Hello everyone, we are going on the MWA tour starting June 15th. Hiking the Alpe Di Siusi is one of our most anticipated activities, so we hope the weather cooperates. I’ve been looking at Rick’s guidebook and using AI to try to come up with a general outline for the day that still leaves room for spontaneity. Nothing too detailed. I’d be interested in hearing some of your strategies for a 4-5 hour low to moderate hike that leaves times for beaks at Rifugios. Is it better to try to do a loop or try to use the lifts to make a one way hike back? Our starting point will be Compatsch. Thank you, I look forward to learning of your experiences.
Posted by
Northern Minnesota
1063 posts
We rode up to Panorama and did a counter-clockwise loop. We took the lift near Zallinger and caught a bus to the main bus stop when we started. It was a 28,000 step day, and I loved every step of it!
Posted by
189 posts
Mark...
Will you be staying in Kastelruth or Bolzano ? We have done 2 RS MWA in June of 24 and 25. First year was in Bolzano which is further away and requires leaving time for travel.
Year 1, we did the Panorama through thick fog and dense clouds but no rain. We loved every minute of it even though we could literally not see 100 feet in front of us much less any Dolomite mountain. But, it was still incredible knowing where we were and enjoying being together in a spectacular place.
Year 2, clear skies and amazing weather, gorgeous views - we hiked the Witch's Trail. Much more challenging than guidebooks or reviews lead us to believe. Not difficult but not easy peasy, either. And we're all hikers that live near the GSM national park.
Both adventures were wonderful! I'm certain you will love whatever you pick.
RS MW Alpine is amazing! We're going for our 3rd time this September :)
Happy to answer any other MWA Qs you may have !
Prost!
~Mitzi
Posted by
Maryland
1177 posts
Try to find a copy of Gillian Price's hiking guides for the Dolomites in a used book shop or a library (it might be a bit pricey for just one day of hiking) . She has excellent routes.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
12289 posts
Panorama to Zallinger and return by the chairlift at Williamshütte is very satisfying. Once at the bottom you take a bus back to Compatsch. This one took us about an hour longer than the time written in my Rick Steves guidebook, at least as it was written a few years ago. His book said 1.5 hours and it took us 2.5 hours.
A bit less strenuous is the Hams and Paula Steger Trail, which is well-marked locally. I use a 4-point scale for rating our hikes. Panorama is a 4 (about the hardest we do) and the Steger Trail is a 3, pushes us a bit but not exhausting.
Both trails have ample rifugio opportunities.
Posted by
Boise, ID, USA
2633 posts
I second the Hans and Paula Steger Trail, which my husband and I did on Laurel's advice. It was perfect for us.