> Hike the bold 3-day version of the Palaronda Trek
> Spend your nights in authentic Italian rifugios
> We book your accommodation along the route
You’ve just finished your pasta at the rifugio. The sun’s still up. You look to the cliffs above and think, “Why not one more?” That’s the spirit of the 3-day Palaronda. Shorter, sharper, and tailor-made for those who want to feel the Dolomites in their legs, lungs, and soul.
This is not the family-friendly version. This is for hikers who know how to move in the mountains. You’ll skip Pedrotti and keep the tempo high. Bring your via ferrata set and you can even add an afternoon scramble straight from the hut. Three days of pure Dolomite magic, starting and ending in San Martino di Castrozza. Fast, fierce, unforgettable.
Starting in the alpine town of San Martino di Castrozza, the route heads straight uphill, passing old ski lifts along the way. This initial section involves a steady, steep climb through forest and open terrain. Further on, you will reach a junction where the path ascends towards Rifugio Rosetta Pedrotti and the terrain becomes rougher. While not technically difficult, this section requires stamina and confidence, as the path becomes increasingly exposed.
After 6 kilometres, you will arrive at the vast Rosetta Plateau. Here, you will pass the junction to Rifugio Pedrotti and the upper cable car station on foot. The trail then turns and leads into the tranquil Pradidali Valley. Surrounded by towering peaks and lunar-like terrain, the path to Rifugio Pradidali, where you will stay tonight, becomes increasingly rugged. Once you arrive, it's time to rest and refuel!
On this day, trail no. 709 leads from Rifugio Pradidali into Val Pradidali. There, the route is accompanied by cliffs that rise vertically into the sky as far as Val Canali. Turn left and follow the trail past the ruins of Alpe Malga Pradidali to Malga Canali. A stop here is rewarding.
Those who want to and have energy left turn right about 500 meters before Malga Canali and will reach the Lake of Villa Welsperg after about three kilometers. This shimmering emerald-green lake will be worth your extra time. Back again and finally on trail no. 707 to the stage destination, a Dolomite classic, Rifugio Treviso.
Today, you will begin your journey in the serene surroundings of Rifugio Treviso. After leaving the hut behind, the trail climbs steadily and soon rewards you with the final highlight of the day: the Fradusta Hiking Segment. This section offers sweeping views of sharp ridgelines and limestone spires in every direction.
Later, you will rejoin the junction near Rifugio Rosetta Pedrotti and revisit familiar terrain. From here, the descent mirrors your ascent on day 1, but in reverse. You will retrace your steps across the Pale di San Martino plateau towards the ski area under the lifts.
Although you have walked this stretch before, the changing light and new perspective will make it feel like a fresh experience. Once you reach San Martino di Castrozza, you can celebrate — you've earned it!
