The Sassolungo circuit is one of the great loops of the Dolomites. It goes all the way round the Sassolungo by way of the Forcella del Sassolungo, passes historic huts and gives you unbroken views of the Sella Group and the Marmolada.

It is long and demanding, so it suits experienced hikers. You can shorten it by taking the Forcella Sassolungo cable car for the first part.

Sassolungo Circuit from Passo Sella: the giant's loop is one of the routes we gathered by grade and by area: Trekking in the Dolomites: the best trails and how to plan your hike.

How to get there — Passo Sella (2.244 m)

The loop starts from Passo Sella, at 2,244 m, one of the most scenic passes in the Dolomites, between Val Gardena and Val di Fassa. Arrive by car from Selva di Val Gardena or from Canazei along very busy pass roads, with paid car parks near the pass that fill up early. From the pass the historic cabin lift, opened in 1959, climbs to the Forcella del Sassolungo and Rifugio Demetz, handy for trimming the first pull. Arriving early helps you find a space and set off with the time a loop this long needs.

The trailhead is in the Val Gardena area. Check the travel guide for lift schedules, parking and access rules.

Stage by stage

1. From Passo Sella to the Forcella

Climb towards the Forcella del Sassolungo, also reachable by the historic cabin lift, at the base of the vertical walls.

2. Round the Sassolungo

Drop to Rifugio Vicenza and return along the north side of the Sassolungo, through the boulders of the Città dei Sassi, to Rifugio Comici.

When to go & weather

July to September is the period to aim for, with the route clear of snow and the huts open. This is a long, demanding hike (EE): the Val Gardena tourist office gives 10.8 km and 820 m of climbing if you walk up to the Forcella, so the long summer days really matter if you want to finish with a margin. August gives settled weather and more people. September brings cooler temperatures, crisp light and fewer feet on the scree. Set off at dawn and watch the forecast. Afternoon thunderstorms at altitude are common and quick shelter is scarce up here.

Recommended gear

  • Sturdy trekking boots with a well-cut sole for the scree
  • Trekking poles for the long scree stretches on trail 525
  • Windproof and waterproof jacket and a warm layer
  • Plenty of water and food for the whole day
  • Sunglasses, hat and high-factor sun cream
  • A map or GPS track of the whole loop, useful where the trails cross

Useful tips

  • Take the cabin lift to the Forcella del Sassolungo and Rifugio Demetz if you want to skip the initial climb
  • The descent from the Forcella towards Rifugio Vicenza on trail 525 is steep and slippery at times. Come down with poles and no rush
  • Plan a stop at Rifugio Vicenza (2,256 m) to refuel halfway round
  • The return on the northern side follows the gentler trail 526 back to Passo Sella
  • Set off early. 10.8 km at altitude across scree takes hours, plus a margin against the weather
  • Check the cabin-lift timetable in advance if you plan to use it up or down

Frequently asked questions

How hard is the Sassolungo loop?

It is demanding (EE): it is long, has plenty of ascent and a few stretches over scree. It calls for trained legs. To shorten it, use the lifts on the first section.

Can you shorten the Sassolungo loop?

Yes. Taking the two-person cable car from Passo Sella up to the Forcella del Sassolungo saves you the initial climb, which takes about an hour and a half on foot, and you then drop down towards Rifugio Vicenza. Even so, it is still a long, demanding loop for fit hikers.

Which way round is best for the Sassolungo loop?

It can be done in either direction: many take the cable car up to the Forcella to tackle the rest of the loop fresher, come down on trail 525 towards Rifugio Vicenza and return on trail 526. The choice also depends on the lift times and on the logistics of getting back to Passo Sella.

Are there huts to stop at along the Sassolungo loop?

Yes, the loop passes historic huts such as the Demetz at the Forcella, the Vicenza at the foot of the valley and the Comici towards Passo Sella. Handy stops to get your energy back and have a drink on a loop this long.