ft), -190 m (-623.6 ft) | Time: 5–6 hours - From Velo della Madonna: Distance: 12.8 km (7.9 mi) | Elevation Gain: +90 m (+295.2 mi), -1320 m (4330.7 mi) | Time: 5–6 hours

Important stuff

From the highest peaks to the hidden trails, we've got your back

100% Guaranteed Departures

Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.

Flexible Changes

Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.

Comprehensive Insurance & Assistance

Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

100% Guaranteed Departures: Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.
Flexible Changes: Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.
Comprehensive Insurance & Assistance: Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

see more on How it works

What's included

Accident insurance

Medical and luggage insurance

Travel cancellation insurance

UIMLA Guide

Local transport with a van

Transfer from Trento Train Station to the start of the trek and back

3 night stays in the Alpine shelters of Pale di San Martino

3 evening meals at the mountain shelters

3 morning meals at the mountain shelters

3 prepared lunch packages featuring sandwiches

Showers in the hut

Flight

Visa (if applicable)

Extra accommodation

Fuel

Snacks and drinks

Extra food and drinks

Soft drinks

Everything not mentioned in the “What’s included”

Drinks (wine, beer, apple juice...)

Transport from airport to Trento

Transport from Trento to airport

Sleeping bag liner

Accommodations

1 / 1

Refuge Pradidali - Day 1

Pradidali Refuge, located at 2278m in the heart of the Pale di San Martino, is a starting point for excursions and ascents to the nearby Dolomite peaks.

1 / 1

Refuge Pedrotti alla Rosetta - Day 2

The refuge is situated in a splendid position on the plateau of the Pale di San Martino and is an excellent starting point for numerous hikes and climbs.

1 / 3

Refuge Petina or Velo della Madonna - Day 3

Both refuges are beautifully located in the heart of the Dolomites, surrounded by impressive peaks and unspoiled alpine nature. They offer a welcoming mountain atmosphere, simple and comfortable accommodation, and stunning panoramic views. Accommodation for the night will be either at Petina Refuge or Velo della Madonna Refuge, depending on availability. Each is an ideal place to relax, enjoy a warm dinner, and admire unforgettable sunsets.

Guides

Alessandro

Meeting point

P.za Dante, 38121 Trento TN, Trento, 38054, Trento

Frequently asked questions

Departures

All departures are guaranteed to run

July 2026

Wed

29 Jul

9:00 AM

Sat

1 Aug

6:00 PM

Sold Out

1590 €

1490 €

(491 € deposit)

July 2026

Wed

29 Jul

9:00 AM

Sat

1 Aug

6:00 PM

1590 €

1490 €

(491 € deposit)

Sold Out

August 2026

Mon

3 Aug

9:00 AM

Thu

6 Aug

6:00 PM

Confirmed

2 spots left

1590 €

1190 €

(392 € deposit)

Ambassador

August 2026

Mon

3 Aug

9:00 AM

Thu

6 Aug

6:00 PM

1590 €

1190 €

(392 € deposit)

Confirmed

2 spots left

Ambassador

September 2026

Fri

4 Sep

9:00 AM

Mon

7 Sep

6:00 PM

Confirmed

1 spots left

1590 €

1190 €

(392 € deposit)

Ambassador

September 2026

Fri

4 Sep

9:00 AM

Mon

7 Sep

6:00 PM

1590 €

1190 €

(392 € deposit)

Confirmed

1 spots left

Ambassador

July 2027

Thu

15 Jul

7:00 AM

Sun

18 Jul

4:00 PM

Confirmed

7 spots left

1490 €

(491 € deposit)

July 2027

Thu

15 Jul

7:00 AM

Sun

18 Jul

4:00 PM

1490 €

(491 € deposit)

Confirmed

7 spots left

August 2027

Thu

19 Aug

7:00 AM

Sun

22 Aug

4:00 PM

Confirmed

7 spots left

1490 €

(491 € deposit)

August 2027

Thu

19 Aug

7:00 AM

Sun

22 Aug

4:00 PM

1490 €

(491 € deposit)

Confirmed

7 spots left

September 2027

Thu

2 Sep

7:00 AM

Sun

5 Sep

4:00 PM

Confirmed

7 spots left

1490 €

(491 € deposit)

September 2027

Thu

2 Sep

7:00 AM

Sun

5 Sep

4:00 PM

1490 €

(491 € deposit)

Confirmed

7 spots left

Reviews 4.5

6 total

Edoardo Bruno Sozzi (Jul 2024)

Experience was amazing, thanks to the very good mountain guide (Alessandro Cesaretti) that with patience, knowledge, humanity and sympathy, accompanied us through the tour of Pale di San Martino in the Dolomites (WHAT A PLACE!) Very sad about the price and Mapo Tapo candor. They intitially told me there was already a great group for the date I would like to join. At the end we were only me, another lady and the guide! 12 Available slot on the site that turned out to be sold-out when I subscribed to the adventure. There was also a big error on the website that said 5 days and 4 nights at the refuge, but at the end they turned out to be 3 nights! To Mapo Tapo: Big availability to chat and let you in the adventure but unprofessional behaviour and really high prices, I won't spend good words on you unfortunately.

Sabrina Bloedorn (Sep 2025)

The most wonderful experience everything was fully taken care of and then hut to hut booking didn’t disappoint mapotapo teams up with the best guides in the Dolomites!

Julia (Jan 2024)

Great guide! Perfect climbing location!

Abigail Hum (Sep 2025)

My groups experience was amazing with mapo tapo. The hiking route was a beatiful one and our guide Alessandro was acceptional both professionally and personally. He was able to teach us all some useful skills while also keeping the vibe high and lighthearted. The best guide in italy!

Marco (Nov 2023)

Great experience with a really super qualified guide. Super suggested