Easy Hike Across the Alpe di Siusi Plateau to Monte Pana, Italian Dolomites

This easy-going Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm in German, Mont Sëuc in Ladin) day hike begins with the Mont Sëuc gondola ascent from the village of Ortisei in Val Gardena to Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm, in the Italian Dolomites.

You’ll hike across Europe’s largest mountain plateau to Saltria and then slowly descend to the Monte Pana plateau. The hike ends in the village of Santa Cristina in Val Gardena. This half-day hike isn’t rigorous and only takes 3:30 hours.

If you want to stay on the plateau, rather than descend to the valley, read our Alpe di Siusi Meadows Circuit Trail.

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Alpe di Siusi – Saltria – Monte Pana Hiking Map

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When to Hike in Alpe di Siusi

This hike requires the use of the Mont Sëuc Gondola (aka Ortisei-Alpe di Siusi Ropeway), which is usually open from late May until late October/early November.

Check this page for opening times and prices.

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Getting to Alpe di Siusi

If you’re staying in Ortisei, you can walk to the Monte Sëuc Gondola valley station. There’s a pedestrian bridge that connects the village center with the valley station.

If you’re driving to Ortisei, there’s a parking lot directly at the valley station, which costs 0.50 EUR/hour. 

If you’re staying in Santa Cristina or Selva di Val Gardena, take the bus to Ortisei. There’s no need to pay for parking when transit is free (for guests staying in the valley). 

When you arrive at the Ortisei-Alpe di Siusi gondola valley station, purchase a one-way ticket only.

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Alpe di Siusi to Monte Pana Trail Directions

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Mont Sëuc Mountain Station to Saltria (1 hour)

After exiting the Mont Sëuc gondola mountain station, head left, following trail 9 to Saltria.

You’ll initially descend along a road for 10 minutes to Schgaguler Schwaige alpine pasture hut/restaurant.

Before continuing along trail 9 to Saltria, you may want to detour for a few minutes along trail 6 (direction: Compaccio). The views are glorious.

Head back to Schgaguler Schwaige and continue following trail 9 to Saltria, signed 50 minutes. 

The trail wraps around Sporthotel Sonne and then continues south towards the Catinaccio/Rosengarten range.

You’ll gently descend to a stream. Once you cross the stream, the trail ascends several meters before leveling out. 

Trail 9 is absolutely spellbinding.

As you traverse the Alpe di Siusi meadows along a narrow fenced-in path, you’ll have consistent views of Sassolungo/Langkofel on your left, the Catinaccio/Rosengarten mountains straight ahead, and Sciliar/Schlern on your right.

Glancing over your left shoulder, you’ll also see Monte Pic, Seceda, and the Geisler Group, from a less formidable vantage point. 

When the trail intersects with a road/bike path (#19), keep heading straight on trail 9.

The trail descends to Saltria, which is a resort hamlet on the Alpe di Siusi plateau. Here, you’ll find a collection of mountain huts and hotels like Hotel Saltria, Sporthotel Floralpina or the brand-new Brunelle Seiser Alm Lodge.

Saltria is the best destination along this route for lunch. We recommend eating at either Radauer Schwaige or Saltner Hütte (Saltner Schwaige).

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Saltria to Monte Pana (1 hour 30 minutes)

After an enjoyable lunch in Saltria, follow trail 30 to Monte Pana. Trail 30 is a dirt road, which doubles as a bike path.

There’s no motor vehicle traffic along the trail aside from an infrequent bus and some forest trucks.

When we hiked here in early October, there were only a few cyclists along the trail. However, it’s probably a lot busier earlier in the season. 

Heading east, you’ll continue to see Sassolungo and Sasso Piatto, as you weave in and out of forest. On your left, the Puez-Odle mountains are clearly visible. 

The trail descends to the Monte Pana plateau.

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Monte Pana to Santa Cristina (40 minutes)

The Monte Pana High Plateau (Pana Alp) rises above Val Gardena, reaching an elevation of 1600-1800 meters. In winter, it’s a cross-country ski center. 

From the plateau, it’s a 40-minute descent along trail 30 to Santa Cristina. 

If you’re hiking here in high season (late June until late September), you can descend to Santa Cristina via the Santa Cristina-Monte Pana chairlift.

The chairlift operates between 8:30 am and 12:15 pm and again from 13:15 pm to 17:30 pm. Check the chairlift operating status and dates on the Val Gardena website.

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Getting Back to Ortisei

If you’re staying in Santa Cristina, you can walk to your accommodation. We highly recommend Dorfhotel Beludei. You can find out why in our round-up of Best Hotels in the Dolomites. 

If you’re staying in Ortisei, head to the Santa Cristina bus stop, which is located on the main Val Gardena road (SS242).

See the map below for the exact location. Buses between Ortisei and Santa Cristina are quite frequent.

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Where to Stay

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Ortisei

Budget | B&B Lavi Ortisei val Gardena is a clean and comfortable bed and breakfast managed by a very friendly host. The B&B is situated outside of the town center, though within walking distance (~15 minutes).

Midrange | Casa al Sole is a newly renovated bed and breakfast in the center of Ortisei, only a short walk from the Seceda cableway and the Resciesa funicular. Highlights of staying here include the modern minimal interiors, comfortable bedrooms, warm hospitality, and delicious and plentiful breakfast. At Casa al Sole, Alexandra and Manuel host with great care and enthusiasm, and are always available to offer advice and help make dinner reservations.

Midrange | Chalet Hotel Hartmann is a charming adults-only hotel featuring tastefully furnished alpine interiors, a delicious breakfast buffet, a complimentary afternoon snack, and a spa area (bio-sauna, steam bath and solarium). This is an ideal accommodation for couples and anyone traveling without children. It’s a 20-minute walk to reach the town center.

Midrange | Hotel Grones is a top-rated, family-run hotel, which excels in its friendly atmosphere, excellent local and Mediterranean cuisine, traditional, yet lovely rooms. The hotel spa area comprises a swimming pool, hot tub, Finnish sauna, bio sauna, and steam bath.

Luxury | Hotel Angelo Engel is situated directly in the village center of Ortisei, walking distance to the Ortisei-Alpe di Siusi gondola. We loved the central location, the courteous staff, the wellness and sauna area, and our spacious room.

Luxury | Hotel Gardena Grödnerhof is a 5-star hotel in the heart of Ortisei, home to the Michelin star Ann Stuben gourmet restaurant. This wellness hotel offers unparalleled spa facilities, flawless service, guided hikes and mountain bike tours, and a weekly fitness program. Guests are treated to a welcome cocktail, generous breakfast buffet, and afternoon cakes and snacks.

Look for accommodation in Ortisei.

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Santa Cristina

Budget | Smart Hotel Saslong is a no-frills hotel in Santa Cristina featuring modern, minimalist interiors decorated in local wood. Guests have access to a self-service bar, free parking (indoor and outdoor), and on-site restaurant serving local cuisine. This is a perfect place to stay if you’re traveling with friends. Book breakfast!

Budget | Hotel Garni Ruscel is a great-value bed and breakfast in Santa Cristina. 4 nights minimum stay in high season.

Midrange | Charme Hotel Uridl is a family-run hotel set in a mountain chalet dating back to the 17th century. Stay here for the cozy and quaint atmosphere and delicious breakfast buffets and dinners.

Luxury | Dorfhotel Beludei is the finest hotel in Santa Cristina and one of the best hotels in the Dolomites. With inspiring mountain views, gorgeous alpine-style rooms, hiking trails right on the doorstep, and a chef that puts ingenious and creative riffs on regional cuisine, this darling hotel is quite the Dolomites dream. Breakfast, an afternoon snack, and dinner are included in the rate. Read our Dorfhotel Beludei Hotel Review.

Luxury | Hotel Touring Dolomites is an excellent, family-run hotel with a new spa, rooftop pool, modern rooms, and a fine dining restaurant (half board available). 3-5 nights minimum stay.

Look for accommodation in Santa Cristina.

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Alpe di Siusi Hiking Trails:

• Alpe di Siusi – Rifugio Bolzano – Rifugio Alpe di Tires
• Hans and Paula Steger Trail

Learn More about the European Alps:

• The Alps in Summer: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting 
• Hiking in the Alps: Invaluable Tips 
• Italian Alps Hiking Destinations