The hike from Passo Valparola to Piz Sorega gondola station packs a hell of a punch. From the rocky slopes of Mount Settsass through the panoramic views of the Sella and Marmolada massifs, ending with a gentle stroll across flower-filled meadows of the Pralongià Mountain Plateau. The ever-changing scenery will keep you engaged for the entire time.
Total distance
11.8 kilometres / 7.3 miles
Elevation gain/loss
424 meters (1278 feet)
593 meters (1842 feet)
Time required
4-5 hours
Overview of the hike
Passo Valparola to Piz Sorega is a one-way hike that can be completed in as little as four hours. The total elevation gain is 424 meters (1278 feet) spread across 11.8 kilometres (7.3 miles), so more often than not it feels like a walk rather than a hike.
With that said, there are a few sections in the first third of the hike where sure-footedness and dry weather conditions are essential, as it involves short traverses across a very rocky and steep terrain, with significant drop-offs to one side.
When hiking from Passo Valparola to Piz Sorega, you will stay above treeline almost the entire time, which means uninterrupted mountain views throughout.
TIP: The hike involves a gondola ride at the end to get back down to San Cassiano. Make sure to make it back in time before the gondola closes for the day (5:30 PM)
The map & elevation profile of the hike
Important info about the Passo Valparola to Piz Sorega hike
When to go: June – mid-October
Trail difficulty: Moderate
Trail numbers: 24, 23, 21A
Type of hike: One-way relocation
Highest point: 2283 meters / 7490 feet
Parking: 46.56626, 11.9388
Trailhead:
46.53183, 11.98839
Nearest towns: San Cassiano, La Villa, Corvara
Getting there
You will need to use public transport to get to Passo Valparola, where the hike starts. Passo Valparola connects the village of San Cassiano in Badia Valley with Cortina d’Ampezzo.
By bus
Bus 465, which travels in the direction of Passo Falzarego, operates between Corvara-San Cassiano and Passo Valparola. The bus journey takes 20 minutes counting from the San Cassiano, Strada Berto bus stop, which is the nearest to the Piz Sorega gondola station. The bus runs approximately 3 times per hour from June until mid-October. You can check the connection on the Sued Tirol Mobil website.
By car
If you are staying in La Villa or Corvara, you can leave the car at the bottom of the Piz Sorega gondola station (paid parking) and walk 600 meters to the bus stop. If you are staying in San Cassiano, then I recommend leaving the car at the hotel and walking to the nearest bus stop.
TIP: It only makes sense to leave your car on Passo Valparola if your accommodation is in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Once you finish the hike, you can catch the bus back from San Cassiano to Passo Valparola.
Overnight stay & dining possibilities
There are four mountain huts along the Passo Valparola to Piz Sorega hike:
- Rifugio Valparola – Right at the start of the hike. Dining and overnight stay are possible.
- Rifugio Pralongià – 8 kilometres (2/3 of the distance) into the hike. Dining and overnight stay.
- Rifugio Las Vegas – Dining and overnight stay. Situated at the end of the hike.
- Rifugio Piz Sorega – Dining and overnight stay. Situated at the end of the hike near Rifugio Las Vegas.
I recommend stopping for food and refreshments at the Pralongià refuge. It has the best placement out of all of them.
Where to stay nearby
Suppose you would like to include the hike from Passo Valparola to Piz Sorega in your trip to the Dolomites. In that case, I recommend booking accommodation in one of the following towns: Corvara, La Villa or San Cassiano. Below are my recommendations for hotels in the area.
Best Value
Berghotel Ladinia (Corvara)
It is a charming guesthouse with a great atmosphere and rooms in a South Tirol style. The hotel restaurant serves authentic mountain cuisine.
Top Rated
Hotel Marmolada (Corvara)
All rooms have balconies with mountain views. You can enjoy your meals on the hotel’s furnished terrace. The wellness centre is included in the price.
Other activities nearby
Hikes
- Col De Locia & Fanes Mountain Plateau
- Piz Pares Summit
- Armentara Meadows
Via ferrata
- Brigata Tridentina
- Gran Cir
- Sassongher
- Sasso Della Croce