Beyond alpine skiing and the classic slopes, there is a slower way to discover the Dolomites, an alternative between one ski area and another that lets you enjoy the landscapes and silence of the snow-covered mountains. With snowshoes you can follow dozens of trails around Moena or head up towards the Dolomite passes for more demanding challenges.
This is a very easy but charming route, with a wonderful view of the Catinaccio (Rosengarten), the Latemar and the Monzoni group.
The starting point is the tourist office in the centre of Moena, a few minutes’ walk from Hotel Cavalletto. Take trail no. 520 to Malga Roncac, which you will reach in about 45 minutes, at 1,354 m. From here you can continue along a flat forest path beyond the barrier for about 30 minutes until you reach trail no. 524, which leads back to the starting point.
Val Duron is perfect in every season. You can reach the Micheluzzi hut at the start of Val Duron on foot, on snowshoes or by snowmobile; then you will find yourself in a flat, incredibly charming valley surrounded by mountains. From here you can decide which route to take: you can stay on the flat part of the valley with very little elevation gain, or challenge yourself all the way to the Alpe di Tires at 2,440 m, with about 600 m of elevation gain.
The forest road up to the Micheluzzi hut climbs steadily but gently and starts from Campitello di Fassa. The valley is wide, flat and very sunny, with a few scattered firs and larches. The first, flat part of the snowshoe hike takes about an hour, up to the head of the valley. The second, more demanding part is reserved for those who know the area or can handle a non-trivial route: it requires a good ability to assess local avalanche danger and, if there is no track, a good sense of direction.
From here you can reach the Duron Pass (2,209 m), which opens up views of the Odle/Geisler peaks and Val Gardena on one side, and the Sassopiatto, the Marmolada and Gran Vernel on the other. Continuing south-west you will reach the Alpe di Tires hut (closed in winter).
The satisfaction will be enormous, but remember that this second part is truly demanding. Ask at the hotel or the mountain guides for information before setting off.
Starting from the village centre, you reach Someda, Moena’s lovely sunny hamlet. The road continues past Moena’s old fort, built by the Austrians in 1898 to control and block traffic in the San Pellegrino valley. Although it was newly built, the fortification was never used during the First World War except as a storehouse, as the Austrian General Staff considered its design too outdated. Unfortunately it cannot be visited, as the fort is now privately owned.
Continuing on, you reach Malga Passerella, the first place for refreshments, where you take the Lusia detachable lift. From the “Valbona” top station, the walk continues along a charming forest path to the “La Rezila” hut, a characteristic refreshment point that has kept its traditional style intact. Continue to the Lusia hut along the old road, enjoying the fantastic panorama of the Pale di San Martino and the Lagorai. A little well-deserved rest, a few photos, and you can set off again for the long descent to Moena.
Want more ideas and routes? Ask at reception.
Enjoy your snowshoe hike!
