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Rifugio Stevia and Col dala Pieres Day Hike in Val Gardena, Dolomites, Italy

The day hike to the Rifugio Stevia mountain hut and the Col dala Pieres (also written Col dla Pieres) summit (2747 m) is one of the finest hiking tours in the Italian Dolomites.

While most people visiting Val Gardena make a beeline for the Seceda Ridgeline, only a few know about this exciting alternative in Puez-Odle Nature Park.

This hike delivers mesmerizing views of Sassolungo/Langkofel, Sella Group, and the famous Odle/Geisler peaks from an entirely fresh perspective.

Monte de Stevia, Dolomites
  • Starting Point: Col Raiser Gondola Valley Station | Google Maps
  • Trailhead: Col Raiser Gondola Mountain Station
  • Distance: 13.7 km circuit
  • Time Needed: 6 -7 hours
  • Elevation Gain/Loss: 1220 meters
  • Difficulty: Difficult
  • Minimum Elevation: 1980 meters
  • Maximum Elevation: 2747 meters
  • Route: Col Raiser Top Station (2106 m) – Rifugio Firenze (2037 m) – Forcella Piza (2489 m) – Rifugio Stevia (2312 m) – Forcella Piza (2489 m) – Col dala Pieres (2747 m) – Forcella Forces de Sieles (2505 m) – Rifugio Firenze (2037 m) – Col Raiser Top Station (2106 m). 
  • Where to Stay in Santa Cristina: Garni Le Chalet (budget), Smart Hotel Saslong (budget), Charme Hotel Uridl (midrange), Dorfhotel Beludei (luxury)
  • Where to Stay in Selva di Val Gardena: Hotel Garni Morene (budget), Hotel Rodella (midrange-luxury), Linder Cycling Hotel (luxury)
  • Recommended Trail MapTabacco 05 Val Gardena – Alpe di Siusi

Col dala Pieres Hiking Map


When to Hike to Rifugio Stevia and Col dala Pieres

Col dala Piers hiking trail, Val Gardena, South Tyrol

Early June to mid/lateOctober.

Time your visit with the Col Raiser gondola summer operating times. The Col Raiser gondola is generally open from late May until mid-October.

Without the gondola ascent and descent, this hike would be impossibly long (at least 11 hours).


Getting to the Rifugio Stevia Trailhead: Col Raiser Gondola

Col dala Pieres hike, Dolomites

Car

The hike begins at the Col Raiser gondola mountain station. If you’re traveling by car, drive to the Col Raiser valley station in Selva, Val Gardena. There’s a large paid parking lot with 217 spaces. 


Bus

If you’re traveling by transit, you can reach Col Raiser by bus.

From other destinations in Val Gardena, take bus 350 or bus 471 to the Dosses stop in Santa Cristina.

Check out this Val Gardena bus schedule for transit times. 

When the Col Raiser gondola is operating, there’s a free shuttle which runs between Dosses and the valley station. The shuttle runs from from 8:30 am to 12 pm.


Col Raiser Gondola Prices

Purchase a round-trip ticket.

If you’re an Alpine Club Member, show your card, and you’ll receive a 1 EUR discount. 

Check current pricing.


Rifugio Stevia and Col dala Pieres Trail Description


Col Raiser Top Station to Rifugio Firenze/Regensburger Hütte (25 minutes)

Rifugio Firenze, Puez-Odle Nature Park, Dolomites

Starting at the Col Raiser gondola top station, hike 25 minutes to Rifugio Firenze/Regensburger Hütte, a lovely mountain refuge in Puez-Odle Nature Park.

This easy path is ever-so-slightly downhill.


Rifugio Firenze to Forcella Piza/Pizascharte (1 hour)

Col dala Pieres hike, Puez-Odle Nature Park, Dolomites

At Rifugio Firenze, the signpost indicates 2 hours to Rifugio Stevia and 2:30 hours to Col dala Pieres. 

Walk across the outdoor terrace of Rifugio Firenze and follow the wide gravel path downhill. As you slowly descend along trail 3, enjoy the views of Langkofel.

Keep your eyes out for trail 17B, a narrow path that cuts left into the forest.

Ascend trail 17B all the way to Forcella Piza (Pizascharte, Furcela Piza), the saddle between Muntejela (2643 m) and Mont De Stevia (2555 m).

Forcella Piza, Col dala Pieres hike, Dolomites

The ascent to Forcella Piza takes an hour. 17B initially leads gently uphill through the forest. When you clear the tree line, the path continues to ascend towards a rock wall (Muntejela and Mont De Stevia).

The final stretch to the mountain pass traverses a scree slope, which is heavily bolstered with timber reinforcements.


Forcella Piza to Rifugio Stevia (20 minutes)

Mont de Stevia hike, Cir Peaks and Sella Group, Dolomites

When you get to the Piza saddle, you can head left right away to start the ascent to the Col dala Pieres summit.

Alternatively, you can turn right in order to detour to Rifugio Stevia (Stevia Hütte / Ütia de Stevia).

Even though you’ll have to backtrack to this very point to continue the hike, we recommend hiking to Rifugio Stevia for lunch, or just a drink.

It takes about 20 minutes to walk down to the mountain refuge. The views of Sassolungo (Langkofel), the Sella Group, and Cir Peaks are just fabulous.


Rifugio Stevia to Col dala Pieres (1:30 hours)

Stevia to Col dala Pieres hiking trail, Dolomites

From the hut, return to the Piza saddle and continue northeast to Col dala Pieres (2747 m), signed 1 hour.

Initially, trail 17 follows the contours of the ridge on a level path.

Though the terrain gets rockier, the ascent to the summit is moderate.

In every direction, peaks and ridgelines create a multi-layered masterpiece. The jagged Odle (Geisler) peaks are ever conspicuous.


Col dala Pieres to Forcella Forces de Sieles (45 minutes)

Col dala Pieres summit, Dolomites

From the summit of Col dala Pieres, the trail continues north along the mountain ridge.

This level trail will eventually dip over the ridge in the direction of Forcella Forces de Sieles (2505 m).

Col dala Pieres hiking trail, Val Gardena, Dolomites

This section is quite steep and parts of the route are secured with cables.

Col dala Pieres to Forcella Forces de Sieles secured route, Dolomites

This is the hardest part of the hike and it requires surefootedness and comfort in crumbling limestone terrain.


Forcella Forces de Sieles to Rifugio Firenze (1 hour)

Geisler Peaks, Dolomites

Descend the crumbling Forces de Sieles gully, merging with the Piz Duleda trail.

When you get to level ground, continue along trail 2 in the direction of the Geisler peaks. The long stretch to Rifugio Firenze is spellbinding. The Odle (Geisler) peaks steal the show with their brilliant dagger-like formation.


Rifugio Firenze to Col Raiser Top Station (20 minutes)

Take the exact route back to the Col Raiser gondola, being mindful of the time.

The Col Raiser operating times change throughout the season. But, it’s usually somewhere between 4:15 pm and 4:45 pm.


Where to Stay in Val Gardena


Selva

Selva di Val Gardena, Val Gardena, Dolomites
Hotel Rodella

Budget | Hotel Garni Morene is a clean and comfortable family-run guesthouse, set in an idyllic location outside the town center of Selva. Stay here for the unbeatable price, mountain views, and hospitality. Breakfast included.

Budget | Garni Sunela B&B is an immaculate bed and breakfast with spacious rooms, a spa, bar, parking garage, and a phenomenal breakfast, including fresh eggs from the resident chickens. Check-in is only until 7 pm.

Midrange | Garni Hotel Bel Vert is a B&B in Selva, located on the Biancavieve Slope, outside the town center. Rooms are beautiful and spacious. There’s even a small spa. 3 nights minimum stay.

Midrange-Luxury | Hotel Freina is a welcoming family-run hotel in Selva with an excellent on-site restaurant (serving vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free options), wonderful spa, and free garage parking. 

Luxury | Linder Cycling Hotel stands out with its bold architecture, stylish urban accents, and laid-back atmosphere. Beyond the captivating design, Linder Cycling Hotel boasts excellent facilities, including a rooftop terrace, indoor pool, bar and the à la carte Luis Eatery restaurant.

Luxury | Hotel Tyrol is a traditional alpine hotel centrally located in Selva. The hotel’s restaurant offers creative interpretations of Ladin tradition with a Tuscan twist. Stay here for the cozy ambience, the wellness area (saunas, indoor and outdoor heated pool, indoor and outdoor whirlpool, salt cave with chromotherapy), and comfortable rooms. Outdoor parking is free and garage parking is an extra charge. 

Midrange – LuxuryHotel Rodella  occupies an idyllic location on a hill overlooking Selva di Val Gardena and surrounded by meadows. The hotel’s elevation affords unbeatable views of Val Gardena and the surrounding mountains. We loved watching the sunset from the hotel: it feels like you have VIP tickets to the Sella and Langkofel burning Dolomites show. Hotel Rodella is also a convenient 10-minute walk to the Col Raiser Gondola valleys station, which makes Puez-Odle Nature Park destinations like Rifugio Firenze, Seceda, Col dala Pieres extremely accessible. Rooms are bright and comfortable. And, the newly-renovated wellness area is stunning.

5-star Luxury | Hotel Granbaita Dolomites is an ode to alpine elegance. This stately hotel pampers guests with its lavish rooms, extensive spa area (7 saunas, indoor-outdoor pool, fitness room, spa), and decadent tasting menus. Book half board. 

Look for accommodation in Selva di Val Gardena.


Santa Cristina

Dorfhotel Beludei, Santa Cristina Hotel, Val Gardena
Dorfhotel Beludei

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

Budget | Bed & Breakfast Kaserer is a charming B&B with clean, traditional rooms and excellent hospitality. 3 nights minimum stay. 

Budget | Garni Le Chalet is a traditional guesthouse in Santa Cristina. Stay here for the cozy atmosphere and affordable room rate. Breakfast is included.

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!

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.

Top Choice Luxury | Dorfhotel Beludei is the finest hotel in Santa Cristina and one of the best hotels in the Dolomites. With inspiring mountain views, 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.



Dolomites Trip Planning Essentials

Use our Dolomites Travel Guide to plan an unforgettable trip to Northern Italy.


When to Hike in the Dolomites

The best time to hike in the Dolomites is between mid-June and mid-September. If the weather is stable, the hiking season can extend until late October.


How to Get to the Dolomites

Read How to Get to the Dolomites to find out how to travel to the Dolomites from the closest airports, train stations, and bus terminals.

If you’re traveling without a car, also check out How to Visit the Dolomites Without a Car


Car Rental

The easiest way to travel between hiking destinations in the Italian Dolomites is with your own car. Check out our itineraries for trip inspiration:

We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.

Tip: If you can only drive automatic transmission cars, as opposed to manual transmission cars (stick shift), book your car rental as early as possible.

Check car rental rates here


Best Places to Stay

Figuring out where to stay in the Dolomites is probably the biggest hurdle to planning a trip to the Dolomites. We’ve created three guides to help you decide where to stay:

We suggest choosing 2-4 bases for your Dolomites trip and spending 2-4 nights in each base.


What to See & Do

During your trip to the Dolomites, you can go via ferrata climbing, culinary hiking, hut to hut hiking, cycling, paragliding, and so much more. We’ve highlighted our favorite experiences in Best Things to Do in the Dolomites.

Wherever you decide to stay, you’ll be surrounded by glorious mountain scenery and incredible natural landmarks.

In Best Places to Visit in the Dolomites, we’ve outlined the most iconic attractions as well as lesser-known destinations across the Dolomites, including Alpe di Siusi, Lago di Braies, and Lago di Sorapis.


Dolomites Packing List

Hiking Gear

Outdoor Photography Gear


Dolomites Hiking Guides

Hiking in the Dolomites is our passion. Year after year, we love discovering new trails and expanding our knowledge of the area. For day hiking, check out Best Day Hikes in the Dolomites. For trekking, take a look at our guide to Hut to Hut Hiking in the Dolomites and Alta Via 1.

For region-specific hiking trails, check out:

Recommended Hiking Guidebook: Cicerone Guide: Shorter Walks in the Dolomites

Recommended Via Ferrata Guidebook: Via Ferratas of the Italian Dolomites: Vol 1: 75 routes-North, Central and East Ranges.


More Val Gardena Travel and Hiking Guides

Travel Guides:

Hiking Trails:

Via Ferratas:

Moon & Honey Travel is an independent blog created by two passionate hikers. We are able to provide free content to you, because of ads and affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Happy travels and happy trails, Sabrina and Kati

9 thoughts on “Rifugio Stevia and Col dala Pieres Day Hike in Val Gardena, Dolomites, Italy”

  1. Thanks for the detailed information for this hike. I am interested but concerned about the operating schedule of the Col Raiser gondola, which is between 8:30AM and 5PM. The hike takes 6-7 hours to finish, and the gondola opens for only 8.5 hours, which does not leaves much room for error. Is it possible to drive from Ortisei to Col Raiser Top Station, and park the car there, then start the hike? This way I don’t have to worry about gondola closed (after 5PM) and not able to get down, if I spent too much time on the hike.

    Reply
    • Hi,
      There’s no way to drive to the top station. I recommend arriving at the valley station 8:30 am to start the hike as early as possible. The actual hiking time without breaks is probably about 5:30 hours. There is sufficient time to tackle this hike within the operating times of the Col Raiser Gondola. But, you can skip the detour to Rifugio Stevia if you’re anxious about the time.
      All the best,
      Sabrina

      Reply
  2. Hello! Visiting the Dolomites in late August and this hike looks amazing. My wife and I are both in good shape (early 30s) and have done some hiking in US national parks in the past. I am curious if you think it is necessary to hire a guide for this hike or if you think it is realistic / safe for us to try and tackle it on our own.

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Hi Will,
      A guide isn’t necessary. Have a wonderful trip to the Dolomites in August.
      All the best,
      Sabrina

      Reply
  3. Hi there!

    My husband and I will be doing this hike in a couple of weeks, combining it with the Seceda Ridgeline hike for a 2 day circuit with a stay in Rifugio Firenze as you recommended. Cannot wait! I have one question that I’m hoping you may be able to answer, we’ll need to leave our rental car at the base of Col Raiser – does the parking lot you mention in this article allow overnight parking?

    Thanks so much for all your great Dolomites information, it has been such a help in making our Dolomites trip possible. =]

    Reply
    • Hi Jill,
      You can park overnight at the Col Raiser gondola valley station. It costs 10 EUR/24 hours. There’s a parking machine.
      Have a great trip,
      Sabrina

      Reply
    • Hi Barbara,
      You could hike up from the Col Raiser valley station, initially following the track that runs below the cable car. That would add 6.2 km to the hike (2:30 hours) and 422 meters of elevation gain/loss to this hike. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend it.
      -Sabrina

      Reply

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