Monte Pelmo (3,168 m) is the Zoldo valley's own mountain. The finest hike is the loop around it, the Giro del Pelmo: about 16 to 20 km and 1,100 to 1,200 m of ascent, 6 to 8 hours depending on the variant, starting and ending at Passo Staulanza. For something easier, walk to Rifugio Città di Fiume or to the dinosaur footprints on the Pelmetto in an hour or two.
The three hikes at a glance
| Hike | Start | Walking time | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rifugio Città di Fiume | Passo Staulanza | approx. 1.5 h one way | easy, good with children |
| Dinosaur footprints on the Pelmetto | Passo Staulanza | approx. 2 h return | moderate, steep final climb |
| Giro del Pelmo | Passo Staulanza | 6 to 8 h | difficult, sure-footedness needed |
Times and height gain vary by source and variant. Please plan with an up-to-date hiking map.
Easy: to Rifugio Città di Fiume
From Passo Staulanza (about 1,770 m), path 472 runs almost level through larch forest and over meadows to Rifugio Città di Fiume (about 1,920 m). It is only about 300 m of ascent. From the terrace you look straight at the north face of the Pelmo, with the Civetta on the other side. This is the walk I recommend first to families and beginners.
Moderate: dinosaur footprints on the Pelmetto
At the foot of the Pelmetto, the Pelmo's little neighbour, lies a large boulder with dinosaur footprints made more than 200 million years ago on an ancient shoreline. You reach it from Passo Staulanza on the path towards Rifugio Venezia and then up a steep side path. Go in the morning, when the light falls at an angle and the prints are easy to see.
Difficult: the Giro del Pelmo
The big loop goes all the way round the mountain. From Passo Staulanza you walk to Rifugio Città di Fiume, then along the north and east sides to Rifugio Venezia (just under 2,000 m), the oldest hut on the Pelmo. The way back crosses Forcella Val d'Arcia (about 2,480 m). The descent over steep scree is the hardest part and only for sure-footed hikers. To avoid it, return from Rifugio Venezia the way you came.
A local tip: the loop is fine in one day, but it is even better with a night at Rifugio Venezia. You will see the sunrise on the Pelmo before anyone else is on the trail.
Best time and gear
- Season: mid-June to early October. The huts are usually open from late June to mid or late September.
- Weather: summer afternoons often bring thunderstorms. Start early.
- Gear: sturdy hiking boots, rain jacket, water. Apart from the huts there is hardly any water on the loop.
- Getting there: Passo Staulanza is on the road from Pecol to Val Fiorentina. There is parking at the pass, full early in August.
Quick answers
- How long is the Giro del Pelmo?
- 16 to 20 km with 1,100 to 1,200 m of ascent depending on the variant, so 6 to 8 hours of walking.
- Is the Giro del Pelmo dangerous?
- It is not a via ferrata, but Forcella Val d'Arcia is steep and full of scree. In wet weather, snow or fog it is better to turn back.
- Can you climb to the top of the Pelmo?
- The summit is a climbing route along Ball's Ledge, the Cengia di Ball. It is only for experienced climbers or with a mountain guide.
- Which Pelmo hike is good for children?
- The path from Passo Staulanza to Rifugio Città di Fiume. It is short, hardly steep and ends at a hut with a view of the Pelmo.
Please stay on marked paths, take your rubbish home and leave animals in peace. All information without guarantee, mountain hikes at your own risk. More hikes: Alta Via 1.