Hiking in Arabba: 3 Unmissable Trails in the Heart of the Dolomites

Arabba, set at an altitude of 1,600 metres in the municipality of Livinallongo del Col di Lana, is an Alpine jewel offering privileged access to the beating heart of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For those staying at the Chalet Aria, strategically positioned only 150 metres from the ski lifts, adventure literally begins on the doorstep. Summer transforms this ski paradise into a boundless arena for trekkers, with trails winding through breathtaking panoramas, historical memories and geological wonders.

After a day spent exploring the peaks, there is nothing better than returning to the comfort of your 4-star flat at Chalet Aria, relaxing in your private sauna and regenerating body and mind. Here are three walks selected for you, of varying difficulty and charm, to discover the most authentic soul of the Fodom Valley.

1. Viel dal Pan: A Balcony on the Marmolada

Considered one of the most spectacular panoramic trails in the entire Alpine arc, the Viel dal Pan (“Bread Trail” in Ladin) is an almost obligatory excursion for those visiting Arabba. Historically a trade route used to transport goods and flour, today it is a route that offers unforgettable emotions without requiring excessive physical effort.

Trail characteristics:
Starting point: Reachable by cable car from Arabba to Porta Vescovo, or by car to the Pordoi Pass (2,239 m).
Difficulty: Easy/Medium. The trail is almost entirely at altitude, with moderate differences in altitude.
Duration: Approximately 2.5 - 3 hours.
Strong point: A constant, majestic view of the Marmolada glacier, the “Queen of the Dolomites”, reflected in the waters of Lake Fedaia below.

Starting from Porta Vescovo and following CAI path 601, you walk along a well-marked track that cuts across the grassy slope of Col de Cuch. Your gaze is constantly captured by the south face of the Marmolada and Gran Vernel. Halfway along the route you come to the Rifugio Viel dal Pan (2,432 m), ideal for a refreshing stop before continuing on to the Pordoi Pass. It is an experience that fills the eyes and the spirit, a silent dialogue with the grandeur of nature.

2. Col di Lana: An Open-Air Museum

The hike to Col di Lana is a journey that combines scenic beauty with a profound history lesson. This mountain, sadly known as the “Col di Sangue”, was the scene of bloody battles during the First World War, in particular the devastating explosion of an Austrian mine. Today, walking its paths means walking among trenches, tunnels and the remains of military posts, in an atmosphere of respect and memory.

Trail characteristics:
Starting point: The hamlet of Palla, near Pieve di Livinallongo, or from the Valparola Pass for a longer itinerary but with a gentler difference in altitude.
Difficulty: Medium. The ascent requires good training, with a difference in altitude of about 770 metres starting from Palla.
Duration: Approximately 4.5 - 5 hours for the loop tour.
Strong point: The 360-degree panorama from the summit (2,462 m) is among the largest and most complete in the Dolomites, ranging from the Marmolada to the Sella, from the Tofane to the Civetta. The strong historical charge makes the hike a moving experience.

Climbing to the summit, where a chapel and a cross in memory of the fallen stand today, one perceives the sacredness of the place. It is a hike that invites reflection, combining physical exertion with the discovery of a fundamental chapter in local and world history.

3. Bec de Roces and Boè Lake: Between Geology and Nature

For a shorter but highly satisfying walk, the itinerary leading to the Bec de Roces rock formations and the small Boè Lake is perfect. Accessible and fascinating, this route allows you to admire the unique geology of the Dolomites at close quarters and enjoy splendid views of the Sella Group.

Trail characteristics:
Starting point: Campolongo Pass (1,875 m), which can be reached by car or by chairlift from the centre of Arabba.
Difficulty: Easy. The hike is suitable for almost everyone, with a slightly steeper initial ascent leading to the Bec de Roces refuge.
Duration: Approximately 2.5 - 3 hours.
Highlights: The characteristic jagged turrets of the Bec de Roces and the tranquillity of Lake Boè, a small Alpine lake nestled at the foot of the imposing Sella massif.

From the Campolongo Pass, follow an easy forest road (path 638) up to the refuge. From here, path 636 continues through meadows and unique rock formations, offering magnificent views of the Marmolada, Civetta and Pelmo. Continuing on, you reach Lake Boè, a perfect place for a relaxing break before returning via an easy forest road. It is also an excellent choice for families, thanks to the nearby Bear Bec themed trail that entertains the little ones.

Your Base Camp in the Dolomites

Every path, every peak, every panorama in Arabba tells a unique story. Choose Chalet Aria means treating yourself not just to a holiday, but to an immersive experience in discreet luxury and Alpine comfort. Our four exclusive flats, equipped with every amenity and a private sauna, are the perfect retreat to end your Dolomite adventures on a high note.


 

Hiking in Arabba: 3 Unmissable Trails in the Heart of the Dolomites

Arabba, nestled at 1,600 metres above sea level, is an alpine gem offering privileged access to the beating heart of the UNESCO-listed Dolomites. For guests staying at Chalet Aria, strategically located just 150 metres from the ski lifts, adventure truly begins right outside the door. In summer, this winter paradise transforms into a vast playground for trekking enthusiasts, with trails winding through breathtaking landscapes, historical landmarks, and geological wonders.

After a day spent exploring the peaks, nothing beats returning to the comfort of your 4-star apartment at Chalet Aria, relaxing in your private sauna, and recharging body and mind. Here are three handpicked hikes-each with its own level of difficulty and charm-to help you discover the most authentic soul of the Fodom Valley.

1. Viel dal Pan: A Balcony Overlooking the Marmolada

Considered one of the most spectacular panoramic trails in the entire Alpine arc, the Viel dal Pan (“Bread Road” in Ladin) is almost a must for anyone visiting Arabba. Once a commercial route used to transport goods and flour, today it offers unforgettable views without requiring excessive physical effort.

Trail features:

  • Starting point: Accessible via the cable car from Arabba to Porta Vescovo, or by car to Passo Pordoi (2,239 m).
  • Difficulty: Easy/Moderate. The trail runs almost entirely at high altitude with limited elevation gain.
  • Duration: About 2.5-3 hours.
  • Highlight: A constant, majestic view of the Marmolada glacier-the “Queen of the Dolomites”-reflected in the waters of Lake Fedaia below.

Starting from Porta Vescovo and following CAI trail 601, you walk along a well-marked path that cuts across the grassy slopes of Col de Cuch. Your gaze is continually drawn to the south face of the Marmolada and the Gran Vernel. Midway, you reach the Rifugio Viel dal Pan (2,432 m), ideal for a restorative break before continuing towards Passo Pordoi. It's an experience that fills both eyes and soul-a silent dialogue with the grandeur of nature.

2. Col di Lana: An Open-Air Museum

The hike to Col di Lana is a journey that blends natural beauty with a powerful history lesson. This mountain, sadly known as the “Hill of Blood,” was the site of fierce battles during World War I, including the devastating explosion of an Austrian mine. Today, walking its paths means moving through trenches, tunnels, and remnants of military posts in an atmosphere of remembrance and respect.

Trail features:

  • Starting point: The hamlet of Palla near Pieve di Livinallongo, or Passo Valparola for a longer but gentler ascent.
  • Difficulty: Moderate. The climb requires good fitness, with about 770 metres of elevation gain from Palla.
  • Duration: About 4.5-5 hours for the loop.
  • Highlight: The 360-degree panorama from the summit (2,462 m) is among the most extensive in the Dolomites, stretching from the Marmolada to the Sella, from the Tofane to the Civetta. The historical significance makes the experience deeply moving.

As you ascend towards the summit-where a chapel and a cross now stand in memory of the fallen-you feel the sacredness of the place. It's a hike that invites reflection, combining physical effort with the discovery of a pivotal chapter in both local and global history.

3. Bec de Roces and Lake Boè: Between Geology and Nature

For a shorter yet highly rewarding walk, the route leading to the rock formations of Bec de Roces and the small Lake Boè is ideal. Accessible and captivating, this trail allows you to admire the unique geology of the Dolomites up close while enjoying beautiful views of the Sella Group.

Trail features:

  • Starting point: Passo Campolongo (1,875 m), reachable by car or by chairlift from the centre of Arabba.
  • Difficulty: Easy. Suitable for almost everyone, with a slightly steeper initial ascent leading to Rifugio Bec de Roces.
  • Duration: About 2.5-3 hours.
  • Highlight: The jagged rock towers of Bec de Roces and the peaceful Lake Boè, a small alpine lake nestled at the foot of the imposing Sella massif.

From Passo Campolongo, follow the comfortable forest road (trail 638) up to the refuge. From there, trail 636 continues through meadows and unique rock formations, offering magnificent views of the Marmolada, Civetta, and Pelmo. Continuing on, you reach Lake Boè-a perfect spot for a relaxing break before returning along an easy forest road. It's also an excellent choice for families, thanks to the nearby themed “Bear Trail,” which delights younger hikers.

Your Basecamp in the Dolomites

Every trail, every peak, every panorama in Arabba tells a unique story. Choosing Chalet Aria means gifting yourself not just a holiday, but an immersive experience in discreet luxury and alpine comfort. Our four exclusive apartments, each equipped with every amenity and a private sauna, are the perfect retreat to end your Dolomite adventures in style.

 

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Measure: Farm and enterprise development
Type of intervention: 6.4.2. Creation and development of non-agricultural activities in rural areas
Job description: Renovation of part of rooms and bathrooms Hotel Marilena
Aim: Greater quality in the tourism offer in Agordino
Achievements: New rooms and bathrooms renovated inside with acoustic improvement

Amount financed: € 34,239.73

Initiative financed by the Rural Development Programme for Veneto 2014-2020 Body responsible for providing information: GARNI MONICA SNC DI RONCAT MANUEL & C.

Managing authority: Regione del Veneto - Direzione AdG FEASR e Foreste