Easy hikes

Easy hikes

Hikers will find everything they desire and more in Santa Croce. The impressive mountain formations can easily be enjoyed during short excursions from the villages of Alta Badia.

Because this hiking area faces south, enjoy golden sunlight throughout the entire day. Don’t miss the so-called “Enrosadira,” the spectacular light show created by the sun as it bathes the mountain faces in red evening light.

Excursions map – Download

Tour 1: The Armentara Meadows trail

Starting from the Santa Croce sanctuary, this trail leads under the Sas dla Crusc range (Sasso Santa Croce, 2907 metres) and takes you to the Armentara plateau. The alpine flora all around, the scents of the meadows in bloom and the 360°-degree breath-taking landscape will make this excursion a truly unforgettable experience. For a break or some refreshments, the Ranch da André refuge will welcome you and offer all the most popular specialities of Ladin cuisine. The walk back to Badia leads you past several masi (traditional rural dwellings) such as the Cialaruns, Alfarëi, Ruac and Fussé. For those who wish to reach the town of La Val, they can follow the path that goes from the Armentara meadows towards Spëscia (no. 13/A, 2) or Furnacia (no. 15/A).

Trails: no. 15/A, “Armentara” symbol, 7/A

Duration: approximately 3 hours

Difference in altitude: 721 metres downhill – from 2045 metres to 1324 metres

Distance: approx. 4 km

Difficulty: easy, also suitable for families

Tour 2: La Crusc – The Snow Cave –Armentara Meadows – Badia

This trail begins at the Santa Croce sanctuary and, by crossing the Sas dla Crusc range (Sasso Santa Croce, 2907 metres) and the Piza dales Diesc (Cima Dieci, 3026 metres) on foot, you can enjoy a wonderful landscape at the entrance of the Fanes-Senes-Braies Natural Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.  The first part of the trail up to the cave is almost entirely flat; then, the descent through the forest begins, until you reach the famous Armentara meadows. The Grotta della Neve (snow cave) is a natural cave which forms when the snow melts in the early months of spring. Sometimes it keeps until the following winter; if little snow falls in winter, the cave does not form. For those wishing to reach the town of La Val, from Armentara meadows there is a trail which goes towards Spëscia (no. 13/a, 2) or Furnacia (no. 15/A).

Trails: no 15/B, 18, “Armentara” symbol, 7/A

Duration: approximately 3h 30′

Difference in altitude: 721 metres downhill – from 2045 metres to 1324 metres

Distance: approx. 4,5 km

Difficulty: easy, also suitable for families

ATTENTION: Please admire the cave only from the outside and approach it carefully!

Tour 3: La Crusc – Castalta – Oies – Badia

Starting from the Santa Croce sanctuary, this trail leads across the forest at the foot of the Sas dla Cruc range (Sasso Santa Croce, 2907 metres), goes past the Pasciantadu Alpine cottage and leads to one of the highest fractions of the village of Badia, called Castalta. Castalta offers a wonderful view of Alta Badia, particularly of the town of La Villa and the Gran Risa slope, famous for the skiing World Cup. The descent leads you past many masi (traditional rural dwellings), for example Reslada, Pescolderunch, Larcenei, reaching as far as Oies, where you find the birthplace of the only Ladin saint, Saint Giuseppe Frëinademetz. You can reach Oies also by taking the path number 13/A, starting in Castalta. You return to the town of Badia along the Via Crucis trail. For those who wish to reach the town of La Villa from the fraction of Pescolderunch, there’s a dedicated trail (no. 13).

Trails: no 13, 13/A

Duration: approx. 2h

Difference in altitute: 721 metres – from 2045 metres to 1324 metres

Distance: approx. 4 km

Difficulty: easy, also suitable for families

Tour 4: La Crusc – Rüdeferia – San Ciascian

This trail begins at the Santa Croce sanctuary and, by crossing the Sas dla Crusc range (Sasso Santa Croce 2907 metres, and the Lavarela (3055 metres) you can enjoy a wonderful landscape at the entrance of the Fanes-Senes-Braies Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.  The first part of the trail is flat, then the descent across the forest begins until you reach the fraction Rüdeferia in San Ciascian.

Trails: no 15

Duration: approx. 2h 30′

Difference in altitude: 508 metres – from 2045 metres to 1537 metres

Distance: approx. 4 km

Difficulty: easy, also suitable for families