The Col Raiser plateau, above Santa Cristina in Val Gardena, gives you effortless access to the world of the Odle thanks to a gondola that lifts you into the heights in minutes.
The walk to Rifugio Firenze runs across wide, open meadows with the Odle peaks always centre stage. Perfect for families after a rewarding day in the mountains.
How to get there — Arrivo cabinovia Col Raiser (2.106 m)
You start from the top station of the Col Raiser gondola (2,106 m), which climbs from Santa Cristina in Val Gardena. Reach Santa Cristina by car up Val Gardena from Bolzano or over the Dolomite passes. There are paid car parks near the valley station. The gondola takes you quickly up to altitude and removes the effort of the first climb, which makes the route perfect for families. From the top you take the comfortable trail number 4, which in about twenty-five minutes crosses the Cisles meadows to Rifugio Firenze, the Regensburger Hütte, at 2,040 m.
The trailhead is in the Val Gardena area. Check the travel guide for lift schedules, parking and access rules.
Stage by stage
1. Across the Col Raiser plateau
Follow the panoramic meadow paths towards the heart of the Odle Group.
2. Rifugio Firenze
Reach the hut at the foot of the rock walls, an ideal spot for a well-earned break.
When to go & weather
June to October is the ideal period, with the gondola running, the meadows in bloom and Rifugio Firenze open. June brings lush flowering, while September and early October tint the plateau with warm colours and give crisp light on the Odle, with far fewer people than in midsummer. Being an easy, scenic route, it is a good pick for families and for days of less than perfect weather. Still, set off in the morning to catch the Odle in the best light and get back before the afternoon thunderstorms.
Recommended gear
- Light trekking shoes. The route is easy, but you walk on meadows and a mountain trail
- A windproof or light waterproof jacket for the altitude
- Water and a snack, even with a stop at the hut planned
- A hat, glasses and sun cream for the sun-exposed meadows
- Layered clothing even in summer, because above 2,000 m the air stays cool
Useful tips
- Use the Col Raiser gondola to carry the kids up to altitude effortlessly and save your energy for the panoramic walk alone
- Keep your phone or camera ready. The Odle line the whole route in the foreground, a backdrop that changes at every bend
- At Rifugio Firenze the little ones find a playground and even rabbits. A stop here pleases the whole family
- Check the gondola timetable and the hut's opening to plan the day and the break well
- If you have time and energy, push the walk on into the Puez-Odle Nature Park. The plateau at the foot of the spires invites you to explore
Huts and rest points
- Rifugio Firenze (Regensburger) (2037 m) — Sull'altopiano del Col Raiser, sotto le Odle, e ci si arriva in cabinovia. Details →
Frequently asked questions
Can you reach Rifugio Firenze with children?
Yes. The Col Raiser gondola takes you up to altitude, so there is little left to walk. It works well for families with children used to short walks.
How much does the Col Raiser gondola cost?
It is a paid service with seasonal one-way or return fares. Check the current times and prices at the Santa Cristina lifts before heading up.
Can you also reach Rifugio Firenze on foot from Santa Cristina?
Yes, you can walk up the whole way, covering the height gain from the valley, but the route becomes much longer and harder. It is the gondola that makes this itinerary suitable for families.
Is the path from Col Raiser to Rifugio Firenze suitable for pushchairs?
You walk on meadows and a mountain path, better suited to children who walk or to a child-carrier backpack than to pushchairs. It still ranks among the easiest and most rewarding itineraries at the foot of the Odle.