Advanced Brenta Piccola Trek

Your trek begins in Madonna di Campiglio. Walk along Via Vallesinella to reach Rifugio Vallesinella.The sound of waterfalls will guide you on your ascent through the forest. After a scenic stop at the viewpoint over the Vallesinella cascades, you’ll reach Malga Vallesinella di Sopra—a peaceful alpine hut ideal for a quick break. The trail then climbs steadily through thinning woods and rocky slopes to Rifugio Graffer al Grostè, where you can relax with a good meal and enjoy the warm mountain atmosphere.

From Graffer, the trail crosses high-altitude terrain with open views of the surrounding peaks. As you make your way toward Rifugio Tuckett, you’ll be treated to sweeping panoramas of the Brenta Dolomites and distant glimpses of the Adamello and Presanella ranges. The path winds through alpine meadows and rocky outcrops, ending at this iconic hut where you can unwind beneath the dramatic peaks.

This alternative route is designed for trekkers who still want to include a via ferrata stage when the Via Ferrata Alfredo Benini is closed. By bypassing the Alfredo Benini section, this variant joins the second half of the original route and continues onto the SOSAT Via Ferrata, allowing you to reach Rifugio Alimonta while avoiding the affected area. We strongly recommend checking current route conditions with the hut warden before setting out.

The highlight of the day is the SOSAT Via Ferrata (Sentiero Ottaviani Segata Alfredo Tosa), one of the best-known equipped routes in the Brenta Dolomites. The SOSAT is considered technically less difficult than some other Brenta via ferratas, but it should not be underestimated. Its exposure, length and steep sections require previous via ferrata experience, good fitness, sure-footedness and confidence on exposed terrain.

The route follows panoramic ledges and equipped passages beneath the Campiglio spires, linking the high mountain terrain between the Brenta huts. Expect cable-protected sections, exposed traverses, narrow ledges and ladders, with some passages where there are no iron handholds. Movement should be steady and careful throughout, especially where the terrain is exposed or the rock is damp.

Proper via ferrata equipment is mandatory, including a helmet, harness and certified via ferrata set. A good head for heights is essential. These sections should only be attempted in stable weather and with good visibility, as wet rock, thunderstorms or poor visibility can significantly increase the difficulty and objective hazards. After completing the SOSAT Via Ferrata, the route continues across high-alpine terrain before the final ascent to Rifugio Alimonta, set beneath the cliffs of Cima Brenta.

The final day kicks off at Rifugio Alimonta, perched high among the jagged peaks of the Brenta Dolomites. A short climb leads you up to the Bocca dei Armi before beginning your descent, with towering cliffs and sweeping alpine vistas accompanying you along the way.

As you drop down past Rifugio Brentei and into greener valleys, the trail winds through rocky terrain, a mountain tunnel, and peaceful forest paths. Waterfalls begin to appear as you reach the Vallesinella area, where the sound of cascading water welcomes you to the valley. Your trek ends at the welcoming Rifugio Vallesinella – the perfect place to rest and reflect on an unforgettable journey. From there, you can return to the alpine town of Madonna di Campiglio via Via Vallesinella.