Hiking in the Alps is less a pastime than a way of spending the day. Every house is a short walk or drive from marked trails, so most days start without a long transfer. What changes from valley to valley is the character of the walking.
Val di Fiemme: fairytale forests and Dolomite views
Well-marked trails, gentle terrain and Dolomite scenery in every direction. From easy nature walks to panoramic routes and hut-to-hut days, the valley works for every age and level, and its protected parks make even a short walk feel immersive.
- Paneveggio forest and deer: at the Paneveggio nature park, an easy loop of about an hour through the spruce forest passes a deer enclosure. Ideal for families.
- Malga Cugola: from Passo Oclini, an easy loop through larch and pine leads to Malga Cugola, with picnic spots along the way.
- Corno Nero from Passo Oclini: a half-day climb from about 1,990 m to the summit at 2,439 m, with big views. The final rocky ridge needs sure footing.
Your place to stay: Apart Dolomiti
Val Venosta: sun-drenched trails and high-alpine variety
Val Venosta has a long hiking season thanks to its dry, sunny climate. The network runs from historic Waalwege (paths following centuries-old irrigation channels) to ridge walks and glacier valleys, past orchards, castles and ruins.
- Leitenwaal and Bergwaal near Schluderns: an easy family loop, level along the channels after a short climb.
- Laaser Tal to the Obere Laaser Alm (2,047 m): a medium hike through forest and marble country to a hut serving food.
- Tschenglser Hochwand (3,375 m): a demanding summit above Sulden by via ferrata, for experienced mountaineers with full via ferrata kit.
Your place to stay: Apart Vinschgau
Valmalenco: high-alpine wilderness
Valmalenco is the wildest of them: granite peaks, alpine lakes and solitude. Many trails start high, at San Giuseppe or Campo Moro, so you are quickly in mountain landscape.
- Lago Palù (1,921 m): an easy hike through fir and larch forest from San Giuseppe to a clear mountain lake, fine for beginners in good shoes. The cable car from Chiesa shortens the climb.
- Campo Moro to Rifugio Cristina: an easy one-hour climb to the hut at Alpe Prabello (2,287 m), below Pizzo Scalino and facing Monte Disgrazia.
- Laghi di Campagneda: a longer loop of about 10 km and 3.5 hours that extends the Prabello walk through open alpine meadows to the lakes.
Your place to stay: Chalet Valmalenco
Going higher: mountaineering
If you want rope, crampons and a summit, these valleys all deliver. The routes below are serious alpine climbs: go only with solid experience or a certified mountain guide.
- Valmalenco: Pizzo Bernina (4,049 m) via Rifugio Marco e Rosa, Pizzo Palù (3,905 m) and Pizzo Scalino (3,323 m) are all glacier climbs with some rock sections.
- Val Venosta: the Ortler (3,905 m) by the normal route via the Payerhütte combines rock climbing and glacier, for experienced alpinists, ideally with a guide. Piz Chavalatsch (2,763 m) is a long but rope-free summit hike with wide views.
- Val di Fiemme: Cima di Cece (2,754 m), the highest peak of the Lagorai, is a full day for experienced hikers with no glacier. On the Marmolada (3,343 m), glacier routes depend on conditions and local rules, so go only with a certified mountain guide.
