Piz Duleda (2909 m) is a peak in Puez-Odle Nature Park in the Italian Dolomites.
The hike from the Col Raiser mountain station to Piz Duleda is a fantastic excursion for experienced hikers seeking solitude and adventure.
The trail leads up the lonesome Val dla Roa valley to Furcela Dla Roa/Roa Scharte saddle and climbs up the Sentiero Attrezzato Piz Duledes (protected trail / Grade A) to Furcela Nives saddle. From Furcela Nives, it’s a straightforward ascent to Piz Duleda.
The descent returns to Furcela Nives and then continues to Furcela Forces de Sieles, where it drops down the Forces de Sieles gully merging with the Col dala Pieres descending route.
- Starting Point: Col Raiser Gondola Valley Station, Val Gardena | Google Maps
- Trailhead: Col Raiser Gondola Mountain Station
- Distance: 12.4 km lollipop-circuit
- Time Needed: 5 hours
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 980 meters
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Minimum Elevation: 2013 meters
- Maximum Elevation: 2909 meters
- When to Hike: Mid/late June to mid-October, when the Col Raiser Gondola is operating and the trail is largely free of snow and ice.
- Where to Stay in Selva: Garni Sunela B&B (budget), Hotel Garni Morene (budget), Hotel Freina (midrange), or Linder Cycling Hotel (luxury)
- Where to Stay in Santa Cristina: Garni Le Chalet (budget), Charme Hotel Uridl (midrange), Dorfhotel Beludei (luxury), or Hotel Touring Dolomites (luxury)
Piz Duleda Map
Piz Duleda Hike Difficulty
This is a difficult hike best undertaken by high-alpine hikers who are surefooted and comfortable with light exposure.
A segment of the trail is secured with steel cables. Some consider this a “via ferrata/klettersteig” though “sentiero attrezzato” is a more apt description.
Though a full via ferrata kit isn’t necessary, a helmet isn’t a bad idea. And, climbing gloves are always helpful for steel cables.
Recommended Women’s Climbing Helmet: Black Diamond women’s climbing helmet
Recommended Men’s Climbing Helmet: Black Diamond men’s climbing helmet
Recommended Climbing Gloves: Black Diamond half finger gloves
Where to Start the Piz Duleda Hike
Col Raiser Gondola
The Col Raiser gondola valley station is located between Santa Cristina and Selva in Val Gardena.
There are two pay-on-exit car parks at the valley station. When we last visited, the parking fee was 1 EUR for 1 hour, 7 EUR for 5 – 12 hours, 10 EUR for 12 – 24 hours.
Gondola Opening Times | End of May to Early November. Find out the exact dates on the Col Raiser website.
Exact Location | Google Maps
Piz Duleda Trail Description
Col Raiser Mountain Station to Rifugio Firenze (20 minutes)
Exit the gondola station and head towards Baita Odles. Turn right on trail 4 to Rifugio Firenze, relishing the views of the Odle/Geisler peaks along the way.
The path crosses rolling meadows and mountain pastures.
Rifugio Firenze to Furcela dla Roa (2 hours)
Cross the hut premises, passing the laundry line and the playground, to locate the start of trail 3. Follow signs to Furcela Dla Roa/Roa Scharte (2 hours).
The trail leads northeast, at times along a wooden fence.
After crossing a dry stream bed, trail 3 ascends more seriously now through a patch of stone pine and dwarf pine.
The gradient eases as you approach a stile, which aids you across a pasture fence. Cross the wide-open meadow strewn with pebbles.
Scattered waymarks steer you through a narrow stream bed to a gorgeous meadow, encircled by peaks.
Ignore trail 2B (which leads to the Sass Rigais Via Ferrata) and continue ascending along trail 3 to Furcela Dla Roa, now signed 1:30 hours).
The path ascends the Forces de Sieles gully on a solid path.
At the next trail junction, turn left. The circuit begins here.
The trail steadily ascends Val dla Roa valley all the way up to the saddle (1 hour).
When you crest Furcela dla Roa/Forcella de la Roa, views open up to Sass de Putia/Peitlerkofel and the Odle d’Eores/Aferer Geisler.
Related: Tullen Hike in Odle d’Eores
Furcela dla Roa to Furcela Nives (35 minutes)
Just below the saddle, trail 3A (also the Alta Via 2) branches off to the right.
This narrow trail traverses the southwestern scree slopes of Piz Duleda to reach the base of Sentiero Attrezzato Piz Duledes (10 minutes).
There’s a plethora of red-white-red painted waymarks, making it very easy to locate the starting place of the wire protection.
The route climbs up broken gullies and ledges, alternating between protected climbing (fixed cables and 1 ladder) and free scrambling (20 minutes).
When you reach the ridge, veer right and follow a mostly level path to the Furcela Nives trail junction (6 minutes).
Furc Nives to Piz Duleda (30 minutes)
Turn left and Follow trail 3B to the summit of Piz Duleda, signed 30 minutes.
The ascent is straightforward. Just before reaching the very small summit cross, there’s a semi-exposed step (which was fine hiking up, but a bit scary hiking down).
Piz Duleda towers above Sopedaces valley, the upper reaches of Longiarù Valley, a side valley of Val Badia.
The views are spectacular in every direction.
Piz Duleda – Furcela Nives – Furcela Forces de Sieles (2 hours)
Return along the same route to Furcela Nives/Forcella Nives and follow the path to the south in the direction of Rifugio Firenze (trail 3B, signed 1:40 hours).
Hike cairn to cairn across a high plateau with views of Sella, Cir, Col da la Pieres, and Vallunga/Langental.
The trail descends along a rocky ridge.
After about 20 minutes (from Furcela Nives), the trail veers left away from the ridge towards the moonscape of Puez plateau.
When you reach the trail junction, turn right to Rifugio Firenze (trail 2, 1:20 hours). Note: the Alta Via 2 continues to Rifugio Puez (1 hour).
The traverse to Furcela Forces de Sieles is protected in some places with cables. It’s a rugged, but nonetheless a sound path beneath crumbling rock towers.
A gap in the trail is bridged with a cable. It’s not difficult, but maybe don’t look down.
Furcela Forces de Sieles to Rifugio Firenze (1:10 hours)
Here the Piz Duleda and Col dala Pieres trails merge.
Trail 2 drops down the Forces de Sieles gully. There’s some timber reinforcements in the beginning.
When the trail levels, you can enjoy one of the most striking vantage points of the Odle/Geisler spires.
The trail links back up with trail 3, thus completing the circuit.
Rifugio Firenze to Col Raiser (20 minutes)
Follow the familiar trail back to the Col Raiser gondola mountain station.
Where to Stay near Col Raiser
Selva di Gardena
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 | Hotel Rodella stands on a hill between Santa Cristina and Selva di Val Gardena, walking distance to the Col Raiser gondola. Commanding the most epic views of the Sella Group and Sassolungo, staying here is absolute bliss, especially at sunset. You can book breakfast-only or half board. Stay here for the views, newly renovated wellness area, and cozy atmosphere. 3 night minimum stay.
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.
Luxury | Hotel Sun Valley is a 4-star hotel with a feel-good atmosphere, nice rooms, friendly management and staff, and a great restaurant (half board available). The spa comprises an indoor pool, whirlpool, Tyrolean parlor sauna, Brechel bath with fresh pine branches, and a steam bath, and relaxation areas.
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
Boutique Luxury | Boutique Hotel Nives – Luxury & Design is a small 4-star-superior hotel in Selva with two restaurants, a spa (saunas and outdoor whirlpool), and an indoor pool. The 13 rooms of family-run Hotel Nives are equipped with Nespresso coffee machines, tea kettles, bathrobes and slippers. Extra perks: free garage parking, free winter ski shuttle, and bike storage. The à la carte Restaurant Nives is open all-year-long, while the Hotel Restaurant Stevia is only open in winter.
5-star Luxury | Hotel Granbaita Dolomites is an ode to alpine elegance. This 5-star luxury 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.
Find an accommodation in Selva di Val Gardena.
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!
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 – Boutique Luxury | Dorfhotel Beludei is a 4-star-superior boutique hotel set in a quiet location above the village church. Stay here for the innovative cuisine (half board only), Ladin hospitality, and spacious suites. Complimentary Perks: garage parking, winter shuttle to ski slopes, guided hiking tours, and afternoon snack. 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.
Find an 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.
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:
- Where to Stay in the Dolomites in Summer: best villages and towns in South Tyrol, Trentino and Belluno
- Best Hotels in the Dolomites: best boutique and luxury hotels in the Dolomites
- Dolomites Accommodation Guide: farm stays, mountain huts, wellness hotels, aparthotels
- Best Val Gardena Hotels: best accommodations in Ortisei, Santa Cristina, and Selva di Val Gardena
We suggest choosing 2-4 bases for your Dolomites trip and spending 2-4 nights in each base.
- Base 1: Val Gardena
- Base 2: Val di Funes
- Base 3: Alta Badia
- Base 4: Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Base 5: Alta Pusteria
- Base 6: San Martino di Castrozza
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 Seceda.
Dolomites Packing List
Hiking Gear
- Day Pack: Osprey Tempest 30 Women’s Backpack / Osprey Talon 33 Men’s Backpack
- Grade B/C high-cut hiking boots: Meindl Schuhe Island Lady (Kati’s Boots), Women’s Hanwag Tatra II GTX (Sabrina’s Boots), Men’s Hanwag Tatra II GTX (men’s equivalent)
- CAT 4 Sunglasses: Julbo Shield Mountain Sunglasses
- Hiking Poles: Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles
Outdoor Photography Gear
- Camera Body: Sony Alpha a6400
- Mid-range Zoom Lens: Tamron 17-70mm 2.8 Di III-A VC RXD
- Wide angle Zoom Lens: Sony – E 10-18mm F4 OSS Wide-angle Zoom Lens
- Backpack Camera Clip: Peak Design Camera Clip
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:
- Best Hikes in Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Best Hikes in Alta Badia
- Sexten Dolomites Hiking Guide
- Puez-Odle Nature Park
Recommended Hiking Guidebook: Cicerone Guide: Shorter Walks in the Dolomites
More Val Gardena Travel and Hiking Guides
Travel Guides:
Hiking Trails:
- Best Hikes in Val Gardena
- Resciesa to Seceda
- Seceda Ridgeline Hike
- Rifugio Stevia and Col dala Pieres Day Hike
- Monte Pic
- Lake Pisciadù Hike
- Sassolungo Group Circuit Trail
- Vallunga Valley and Val de Chedul
- Alpe di Siusi Meadows Circuit Trail
Via Ferratas:
- Oskar Schuster Via Ferrata to the summit of Sasso Piatto/Plattkofel
