Hut Crawl on Seceda

Chances are that you’ve heard of the ‘pub crawl’, or have even been on one. The concept is quite simple: You have a drink in a bar, then move to the next one. Then to the next one. This goes on for as long as you like (or can), and is a fun activity to do with friends. Now, what is the one thing guaranteed to add excitement and laughter to a pub crawl? Skiing, of course!

Most people know the Seceda hill because it is the place to go if you want to take one of Val Gardena’s most iconic pictures: That of the Geisler mountains (see our article for Val Gardena's Best Photo Spots). But that is not all this mountain has to offer: there's about a dozen huts in the Seceda skiing area, all of which serve delicious food and drinks. Join us for a tour as we visit them on skis!

Ideally, you begin your hut crawl at the Seceda mountain station, the highest bar and restaurant in the valley at an altitude of 2,460m (8,060ft.). The view is majestic, and you can get here either by a combination of lifts and slopes from Santa Cristina (start at Col Raiser), or directly from Ortisei by taking the Ortisei-Furnes and Furnes-Seceda lifts. This is the perfect place to drink an aperitif and enjoy the panorama. Drink Recommendation: An ice cold Hugo or Veneziano.

Sofie-Hut

It’s not a long way from the mountain station to the first real hut, the Sofie Hut. It should take you less than a minute to reach it. One of Val Gardena’s most high-end destinations, the Sofie Hut probably features the best wine selection in the whole area. If that rings your bells, this might just be the place to order a bottle and share a platter of speck with your friends. Drink Recommendation: Wine from the beautiful cellar.

Mastlé- or Troier-Hütte

There are various options to continue your hut crawl: You could head to the Mastlé Hut or Troier Hut, both a bit smaller and more intimate than the previous venues. They are not on the main slope, so make sure to know where you’re going or ask for directions, otherwise you might miss them! Drink Recommendation: How about a shot of alpine liquor?

Daniel-Hut

The next logical stop would be the Daniel Hut, which you cannot miss. Composed of two large wooden huts and featuring a massive sundeck, it’s always a popular spot to sunbathe and relax. If you’re not having a great time by now, you’re clearly doing something wrong! Drink Recommendation: An aperitif on the terrace.

Fermeda-refuge

Getting to the next huts is pretty easygoing. First on the list is the Fermeda refuge, the only place on Seceda where you can get some good old wood-fired pizza. Stop there if that’s your thing, or head to the Cuca Hut. Our Recomandation: Enjoy a good old wood-fired pizza.

Cuca- or Nëidia-Hut

The Cuca-Hut, usually featuring the loudest music of all venues on Seceda, this is the place where the Aprés-Ski is on all day. If you're looking for something quieter and laid back, ski to the Neidia Hut, just a few hundred meters farther down the hill. Drink Recommendation: Weizen beer and a snack.

Otherwise, start the descent towards Santa Cristina in order to reach the three last huts.

Gamsblut-Hut

You will soon encounter the Gamsblut Hut on your right side. This hut used to be notorious because of its non-leveled floor, but has been recently renovated. And here was us thinking it was because we were drunk! Drink Recommendation: Might we suggest a shot of Williams?

Sangon-Hut

Depending on your pace, there’s a good chance that it’s getting dark by now (but if you start in the morning, who are we to judge?). As you strap on your skis for the umpteenth time and move on, be sure not to miss the Sangon Hut, on your left side as two slopes come together. If you feel a bit tired by now, drink something that gets you to focus: upcoming is the Col Raiser canyon, possibly the steepest slope of the area. Drink Recommendation: An energy drink (vodka optional)

Pramulin-Hütte

Once you’ve made it down the mountain alive, you will soon start to make out the town lights of Santa Cristina. But before you get there, consider a last stop at the Pramulin Hut, the perfect place to make plans for the rest of the day (or night). This hut has road access, so you have the option to call a taxi here. Otherwise, head down to the Col Raiser parking area where you can take the ski bus and reach any other place in the valley. Drink Recommendation: Your favorite, to celebrate!

If your final destination is Ortisei and you have to get back soon, this is the point where you turn back by taking the Fermeda chairlift.

This was a sample itinerary a hut crawl on Seceda, but the fact is that it is possible to have endless fun in Val Gardena's mountain huts! If this sounds like something you’d enjoy doing with your friends, make sure to take your time and enjoy the ride. But don’t overdo it: Always remember that you are skiing in a public place. So, drink and behave responsibly! And try not to stay up too late in the huts… Ski-doo and snow-groomer traffic after dark are a real thing in Val Gardena!

At this point it's probably a good idea to take off your skis. However, who said the party’s over? See this article for The best Apres Ski Destinations in Val Gardena.