The Map

The loop around Sassolungo is a great day hike, providing a variety of terrain and views. Overall, it is rated as a hike of moderate difficulty, especially as there is an opportunity to avoid an ascent (or descent if hiking counter clockwise) with the coffin gondola.

As this is a loop hike, there’s different places you can start from depending on where you are based. The information provided below assumes a start in Selva. The town of Selva is one of the main towns in Val Gardena. For those staying in Selva, walk to the Ciampinoi gondola and take the gondola up to the top. From the top of the gondola, take a right and start on the trail towards Rifugio Emilio Comici.

The walk from the gondola to the Rifugio will take about 30 – 40 minutes. It starts as a descent with two major switchbacks. Keep your head up as this is a path shared with mountain bikes. Although it does not look like a nice track for mountain bikes, it opens up after the switchbacks. At the bottom of the switchbacks, the path will widen and be quite flat until you reach Rifugio Emilio Comici. This rifugio is named after an Italian mountaineer.

If you’re ready for a break or need a restroom, this is a good spot to stop. From here, you’ll continue onward towards Passo Sella, where trail markers estimate about a 40 minute walk. This portion of the hike is quite flat and winds through some areas which feel like a rock garden, as rocks have collected from previous rock falls.

When given the option to choose between 526 and 526c, consider taking 526 as this path is better for hikers only. 526c is available to strollers and bikes, and thus less peaceful if this is not needed for your group. Soon you’ll approach Passo Sella, and on your right, you should be able to spot a white gondola going up the Sassolungo. This is the Sassolungo gondola, often referred to as the coffin gondola. It earned this nickname because of the appearance, as it is long and thin. Two people fit inside these gondola cars, and you have to board with a bit of a “running” start, as well as exit hopping out.

At this point of the hike, you can choose to take the gondola up to avoid a significant amount of ascending, or choose to hike up. Note the distance, time, and elevation numbers provided in the description assume you take the gondola, and thus expect all values to be higher if you opt into hiking rather than using the gondola.

Once at the top of the gondola, you’ll find Rifugio Toni Demetz and will also see a lot of climbers. This is a very common via ferrata spot and you’ll see a board with information on many of the different ways to climb here.

If hungry, grab a bite to eat here. However, I will note, the next rifugio is fabulous and where I would recommend stopping if you are not yet ready to sit down for a meal. Now at the peak elevation of the hike, it’s time to start descending. To continue the loop, you’ll descend down the opposite side of the gondola. For this portion of the hike, you will definitely want hiking poles. While doable, the path has a lot of loose gravel.

The signs estimate approximately 50 minutes to reach Rifugio Vicenza. While accurate for some, for those who prefer descending slower, this may be a bit too quick. Take your time and enjoy the descent. The terrain is impressive here as you are on the rock, very different fro the views and terrain earlier. Once you reach Rifugio Vicenza, the major descent portion is done.

Rifugio Vicenza is a fabulous spot to stop and enjoy a break after the long descent. It has great views, and can be especially appreciated as it really can only be reached on foot so all those visiting are also out hiking. There service is pretty quick here and perfect on a nice summer day to sit outside. Once you’ve wrapped up, you’ll continue on the loop on path 525. When you soon reach a fork in the path, choose the route pointing towards Comici Hutte. Path 525 will transition into 526 and continue to wrap around the Sassolungo. You’ll reach a point with a steep, but short, incline. At the top here, you again have a choice.

For those who are tired and do not feel up to finishing the loop, follow path 526b (approx 20 minutes) to the top of Mont de Seura chairlift. Here you will be able to take the chairlift down to the town of Santa Cristina and can find a bus back to Selva.

For those who are up for continuing the loop, the remaining portion will be about 1 – 1.5 hours to reach the top of the Ciampinoi gondola. Following signs towards Comici Hutte. Keep in mind, chairlifts and gondolas close (usually between 4:30 – 5:30) and thus it is important to keep track of time so you are able to take the chairlift or gondola as planned.

The initial portion is largely flat, but on a thin path. There’s some incredible views to your left on a clear day. The path then becomes more rolling. We eventually hit a point in the path where we intercepted snow, and this was in late July. We saw people crossing with one foot in front of the other, as the path was quite slippery and not easy to walk on with normal hiking shoes. Fortunately, we were able to find a spot where we could descend and cross an area where the snow appeared to end, and then ascend back onto the main path.

The path continues from here on a thinner ridge, where it’s again important to watch your step as there are parts of the path with loose gravel. There will be some additional ascending required before this portion of the path is completed. Once the path meets back with a wider path, minutes from Rifugio Emilio Comici, you’re within 30 – 45 minutes of the end of the hike.

Here you will re-trace your steps back to the Ciampinoi gondola. First continue on the flat, wider path before reaching the two switch backs which you will need to ascend. After the two switch backs, you will wrap around the corner and should soon see the gondola. At this point, you are done and can take the gondola back down to the town of Selva!