Hiking around Sassolungo

To fully understand the meaning of the name "Sassolungo" (the "long stone"), it is necessary to hike around this giant of the Dolomites at least once. The Sassolungo loop is an excursion that offers everything: wonderful landscapes, imposing peaks, ample pastures and first-class huts where you can take a deserved break.

From the Autostrada del Brennero (A22) highway drive through Val Gardena (SS242) to Plan de Gralba. A few hundred meters after Plan de Gralba, turn right at the junction towards Passo Sella and continue all the way to Hotel Passo Sella (SS243). Behind it you will find a large parking lot (subject to charge).

In summer, the mountain passes of the Dolomites are excellently served by public transportation.  Line 471 departs from the towns of Ortisei, S. Cristina and Selva towards Passo Sella every 30 minutes. For detailed schedules, see SüdtirolMobil.

The short variant runs around the Sassolungo and does not include the Sassopiatto massif. Being a complete loop, you can theoretically start from any point along the path. Here we document the classic tour, which starts from Passo Sella.

The tour begins by following trail nr. 525 towards the Forcella del Sassolungo, located at an altitude of 2,685m/8,612 ft. This first section is very beautiful, but also steep and challenging. If you want to take it easy, you can take the cableway to the top!

Once you reach the Forcella, you will immediately feel the climate of the mountains. You'll find yourself in the middle of a stunning rocky landscape. If you look South you'll be able to make out a thin stone tower: the thumb of the Cinque Dita (Five Fingers) rock formation. To the North rises the Sassolungo, surrounded by its many peaks and towers.

The Sassolungo loop begins with a steep and demanding descent, which requires a certain degree of confidence, until you reach the impressive amphitheater in the heart of the Sassolungo Group. To the right and left, spectacular Dolomite walls rise up for hundreds of meters. The sight of these incredible rock formations may give you the sudden sensation of being very small.

After the first few hundred meters, the landscape becomes flatter and the path continues gently above the valley. Continue until you reach Rifugio Vicenza (2,253 m / 7,391 ft.), a good option for a first break. From the hut keep hiking downwards, always along trail nr. 525, until you reach a crossroads.

Follow the signs for Rifugio Comici (trail nr. 526) in northern direction. You'll be hiking up and down through a diverse landscape for a while, along the path that leads to Col de Mesdì (2,114 m / 6,935 ft.). From here you can enjoy an incredible view of the high northern wall of the Sassolungo, one of the highest and most impressive peaks in the Dolomites.

You can continue along trail nr. 526A, directly under the mountain, or a few hundred meters below, along the slightly flatter trail nr. 526. A short climb will lead you directly to Rifugio Comici, where you can take a break before tackling the last part of the tour back to Passo Sella.

The last 2.5 km of the Sassolungo loop still follow trail nr. 526. A few minutes after departing from Rifugio Comici you'll come to a crossroads - we recommend choosing the lower road, which will take you back to Passo Sella through the Città dei Sassi (the "city of boulders").

By taking the cableway from Passo Sella, everyone can easily reach the Forcella del Sassolungo. As a consequence, however, many inexperienced hikers end up venturing into mountain areas beyond their skill level. Indeed, this area is one of the hot spots for the mountain rescue service of Val Gardena! Don't underestimate the conditions of the area.

You should also pay attention to the condition of the snow. Due to the high altitude, snow can be found around the Sassolungo year-round, especially close to the Forcella, which can sometimes be covered completely. Useful tracks can often be found in the snow, but suitable shoes are necessary. The same goes for September, where fresh snow can make the ground slippery.

• Tabacco Nr.05, Gröden-Val Gardena or Nr. 07, Alta Badia, Arabba, Marmolada. The tabacco maps are available in their app. 
• AV-Map Nr. 52/I