Monte Elmo, Helm in German, is the home mountain of Sesto and Versciaco, and it works for both casual walkers and keen hikers. The Helmjet gondola is a modern ten-person cabin lift. It climbs from the valley floor at about 1,315 metres to the upper station at 2,050 metres in six minutes. From there the pastures open up and the ridge trails run nearly level along the crest. You look across the Sesto Dolomites and the Tre Cime on one side, the Carnic Alps and nearby East Tyrol on the other.
In summer the whole area suits walkers of every level. The routes are well signposted, the mountain farms serve a plate of canederli, and the paths connect all the way to the Carnic traverse. There's also the Heimatweg, a themed trail built for the 2009 Tyrolean commemorations. Winter turns it into something else: Monte Elmo becomes one of the hubs of the Tre Cime Dolomiti ski area, part of Dolomiti Superski, with runs for beginners and stronger skiers. A short lift ride and wide views make it easy to reach in any season.
Frequently asked questions
How do you reach Monte Elmo?
Take the Helmjet gondola, which climbs from Sesto to about 2,050 metres in six minutes. You can also walk up on the trails from the valley floor if you'd rather earn the height.
Are the Monte Elmo trails suitable for families?
Yes. The upper station is the start of the panoramic ridge trails, mostly level and well signposted, with mountain farms along the way. They work well for families with children.