Hike to Resciesa Mountain Hut

The Resciesa alpine pasture rises in the north of Ortisei, lies between Val Gardena and the neighbouring Val di Funes Valley and is part of the Puez-Geisler Nature Park. The lower part consists mainly of woods, while 2000 metres above sea level, the landscape is dominated by wide meadows. The latter are very easy to reach from Ortisei, as a funicular takes hikers directly above the forest line.

Coming from the Brenner motorway (A22), drive through the Val Gardena valley (SS242) to Ortisei where you’ll reach the Seceda cable car valley station (parking available for a fee). From there, it takes about 5 minutes to reach the Resciesa cable car valley station (signposted).

Val Gardena is also easily accessible by public transport. Line 350 runs every half hour from Waidbruck or Klausen to Ortisei. Timetables can best be found via SüdtirolMobil. Get off at the Antoniusplatz stop in the centre of Ortisei and in just 10 minutes you’ll reach the Seceda cable car via escalators and then the Resciesa funicular (well signposted).

In no time at all, the funicular takes you up from Ortisei. As you ride, the view of the surrounding mountains becomes more impressive with every metre you travel. Arriving at the mountain station at 2100 m, you’ll have a magnificent view of the Val Gardena Dolomites; many locals say that the Sassolungo is the most beautiful when seen from Resciesa, which is why there is a popular photo spot here. You’ll also find a restaurant where you can enjoy an espresso or even breakfast before the hike starts.

To reach the Resciesa Hut, take trail No. 35, which begins at the mountain station. After a short climb paved with large stone slabs, the trail runs flat to the west until you reach the hut.

The trail runs through the forest and across open meadows, and every now and then you'll come across a bench where you can stop and rest for a moment. While doing so, you can marvel at the mountains all around; to the east, the tall peaks of the Odle can be seen. To the right is the Stevia and then the Sella Group, which closes off the Val Gardena valley to the east. If you look closely, you can see the queen of the Dolomites behind it, the Marmolata; at 3343 m, it's the highest summit in the Dolomites. 

To the southeast lies the landmark mountain of Val Gardena, the Sassolungo, with the entire Sassolungo group, whose individual peaks are very easy to make out from Resciesa. To the south, the largest alpine pasture in Europe, the Alpe di Siusi, is bordered by the Catinaccio group and the Sciliar. To the east, the view reaches as far as Bolzano and behind it, in the far distance, even the peaks of the Ortler Group can be seen.

From the mountain station to the Resciesa Hut, there is a hike of about 1.4 km, so you can take your time and enjoy the view while children can discover and play in the surrounding woods and meadows.

The hut is beautifully situated amidst wide alpine meadows and has a large terrace with a varied menu where everyone should find something to enjoy. The hut is very popular and easy to reach, so it is also very busy; in August especially, it’s not always easy to get a seat.

To bridge any waiting times, you can visit the nearby Holy Cross Chapel, which is about 20 minutes to the west. Just follow the flat path from the hut for about 600 metres. The chapel stands on the outer edge of the Resciesa alpine pasture and is worth a visit. From there, you can view the village of Laion below.

The highest point of Resciesa is the summit cross in the far west, which is clearly visible from the hut. The additional ascent to the cross is worthwhile because, once at the top, you'll get a magnificent view where you'll also be able to see northwards as far as the main Alpine ridge.

There are two paths leading to the summit cross: a short and a slightly longer one:

1. Longer version (approx. 1.1 km): first head west to the small chapel. Then take the trail north leading up the outer edge of the Resciesa alpine pasture to the summit cross.
2. Shorter version (approx. 700 m): directly behind the hut, the trail leads straight up to the cross.

To get back to the mountain station, take the same path you came from. The funicular takes you back to Ortisei.

The Resciesa alpine pasture is a lovely place that is easy to reach, has a beautiful landscape and offers plenty of space for children to play. It's an excursion well suited for families that makes for an unforgettable day in the mountains.

On the way back, you can make a detour to the Cason Hut. You can reach the Malga Cason by staying on trail No. 35 and walking about 200 metres further through the forest. This hut is also beautifully situated and offers delicious products that come from the farm's own production on the alpine pasture. To return to the mountain station, you only need to walk 100 metres down the forest road.