The Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) is the largest high-altitude meadow in Europe. That's 56 square kilometres of pasture, according to the official site, with the Sciliar and the Sassolungo on either side. In summer the grass fills with hundreds of flowering species, from wild orchids to buttercups and gentians, while cattle graze loose and the wooden huts open up for speck, aged mountain cheese and the Kaiserschmarrn you'll find on every menu. Walking across it feels like crossing a green sea that rolls right up to the foot of the cliffs.
More than 300 kilometres of trails cross the plateau, from flat family walks to mountain-bike routes. To keep it from filling with traffic, cars are banned during the day, and the easiest way up is the cable car from Siusi. That rule is the reason the meadows have stayed quiet and clean. In winter the whole expanse turns into one of the best spots around for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and the huts stay open for a warm stop.
Getting up there. The Alpe di Siusi cable car leaves from Siusi allo Sciliar (Seis am Schlern), at Via Sciliar 39, and reaches Compaccio in fifteen minutes. In summer 2026 it runs from 22 May to 2 November, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and until 7 p.m. in high summer; seiseralm.it does not publish the altitudes of the stations. A single ride costs 21 euros and a return 30; juniors born between 2008 and 2017 pay 13 and 18 euros, children born from 2018 travel free, and a family ticket for two adults with their children costs 46 and 65 euros. A dog is 3 euros one way and 6 return, a bike 6 and 12. From the other side, the Mont Sëuc gondola climbs from Ortisei, 800 metres of ascent in five minutes: the operator gives it as open from 1 May to 2 November 2026, from 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and until 6 p.m. between 6 June and 16 October, at 29 euros one way up and 41 return, 20.30 and 28.70 for children aged 8 to 14, and free under 8 with paying parents.
At the Siusi valley station there are three places to park: the large outdoor car park (P1) is free, though you cannot leave a car there between 10 p.m. and 6.30 a.m.; the Walderer garage costs 2 euros an hour and 8 a day; the valley-station garage costs 2.50 an hour and 12 a day, with a flat rate from the fourth hour. There are three EV charging points too. In Ortisei, the valley station of the gondola to the alp has an underground garage with 240 spaces, two minutes from the centre over the footbridge. Up on the plateau, while the cable car is running, the road to Compaccio is closed to private cars from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though you may always drive down: the full rules, with the car parks up top and the booking system, are in our guide to access to the Alpe di Siusi.
To see where Prati e malghe dell'altopiano fits among everything else in the Dolomites: What to See in the Dolomites: The Complete Guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can you drive to the Alpe di Siusi?
Not while the cable car is running: the road to Compaccio is closed to private traffic from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though driving down is always allowed. To go up, take the cable car from Siusi, which takes fifteen minutes. The full rules are in our access guide.
How much does the Alpe di Siusi cable car cost, and when is it open?
In summer 2026 the cable car from Siusi runs from 22 May to 2 November and costs 21 euros for a single ride and 30 euros return. Juniors born between 2008 and 2017 pay 13 and 18 euros, and children born from 2018 travel free. Two adults with their children pay 46 euros one way and 65 return.
Can you go up to the Alpe di Siusi from Ortisei?
Yes, on the Mont Sëuc gondola, which climbs 800 metres from Ortisei in five minutes. The operator gives it as open from 1 May to 2 November 2026 and charges 29 euros one way up and 41 euros return, 20.30 and 28.70 for children aged 8 to 14, and free under 8 with paying parents.
Where do you park at the valley station?
At Siusi allo Sciliar there are three options: the free outdoor car park, where no parking is allowed between 10 p.m. and 6.30 a.m., the Walderer garage at 2 euros an hour and 8 a day, and the valley-station garage at 2.50 an hour and 12 a day, with a flat rate from the fourth hour. In Ortisei the valley station has an underground garage with 240 spaces.
Are the mountain huts suitable for families?
Yes. Flat footpaths cross the meadows and are easy even with kids, and the many huts make good stops for local food like speck, cheese and Kaiserschmarrn.