Hike from the Malga Ciapela to the Rifugio Falier

This autumn hike takes us across the provinces of Trento and Belluno near the Marmolada

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At the car park we find several signposts, including the one to rifugio Falier.
Foto: E & L, © Peer
The peaks of the Ombretta Group in the Marmolada group are already covered in snow.
Foto: E & L, © Peer
Wonderful autumn colours accompany us during our hike.
Foto: E & L, © Peer
A view of the Ciapela Hut and the Marmolada cable car, which takes visitors up to Mt. Punta Rocca.
Foto: E & L, © Peer
As we ascend, we can admire the impressive southern wall of the Marmolada.
Foto: E & L, © Peer
After a steep ascent a flatter and less demanding section awaits us.
Foto: E & L, © Peer
Behind us rises Monte Antelao (3,264 m a.s.l.), the highest peak of the Dolomiti Cadorine and the second highest summit of the Dolomites after the Marmolada. To the right we can see the impressive Monte Pelmo (3,168 m a.s.l.).
Foto: E & L, © Peer
Ahead of us lies the final section before the Val Ombretta, a small valley.
Foto: E & L, © Peer
In the valley we are right at the foot of the southern wall of the Marmolada.
Foto: E & L, © Peer
Our autumn hike across the meadows and pastures winds along the foot of the southern wall of the Marmolada (on the right) and Cima Ombretta (at the centre).
Foto: E & L, © Peer
We cross a slightly ascending scree field before continuing towards rifugio Falier.
Foto: E & L, © Peer
In October some spots along the path are already covered in snow.
Foto: E & L, © Peer
The Rifugio Onorio Falier All’Ombretta at 2,074 m a.s.l., open from June to September, comes into sight.
Foto: E & L, © Peer
The snowy peaks you can admire from the mountain hut appear closer than they really are.
Foto: E & L, © Peer
Panoramic view from the mountain hut to the Val Ombretta, which we crossed before.
Foto: E & L, © Peer
The fascinating southern wall of the Marmolada resembles a fence.
Foto: E & L, © Peer
In October the hut is already closed - in the background the Monte Antelao and Monte Pelmo stand out.
Foto: E & L, © Peer
On the shady side of the Val Ombretta, a natural oasis, winter has already begun.
Foto: E & L, © Peer
Looking towards the Val Ombretta we can recognise the 3,220 m high Civetta (or Monte Civetta).
Foto: E & L, © Peer
A last look to the Marmolada before we return to the starting point at sunset.
Foto: E & L, © Peer

We start from Moena in the Val di Fassa and drive to the province of Belluno which we reach via Passo San Pellegrino (1,918 m a.s.l.) after an hour's trip. We travel past Alleghe and reach our starting point, the car park near Camping Malga Ciapela from which you can reach Malga Ciapela. We are in the proximity of Passo di Fedaia, a 2,057 m high saddle of the Marmolada group in the Dolomites. The Marmolada (3,343 m a.s.l.) is the highest peak of the Dolomites.

Initially, we take path no. 610 through the forest. Soon we arrive at Malga Ciapela, a mountain hut at the foot of the impressive Marmolada which also houses the valley station of the "Funivie Marmolada - Move to the top" which takes visitors to the Punta Rocca at 3,265 m a.s.l. on the Bellunese side of the Marmolada. Here stands the highest museum of Europe, the Museo Marmolada Grande Guerra dedicated to the mountain war.

From the malga we continue to the Valle Ombretta at 1,900 m a.s.l. where the forest is replaced by meadows and pastures. The view ranges from the Dolomites behind us to the impressive southern wall of the Marmolada in front of us. This landscape accompanies us until the rifugio Falier at 2,074 m a.s.l.

As we approach the Rifugio Falier the path flattens. We arrive at the mountain hut where we stop for a break in this wonderful mountain landscape. At the end of October the mountain hut is already closed but as we already checked the opening hours of the hut beforehand, we took lunch with us. We return to the car park along the same path leading past Malga Ciapela.

Authors: Elena & Luca

Experienced in: October 2020
Last updated in: 2025

circular route difficulty: easy

Starting point:

car park at the Malga Ciapela campground (1,454 m a.s.l.)
Overall time:

04:00 h
Total route length:

11,9 km
Altitude:

from 1.454 m to 2.074 m
Altitude difference (uphill | downhill):

+625 m | -635 m
Signposts:

610
Destination:

Rifugio Falier (2,074 m a.s.l.)
Resting points:

Ombretta Hut, Falier Hut (during the summer season)
Recommended time of year:

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Download GPX track:

Hike from the Malga Ciapela to the Rifugio Falier
More information:

The hike is classified as easy to medium (due to the four-hour walking time and the altitude), but otherwise presents no difficulties. Be aware of possible snowfall in autumn! The overall time shown above refers to the walking time only, not including breaks.