Trentino–Alto Adige: Snowy Trail Itineraries

There is a Trentino that, in winter, eases off the accelerator and invites you to do the same. It’s not the Trentino of crowded ski slopes or fast descents, but one to be explored on foot, step by step, on the snow.

Here we propose a selection of itineraries to experience nature up close: from the forests of Alpe Cimbra to the Dolomites of Val di Fassa, from the Paganella plateau to Val di Fiemme. Trentino offers winter routes suited to different levels and needs, all linked by a common thread: experiencing the mountains without forcing them.

Forest Road Trail: Lavarone and the Tomazol Loop

On the Lavarone plateau, Il Respiro degli Alberi (The Breath of the Trees) is a quiet trail along a forest road, flat and suitable for everyone, with no specific physical preparation required—even in winter, with snowshoes or simple crampons. Here, natural materials take center stage: wood, stone, and bark.

Walking along the Tomazol Loop, you pass through sunny stretches and dense forests until you reach the destination: the Belvedere viewpoint, overlooking the Centa Valley and Upper Valsugana. Parking is available nearby at the Bertodi parking area.

Following Animal Tracks at Ciampac

A jump in altitude and intensity comes in Val di Fassa, in the glacial basin of Ciampac, where winter is the absolute protagonist. This snowshoe hike unfolds within a natural amphitheater dominated by the Dolomites of the Sella and Pordoi groups and by Marmolada, with the dark volcanic rocks of Crepa Neigra as a backdrop.

The circular route is a journey of silence, snow, and animal tracks—mouflons, chamois, foxes, and hares—clearly visible along the way. This is not an itinerary to take lightly: basic fitness is required, but the effort is rewarded with continuous views and the arrival at Ladin mountain huts, where warm hospitality is an essential part of the experience.

It is recommended to take the cable car from Alba to Ciampac. Access is possible with a ski pass, or by purchasing a round-trip ticket at the lift ticket office.

Paganella Excursion: From Dosson to Meriz

More accessible yet equally evocative is the route from Dosson to Meriz on the Paganella plateau. The trail follows a groomed forest road through the woods above Andalo, making the walk safe even in the heart of winter.

With trekking poles and crampons, it becomes ideal for those approaching snow hikes without technical difficulties. Near Croz del Rasar, the view opens up over Andalo from above, framed by the Brenta Dolomites—one of those panoramic spots that alone justifies the outing.

A Mountain That Speaks to Children: The Dragon Forest

Winter Trentino doesn’t forget families. In Gardonè, above Predazzo, the Dragon Forest turns a snowy walk into a story. This thematic trail is flat, well-groomed, just 1.5 kilometers long, and takes about an hour to complete.

Dragon eggs, nests, coded messages, and land art installations spark children’s imaginations, while adults enjoy views of the Latemar massif. It’s proof that winter mountains can also be playful, without losing authenticity or landscape quality.

Walking Through History: The Path of Peace on Mount Zugna

The tone changes on the Sinel Trail – Trincerone – Path of Peace hike on Mount Zugna. Here, snow blankets the forest but does not erase memory. The route crosses trenches, walkways, and symbolic sites from World War I, overlooking Vallagarina, Pasubio, and the Piccole Dolomiti.

This is a more demanding itinerary, requiring attention and preparation, but it offers an intense experience. Walking here in winter amplifies silence and a sense of respect, turning the hike into a moment of reflection as much as discovery.

The Golden Rule of Winter Itineraries

There is one rule that applies to all these routes: winter mountains cannot be improvised. Conditions change quickly, snow can be hard or icy, and wind intensifies the cold. Getting informed before setting out, choosing the right equipment, and knowing when to turn back are all part of the experience—not limitations.

White Trentino does not ask for speed or performance. It asks for attention. And it teaches that, even in the coldest season, the mountains remain a place to be crossed with respect, letting them set the pace.