Shall we go snowshoeing?
7 easy routes with snowshoes
The word “ciaspole” comes from the Val di Non dialect, and means “snowshoes”. So, when the locals talk about a “ciaspolata”, it means a walk on the snow wearing “ciaspole”. When the snow is fresh and powdery, it makes for an unforgettable experience. You barely sink down at all, feeling as though you are floating on a white blanket under snow-laden fir trees!
The ciaspolata par excellence is the legendary Ciaspolada, Italy’s most popular snowshoe race, which takes place every year in early January in Val di Non.
However, if you want to take it easier and go on a ciaspolata at your own pace, there are many different routes to choose from in every valley of Trentino. There are difficult ones with challenging altitude differences, medium ones and easy ones, suitable for anyone. Or at least, anyone who loves walking in nature.
In this article we have selected 7 easy routes, with views of the Dolomites, the Lagorai chain or Lake Garda. You can walk them on your own, taking care not to lose the trail, but if you have never worn ciaspole and prefer to play it safe, you can be accompanied by one of Trentino’s Alpine Guides.
Have a good “ciaspolata”!
Passo 5 Croci
Snowshoeing up to the Passo 5 Croci (mountain pass) in the winter can be an exhilarating experience. The route is uphill but it never gets too steep. After initially taking you through a fairy-tale fir wood, it then goes past the tree line and you will see the Lagorai mountain range and the Cima d’Asta massif open up in front of you. There are 360° views from the top of the pass.
Corno di Tres
This is a safe snowshoeing route that mostly follows forest roads before leading onto a path in the final stretch. It is a well-trodden track because the destination is very popular. It starts at the Predaia Ai TodesCi mountain hut, which you can reach by car on paved roads. If the roads are icy or snowy, you can leave your vehicle in the handy Passo Predaia car park and walk to the Predaia mountain hut in approximately 20 minutes.
Malga Valcigolera
A snowshoe hike of medium difficulty starting from San Martino di Castrozza and arriving at one of the most panoramic points with a view of Pale di San Martino. The route starts very gently and then accentuates the difference in altitude in the final stretch, with an effort amply rewarded by the view of the Dolomite group.
Cros del Cuc
Cros del Cuc is a viewpoint that is easily accessible with snowshoes. From the top, you will be able to admire the spectacular winter scenery on the Piné plateau. It takes an hour and a half to snowshoe up to the summit. The route follows a forest road and starts in a car park near the Baita Alpina, uphill from the town of Bedollo. It ends at a majestic cross, where you can enjoy magnificent views of the icy water in Lake Piazze and Lake Serraia.
Tremalzo
In the winter, a thick blanket of snow settles on the Tremalzo meadows and turns everything white. Until the 1980s, Tremalzo was a ski resort. Still today you can see strips of land with little vegetation where the ski lifts once stood. Get back to nature on a snowshoeing trip in the local area.
Viote Plain on Monte Bondone
The Viote plain is a renowned naturalistic area, at the foot of the Tre Cime and a few steps from the city of Trento, which offers a panoramic view of the Brenta Dolomites. Its western boundary is marked by a long ridge called La Rosta, which boasts stunning views but requires only a short climb so is easy to reach. Capanna Viote is a great place to stop for a snack.
Vallesinella
A medium-difficulty loop through Val Brenta and Vallesinella, leading into the heart of the Brenta Dolomites. Passing through the clearing of the Malga Brenta Bassa mountain hut, you will reach the highest point of the itinerary, the impressive Mezzo di Vallesinella waterfall, which is an extraordinary frozen sight in winter and the backdrop for exciting ice climbs.
