> Panoramic views of the Marmarole and Monte Antelao
> Extra night at scenic Rifugio Chiggiato, away from the crowds
> Crafted for trekkers who want more time in the wild Dolomites
There’s something magical about watching the sunset over the Marmarole from the terrace of Rifugio Chiggiato. That golden alpine glow, a steaming plate of polenta, and the sense of having truly escaped the crowd. It’s the kind of moment that makes your legs forgive the climb.
The 4-day Alta Via della Marmotta adds a night to the popular 3-day version—same distance, but with a slower rhythm and an extra night in the wild. This is for hikers who want the Dolomites without the Dolomites circus. You’ll move through rugged terrain and quiet valleys, spending each night in cozy mountain huts where the food is local and the views are ridiculous. The route is challenging but never extreme. Just enough spice to earn your strudel.
You start in San Vito di Cadore and end in Auronzo di Cadore. And along the way? Wild marmots, jagged peaks, and the kind of solitude you didn’t think existed in Italy.
The Alta Via della Marmotta kicks off in the village of San Vito di Cadore, which is just a 20-minute bus ride away from Cortina d’Ampezzo, and is surrounded by famous Dolomite peaks like Antelao and Pelmo. The trail officially begins at Via Belvedere, which takes you straight into the mountains. Your first stop? Rifugio Scotter-Palatini, where you can take a breather, enjoy a snack, and refill your water bottles before diving deeper into the adventure.
The journey continues along mountain paths with great views of Antelao. After traversing Forcella Piccola, a broad saddle atop Val d’Oten, you'll reach Rifugio Galassi, perched on the northern slopes of Antelao. This rifugio, which is also part of the Alta Via 4, is your accommodation for the night.
From Rifugio Pietro Galassi, the trail descends gently through rocky paths and light woodland, passing Rifugio Capanna degli Alpini along the way. Just beyond the rifugio, you can take a short detour to visit the Cascate delle Pile, a refreshing waterfall tucked into the forest and worth the extra few minutes. The descent continues all the way to La Diassa, a quiet spot that makes for a natural break before the climb ahead.
From La Diassa, the trail turns uphill toward Rifugio Chiggiato. It is a steady and sometimes demanding ascent, with sections that will get your legs working. There is no need to rush, just take your time and enjoy the changing landscape. As you gain elevation, the views open up, with the Marmarole peaks rising across the valley. Eventually, Rifugio Chiggiato comes into view, welcoming you with a panoramic terrace, warm food, and well-earned rest.
From Chiggiato, there are two possible routes to Rifugio Baion. One is a higher-altitude trail that includes a rocky section with fixed cables along the southern wall of the Marmarole—more adventurous, but also more demanding. The other, described here, is a lower-altitude alternative that avoids the most challenging terrain. It leads towards Casera D’Aieron and continues along rugged but manageable paths. Although the terrain still requires surefootedness, there are no exposed sections or cables.
Note: Both options are included, so if you prefer the more challenging route, you’re free to choose that one instead.
This is it, your final stretch on the Alta Via della Marmotta! It’s mostly downhill today, so take it easy on your knees and enjoy the ride.
About an hour in, you’ll reach Rifugio Carducci, a good stop for a coffee. Further along the trail, Rifugio Ciaréido offers another chance for a snack or water refill before continuing north toward Rifugio Monte Agudo.
After passing Pian de la Mandra, you’ll arrive at Rifugio Monte Agudo, your last hut on the route. If you want to give your legs a rest, you can take the chairlift from here down to Auronzo. You can also hop on a bit further down at Malon Basso, just below the rifugio. The chairlift operates from mid-June to mid-September, so check the schedule if you're hiking early or late in the season.
If you choose to continue on foot, the trail winds through valleys and forests and then follows the shoreline of Santa Caterina Lake. Take a moment to enjoy the view across the water. From there, it’s a short walk into Auronzo di Cadore, where your adventure comes to an end.
