Ascent of the Sciliar to Rifugio Bolzano from the Alpe di Siusi

The Sciliar is the emblematic mountain of South Tyrol: this itinerary climbs to its lofty summit plateau and Rifugio Bolzano, one of the oldest mountain huts in the Dolomites.

It is a strenuous outing by virtue of its elevation gain, with a rewarding finale that opens onto the Denti di Terrarossa and the vast sweep of the Alpe di Siusi.

How to get there — Compatsch, Alpe di Siusi (1.844 m)

The starting point is Compatsch, at 1,844 m, the gateway to the Alpe di Siusi. Since the plateau is closed to traffic during the day, the most practical way to arrive is the Alpe di Siusi cable car, which climbs from Siusi allo Sciliar to Compatsch in a few minutes; you leave the car in the car parks below the station. Alternatively there are dedicated buses from Castelrotto and Fiè allo Sciliar. Taking one of the first departures makes the difference, because the route is long and every half-hour gained comes in useful in the afternoon.

The trailhead is in the Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) area. Check the travel guide for lift schedules, parking and access rules.

Stage by stage

When to go & weather

The good season runs from June to October, when the summit plateau and the trail are clear of snow. In early summer a few tongues of snow can linger in the shaded gullies, while autumn brings clear air and a crystal-sharp view of the Denti di Terrarossa and the Catinaccio. This is a route for experienced hikers, with almost 800 m of elevation gain: it is best to set off at dawn to be at the top before the afternoon thunderstorms, which arrive on cue here in summer. The open stretches of the plateau are very exposed to the sun, so on hot days you can never have enough water.

Recommended gear

• Trekking boots with a well-lugged sole, as the plateau alternates rock and grass
• Poles, useful on the almost 800 m of elevation gain up and then down
• Layered clothing with a windproof and waterproof shell: at altitude the weather turns fast
• At least 1.5 litres of water per person, as springs are scarce along the climb
• Hat, glasses and sun cream for the long open stretches of the plateau
• A few euros or a snack for the stop at Rifugio Bolzano

Useful tips

• Go up on one of the first cable cars: the round trip is long and should be tackled with a margin
• Consider sleeping at Rifugio Bolzano, one of the oldest in the Dolomites, to enjoy dawn and dusk on the plateau
• From the hut add the short climb to Monte Pez, at 2,563 m the highest point of the Sciliar: it takes just twenty minutes
• Follow the Tourists' Trail that passes the Baita Saltner, well marked and without technical difficulties
• Keep an eye on the weather: the plateau is exposed and during thunderstorms there is no shelter
• Fill your bottles at Compatsch before setting off — after that you find no water until the hut

Huts and rest points

• Rifugio Bolzano allo Sciliar (2457 m) — Storico rifugio sull'altopiano sommitale dello Sciliar, tra i più antichi delle Dolomiti. Details →