Snowshoe Hike: Juac Alp and onward

"Juac" is the name of an alpine pasture above the village of Selva, which is easy to reach yet offers a wonderful view of the Val Gardena valley. The Puez-Odle Nature Park begins above the Juac Hut with the unique Odle Group, below which the so-called "Ncisles" Alp extends.

For advanced snowshoe hikers, we also recommend the extension to the Troier Hut via the Ncisles Alp at the foot of the Odle peaks.

Coming from the Brenner motorway (A22), drive through the Val Gardena valley (SS242) to Selva. Shortly before Selva (after Hotel Alpenroyal), turn left and then immediately right again. After about 200 metres, turn left onto a steep road and, as soon as it levels out again, turn left again in the direction of "Daunëi". Follow the narrow road for about 200 metres until you reach the Sciuz car park above the last houses.

Val Gardena is also easily accessible by public transport. Line 350 runs every half hour from Ponte Gardena or Chiusa to Selva. Here you get off at the Nives stop in the village centre. Unfortunately, no city bus runs to Daunëi in winter, which is why this hike starts from Selva and takes about 40 minutes longer. From the Nives bus stop, walk approximately 150 metres along the main road in a westerly direction (out of the valley) and turn right immediately after the "Sartëur" supermarket onto the "Rainel" road. This runs diagonally upwards and you quickly reach the "Col dala Pelda", where you come to the Daunëi road, which you follow uphill.

The snowshoe hike to the Juac Hut, which is also open in winter, begins along a tarmac road, which you follow for about 150 metres around two hairpin bends. This takes you to a flat section where summer Trail No. 3 branches off to the left. This path is well laid out and runs slightly uphill through the forest.

The path can often be icy and slippery. Snowshoes come in handy here. Although they serve less of a purpose here – not sinking deep into the snow – the iron pins on the underside provide more grip on slippery and icy terrain.

There are around 200 metres of ascent on this first stage, making this tour an ideal excursion for those who want to familiarise themselves with snowshoes for the first time or only have time for a short half-day hike.

Alternative

It may also be worthwhile not to follow Trail No. 3, but to climb further to the left (west) across the meadow instead. This is characterised by hills of varying sizes and small depressions. Simply walk straight up along the open meadow and you will soon reach the Juac Hut at 1,905 metres.

Tour info: Daunëi to the Juac Hut

• Distance: 1.9 km
• Duration: 45 min
• Elevation gain: 203 m
• Target altitude: 1,905 m

If you arrive at the Juac Hut and still want more, you can venture further into the Puez-Odle Nature Park. The second stage leads to the Rifugio Firenze. Leave the Juac Hut on the left and walk to the forest behind it. Trail No. 3 descends through this for just under 300 metres to Summer Trail No. 1, which leads uphill again. The path is wide and runs uphill to the right of a small stream. It is mostly shady and cold here, but you will soon be able to recognise the unique Odle peaks further up and get closer to them with every step.

There are a further 150 metres of ascent to the Rifugio Firenze, which lies at 2,040 metres above sea level. Unfortunately, the refuge is closed in the winter months, but you can take a break on a bench on the terrace and admire the panorama of the Sassolungo, Sassopiatto and Alpe di Siusi.

Tour info: Daunëi to the Rifugio Firenze

• Distance: 4 km
• Duration: 1 h 20 min
• Altitude difference: 355 m
• Target altitude: 2,040 m

Return route

To get back to the valley from the Rifugio Firenze, you can either walk back along the ascent path to Daunëi or hike to Col Raiser (follow the Summer Trail No. 4 for approximately 300 metres) and take the cable car back to the valley. However, you will then be in Santa Cristina and will have to take a taxi, bus or a lift back to Daunëi if you have parked your car there.

The third stage of this snowshoe hike leads directly below the Odle peaks, but should only be undertaken in safe conditions. Consequently, this section is reserved for those who are suitably equipped and can correctly assess avalanche situations. Those who do not fulfil these requirements can book a mountain guide or join a group.

From the Rifugio Firenze, the route continues northwards along Summer Trail No. 13. The terrain here can be confusing: at the beginning, it leads through sparse forest, then continues upwards between several hills and hollows. Always choose the most favourable route; steep slopes should be avoided at all costs due to the risk of avalanches.

After walking about 200 metres in altitude, turn onto Summer Trail No. 13B, which circles a final upswing to the left until you are below the Fermeda Peaks. Continue westwards to the Pieralongia Hut (2,997 m). The hut itself is hidden behind boulders, but a 60-metre-high menhir towers in front of it, which can be seen from afar.

It's not far to the Troier Hut now, but caution is advised. The shorter route, along Summer Trail No. 2B, runs along a steep slope where avalanches often occur. This should therefore only be attempted in absolutely safe conditions. The path around the hill is slightly longer but safer. To do this, descend from the Pieralongia Hut in the direction of the valley below, then turn west before climbing back up to the right until you reach the Troier Hut (2,250 m).

Tour info: Daunëi to the Troier Hut

• Distance: 6.5 km
• Duration: 2 h 15 min
• Elevation gain: 600 m
• Target altitude: 2,250 m

Return route

The descent from the Troier Hut runs downhill between the meadows until you reach the winter hiking trail that connects the Fermeda Hut with the Col Raiser. Follow this path eastwards until you reach the top station of the gondola lift, which takes you down to Santa Cristina. If you are particularly fast and persistent, you can also hike back to Daunëi via the Rifugio Firenze and Juac.

You can hire snowshoes from the mountain guides at the Catores Alpine School (€10.00 snowshoes + poles) and receive first-hand information about the snow conditions. For those who are venturing into this activity for the first time, it may also be advisable to book a mountain guide. In addition, daily group snowshoe hikes of varying length and difficulty are offered in winter (priced from €35.00 per person). Alternatively, simply ask the local equipment rental companies in Val Gardena.

• Tabacco No.05, Val Gardena. The Tabacco maps are also available via the app.
• AV Map No. 52/I