Sassolungo

The Sassolungo (Ladin "Saslonch", German "Langkofel") is the main peak of the Sassolungo Group in South Tyrol. To the east, the mountain range borders the Alpe di Siusi. Numerous well-known ski resorts are located at the foot of the famous Sassolungo, which is a popular destination for climbers, hikers and holidaymakers in Val Gardena in summer.

Around 230 million years ago, the Sassolungo Group was formed from a tropical coral reef. The "local mountain" of Val Gardena can be seen on countless posters and in legendary mountaineering films and attracts thousands of tourists to the Dolomites every year, who fall under the spell of this unique peak.

Sassolungo: Highlights

1. The Sassolungo is the main peak of the imposing Sassolungo Group at an altitude of 3,181 metres.
2. The normal route to the summit of the Sassolungo was first climbed by Paul Grohmann in 1869.
3. The 3.20-metre-high Madonna carved by Flavio Pancheri hangs on the Sassolungo's east face.
4. Numerous mountain and alpine huts invite holidaymakers to take a break, recharge and enjoy.
5. Hikers, mountain bikers, paragliders, climbers and holidaymakers all flock to the Sassolungo.
6. The Sassolungo is one of the most impressive and beautiful mountains in the Dolomites.

Sassolungo Group

The Sassolungo Group in the western Dolomites is a mountain range bordering Val Gardena, Val di Fassa, the Sella Group, Catinaccio and Sciliar. The highest point of the famous mountain range is the Sassolungo at 3,181 metres. Other peaks that belong to the Sassolungo group are: Punta Grohmann (3,113 m), Torre Innerkofler (3,081 m), il Dente (3,000 m), Sassopiatto (2,964 m) and Punta Cinquedita (2,918 m).

With the construction of the popular standing gondola lift leading from the Sella Pass to the Sassolungo Pass, the area was opened up to tourism. Numerous huts, hiking trails, climbing tours and unique views make the area around the Sassolungo Group a popular excursion and travel destination.

In the area around the Sassolungo, there are numerous hiking trails on which you will be rewarded with fantastic views. What you should definitely do for your holiday in Val Gardena is hike around the Sassolungo. Whether it's the short Sassolungo tour or the long version – look forward to a breathtaking panorama, pure Dolomite magic and many inviting huts. Hikes to the Sassolungo also start directly in the nearby villages of Selva and Santa Cristina.

The Sassolungo is a beautiful 3,000-metre peak, which offers you one of the most challenging normal routes in the entire Dolomites. On unique alpine routes, you can follow in the footsteps of famous climbers and mountaineers. Some sport climbing routes and via ferratas offer athletes of all levels the chance to pursue their hobby, perfect their skills and push themselves beyond their limits.

Sassolungo normal route (III)

While mountain hikers can walk around the entire Sassolungo Group, experienced climbers have the chance to attempt a challenging tour to the summit. The normal route is quite long and requires excellent physical condition and orientation. After a ride on the basket lift or a night in the Toni Demetz Hut, you can start at the Sassolungo Pass. Most of the 650 metres in altitude that have to be conquered on the normal route are climbed.

First ascent by Paul Grohmann

There are many legends surrounding the first ascent of the Sassolungo. What is certain is that the Viennese alpinist Paul Grohmann must have already undertaken several exploratory tours before he succeeded in making the first ascent of the Sassolungo on 13 August 1869. Back then, Paul Grohmann started his route from Plan da Cunfin, continuing via Punta Dantersass, ice chute and the amphitheatre to the summit. Today the route starts from the Sassolungo Pass, follows the Fassaner ledge to the amphitheatre and bypasses the ice gully on the left by an alternative route over the rocky ridge. The rest roughly corresponds to the route found by Grohmann.

Sassolungo Group via ferratas

The Sassolungo Group is a unique climbing paradise that offers you two outstanding via ferratas, which are among the most beautiful via ferratas in Val Gardena. The via ferrata "Furcela de Saslonch" was newly opened in autumn 2021 and can be accessed in about 15 minutes from the Toni Demetz Hut. The via ferrata leads over 500 metres of diverse routes along the mountain ridge, which is located in the upper left part of the Sassolungo Pass. On the Oskar Schuster via ferrata, you will follow in the footsteps of one of the most famous German alpinists. This via ferrata, also known as the Sasso Piatto climb, requires experience and full equipment and should only be undertaken in ideal weather conditions. The via ferrata at Col Rodella is located on the Passo Sella close to the Sassolungo and is well suited for climbers who have little experience on via ferratas.

Sport climbing and bouldering

Climbers of all disciplines find ideal conditions on the Sassolungo. The Città dei Sassi below the Sassolungo is one of the most famous climbing crags in Val Gardena. The area was created by a huge rock fall and is a wonderful training area for sport climbing and bouldering. Families with children and climbing beginners can also get active on the large boulders. The small Toni Demetz climbing garden has been located directly next to the Toni Demetz Hut at the end of the Sassolungo Pass since 2012 and offers a unique panorama as well as 24 exciting climbing routes.

The Forcella Sassolungo (German "Langkofelscharte") is a place of special significance for several reasons. Firstly, it is the entrance to the normal route to the Sassolungo. The via ferrata "Furcela de Saslonch", which was only opened in 2021 and leads to the Toni Demetz Hut, is a particular highlight. On the other hand, you can reach the Forcella Sassolungo with the famous gondola. In this cable car, you can travel from the Passo Sella up the Forcella Sassolungo to the mountain station at the Toni Demetz Hut, where you can also spend the night. Watch the marmots sunbathing under the cable car and enjoy the peaceful view of nature.

Sassolungo cableway opening hours

It is a special adventure to float through the Sassolungo Pass by cable car. The gondola lift "Forcella Sassolungo" operates daily from mid-June to early October between 8:15 am and 5:00 pm. Dogs are allowed on the lift for €5. Bicycles cannot be transported.

• Prices for adults: 20 € for the ascent, 22 € for the ascent and descent.
• Prices for children: 14 € for the ascent, 15.50 € for the ascent and descent.

There are numerous huts around the Sassolungo where you can rest and recharge your batteries. You can choose whether you prefer a rustic snack, coffee and freshly baked cake or a luxurious gourmet menu. The cuisine of the region combines South Tyrolean tradition with Mediterranean influences and offers something for every taste. Many of the huts around the Sassolungo Group have been in family hands for generations and welcome you with great hospitality. You can spend the night in some of them, some of them on a very high level, such as the Salei Hut.

• Salei Hut
• Emilio Comici Hut
• Toni Demetz Hut
• Sassolungo Hut
• Sasso Piatto Hut
• Friedrich August Hut
• Carlo Valentini Hut

There is always a lot going on around the Sassolungo throughout the year. Don't miss any of the top sporting events in the region, where international stars and ambitious amateur athletes face their greatest challenges.

The Sassolungo is the undisputed landmark of Val Gardena and offers you endless possibilities to immerse yourself in the diverse world of the Dolomites. Take a look through one of the webcams in Val Gardena or check the weather before your tour to the Sassolungo.