Rifugio Alpe di Tires (Tierser Alpl Schutzhaus in German) is an outstanding mountain refugein South Tyrol’s Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park in the Italian Dolomites.
The mountain hut is located on the Passo Alpe di Tires/Tierser Alpljoch mountain pass, between the Sciliar/Schlern Group and the Rosengarten/Catinaccio Group.
We’ve visited this hut three times because we love Tierser Alpl’s location and South Tyrolean cuisine.
In this post, we’re going to outline the fastest approach to Rifugio Alpe di Tires, which starts in Compaccio/Compatsch on Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm plateau. You can easily do this as a day hike.
If you want to approach Rifugio Alpe di Tires from the Sciliar/Schlern plateau, read this Rifugio Bolzano – Rifugio Alpe di Tires trail guide. If you have sufficient time, we highly recommend the Rifugio Bolzano – Rifugio Alpe di Tieres circuit trail. It’s the more interesting route.
If you want to overnight in this mountain hut, check out our 3-day Catinaccio/Rosengarten Dolomites trek.
Alpe di Siusi to Rifugio Alpe di Tires Hiking Guide
- Starting Point Alpe di Siusi Aerial Cableway valley station, Siusi allo Sciliar/Seis am Schlern | Google Maps
- Trailhead: Compaccio/Compatsch (1850 m)
- Distance: 14.3 km out-and-back
- Time Needed: 5-6 hours
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 732 meters
- Difficulty: Moderate – Moderately Difficult
- Minimum Elevation: 1836 meters
- Maximum Elevation: 2499 meters
- Trails: 7, 2
- Where to Stay on Alpe di Siusi : Hotel Seelaus (midrange), Hotel Seiser Alm Urthaler (luxury), Hotel Rosa ECO Alpine Spa Resort (luxury), Alpina Dolomites (luxury)
Compaccio to Rifugio Alpe di Tires Hiking Map
When Can You Hike to Rifugio Alpe di Tires
Rifugio Alpe di Tires is usually open from mid-June until mid-October. Check the Rifugio Alpe di Tires website for exact dates.
How to Get to Compaccio
Seiser Alm Aerial Cableway
We recommend taking the Alpe di Siusi Aerial gondola (Seiseralmbahn in German) from the village of Siusi allo Sciliar/Sëuc/Seis am Schlern to Compaccio/Compatsch.
Valley Station Address | Schlernstreet, 39 39040 Seis am Schlern | Google Maps
Parking | There is a large free parking lot at the cableway valley station.
Summer Season | May 26 – November 2, 2023
Operating Times |
- Late May until Mid-June: 8 am – 6 pm
- Mid-June until Mid-September: 8 am – 7 pm
- Mid-September – Early November: 8 am – 6 pm
Prices |
- Adults: 16 EUR (one-way ticket), 24 EUR (roundtrip ticket)
- Family Tickets (2 adults + children): 36 EUR (one-way ticket), 52 EUR (roundtrip ticket)
- There are discounted tickets for Juniors, Seniors, and Disabled Persons with ID
- Dogs: 2 (one-way ticket), 4 EUR (roundtrip ticket) – dogs must wear muzzles on the cableway.
- Bicycle Transport: 6 EUR (one-way ticket), 12 EUR (roundtrip ticket)
Car
It’s only possible to drive to Compaccio before 9 am or after 5 pm. The road leading up to Compaccio is closed during the day (between 9 am and 5 pm).
Park at the P2 Car Park at Compaccio.
Parking Lot | Compatsch Parcheggio (aka P2 Car Park). Exact Location: Google Maps.
Parking Fee | 24 EUR per vehicle
Compaccio to Rifugio Alpe di Tires Trail Description
From Compaccio, follow trail 7 and then trail 2 to the Panorama restaurant (2009 meters).
From Panorama, continue following trail 2 across the Alpe di Siusi meadows. A series of boardwalks guide walkers across the marshy areas of the plateau.
The trail steadily ascends in the direction of the Denti di Terrarossa/Rosszähne (“horse teeth”) peaks of the Sciliar/Schlern massif.
Trail 2 becomes increasingly more steep as you approach the Forcella Denti di Terrarossa/Rosszahnscharte, a saddle in the Denti di Terrarossa ridge.
After conquering a series of very steep switchbacks, you’ll crest the Forcella Denti di Terrarossa saddle. This final stretch to the saddle is somewhat challenging because of the slippery terrain (scree).
From the saddle, head right. It’s an easy 10-minute descent to the red-roofed Rifugio Alpe di Tires.
The food at Tierser Alpl is excellent. They specialize in South Tyrolean cuisine with a Mediterranean influence. Enjoy a long, leisurely lunch here, before hiking back down to Alpe di Siusi.
To return to Alpe di Siusi, either follow the route you ascended, or hike down via Rifugio Molignon/Mahlknecht Hütte (2054 m) along trails 4, 8, and 7.
Overnighting in Rifugio Alpe di Tires
- Elevation: 2440 meters
- Rooms: There are dormitory rooms (for 8, 10, or 12 persons) and private rooms (for 2, 3, 4, or 6 persons).
- Showers: Hot showers are available for a small fee.
- Washrooms/Bathrooms: Shared
- Reservation: Needed. Book in advance.
Another option you have is to stay the night in, which is what we did. The natural beauty that envelops this remote hut is astounding. And, if you’re like us, once you arrive, you won’t want to leave.
This family-owned mountain refuge was renovated in 2015, resulting in a stunning modern interior.
Rifugio Alpe di Tires is very well managed, so you can expect excellent service. However, the best reward is the cuisine that awaits you.
All food is prepared in the hut. They source their ingredients from nearby farms and the surrounding area. Breakfast is included in the accommodation price.
For dinner, you can choose between a three-course “Halbpension Karte” menu, or order a la carte. Everything we sampled was delicious.
Read Next: How to Visit Alpe di Siusi
Where to Stay
Compaccio, Alpe di Siusi
Compaccio/Compatsch is the largest settlement atop Alpe di Siusi. It’s basically a hub of luxury hotels and sporting goods stores. In addition to the Tierser Alpl hike, the Hans and Paula Steger Trail and Rifugio Bolzano hikes start in Compaccio as well. Though Compaccio is accessible by cableway from Siusi/Seis, it’s also possible to drive all the way up here before 9 am or after 5 pm (parking fees apply).
Luxury | Hotel Steger-Dellai is a 4-star hotel, located near Compaccio/Compatsch (15-minute walk) along the Hans and Paula Steger Trail (one of the most popular walks on the plateau), and close to Gostner Schwaige (one of the best alpine pasture huts in South Tyrol).
We decided to stay here because of the location. In addition to hiking to Rifugio Alpe di Tires, we also wanted to hike the Hans and Paula Steger path and experience sunrise atop Alpe di Siusi.
5-Star Luxury | Alpina Dolomites is a modern 5-star hotel designed with the philosophy: Nature, our origin, is also a basic need, like the air we breathe.” Taking in the full sweep of the Sassolungo/Langkofel and Sciliar/Schlern mountains from its divine location, Alpina Dolomites boasts panoramic mountain views, a contemporary wellness area, and gourmet restaurant.
The hotel design is inspired by nature and stitches together a neutral color palette with raw materials. The wellness area comprises a panoramic indoor-outdoor swimming pool, classic Finnish sauna, herbal sauna, saline steam bath, fitness room, and spa.
Look for accommodation in Alpe di Siusi.
More hotels in Compaccio: Seiser Alm Urthaler (luxury), Hotel Rosa Eco Alpine Spa Resort (luxury), and Alpina Dolomites (luxury).
Siusi allo Scilliar
Siusi allo Sciliar (Seis am Schlern in German) is a village beneath Alpe di Siusi in South Tyrol. The Seiser Alm Aerial Cableway valley station is located in this village.
Budget | Ratzeshof is a hillside farm stay with apartments, located between Siusi and Compaccio. Stay here for the idyllic setting, mountain views, and price point.
Midrange | La Paula Apartments & Suites is a fresh-faced aparthotel in Siusi with lovely rooms, a wellness area (Finnish sauna, steam bath infrared cabin, Salounge, and relaxation rooms), and free parking. Guests love the healthy breakfast featuring locally sourced ingredients as well as made-to-order egg dishes.
Luxury | Sensoria Dolomites (formerly Ritterhof Hotel) is a newly renovated, all-inclusive hotel in Siusi, close to the Alpe di Siusi cableway. With its divinely-crafted interiors and harmonious architecture, Sensoria aims to create a place that nourishes the soul.
Look for accommodation in Siusi.
Castelrotto
The village of Castelrotto (Kastelruth in German, Ciastel in Ladin) is situated at an elevation of 1095 meters, on a plateau above Valle Isarco/Eisacktal valley and beneath Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm.
Castelrotto is only 3.4 km from Siusi allo Sciliar/Seis am Schlern and 11.4 km from Ortisei/St. Ulrich. Notable attractions include the St. Peter and Paul Parish Church, the nearby Chiesa di San Valentino, Monte Bullaccia and the Marinzen meadows.
Luxury | Located in the historic center of Castelrotto, the aesthetically-pleasing Schgaguler Hotel stands out with its high glass windows (designed by Peter Pichler), alpine minimalist design, wellness and spa facilities (2 indoor pools, a whirlpool, a sundeck, and 3 saunas), and knowledgeable staff. Rooms feature tasteful furnishings, a neutral color palette, plush bedding, and an abundance of light.
We highly recommend booking half board, as the hotel kitchen prepares excellent varied and seasonal 4-course meals. Welcome extras include a free bus pass (which includes the bus to Alpe di Siusi) and nearby underground parking garage.
Luxury | The 4-star Hotel Lamm is a modern, design-forward hotel featuring striking interiors, a luxurious rooftop Sky Spa, and an outstanding on-site restaurant (Zum Lampl). Rooms are thoughtfully designed with elegant oak floors and stylish furnishings.
Guests enjoy free underground parking, a complimentary Seiser Alm Live Card (transit card), and a wonderful wellness area (3 saunas, experience showers, relaxation room, rooftop terrace, and sky pool).
Look for accommodation in Castelrotto.
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Dolomites Trip Planning Essentials
Use our Dolomites Travel Guide to plan an unforgettable trip to northeastern Italy.
When to Hike in the Dolomites
The best time to hike in the Dolomites is between mid-June and mid-September. Unlike other regions in the Dolomites, Alpe di Siusi and Val Gardena enjoy a longer summer season. It can start as early as end of May and end as late as early November.
How to Get to the Dolomites
Read How to Get to the Dolomites to find out how to travel to the Dolomites from the closest airports, train stations, and bus terminals.
If you’re traveling without a car, also check out How to Visit the Dolomites Without a Car.
Car Rental
The easiest way to travel between hiking destinations in the Italian Dolomites is with your own car. Check out our itineraries for trip inspiration:
We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.
Tip: If you can only drive automatic transmission cars, as opposed to manual transmission cars (stick shift), book your car rental as early as possible.
Best Places to Stay
Figuring out where to stay in the Dolomites is probably the biggest hurdle to planning a trip to the Dolomites. We’ve created three guides to help you decide where to stay:
- Where to Stay in the Dolomites in Summer: best villages and towns in South Tyrol, Trentino and Belluno
- Best Hotels in the Dolomites: best boutique and luxury hotels in the Dolomites
- Dolomites Accommodation Guide: farm stays, mountain huts, wellness hotels, aparthotels
- Val Gardena Hotels: best accommodations in Ortisei, Santa Cristina, and Selva
We suggest choosing 2-4 bases for your Dolomites trip and spending 2-4 nights in each base.
- Base 1: Val Gardena
- Base 2: Val di Funes
- Base 3: Alta Badia
- Base 4: Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Base 5: Alta Pusteria
- Base 6: San Martino di Castrozza
What to See & Do
During your trip to the Dolomites, you can go via ferrata climbing, culinary hiking, hut to hut hiking, cycling, paragliding, and so much more. We’ve highlighted our favorite experiences in Best Things to Do in the Dolomites.
Wherever you decide to stay, you’ll be surrounded by glorious mountain scenery and incredible natural landmarks.
In Best Places to Visit in the Dolomites guide, we’ve listed the most iconic attractions as well as lesser-known destinations across the Dolomites, including Lago di Braies, Prato Piazza, Val Fiscalina, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Sorapis, Lago Federa, Cadini di Misurina, and Seceda.
Dolomites Packing List
Hiking Gear
- Day Pack: Osprey Tempest 30 Women’s Backpack / Osprey Talon 33 Men’s Backpack
- Grade B/C high-cut hiking boots: Meindl Schuhe Island Lady (Kati’s Boots), Women’s Hanwag Tatra II GTX (Sabrina’s Boots), Men’s Hanwag Tatra II GTX (men’s equivalent)
- CAT 4 Sunglasses: Julbo Shield Mountain Sunglasses
- Hiking Poles: Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles
Outdoor Photography Gear
- Camera Body: Sony Alpha a6400
- Mid-range Zoom Lens: Tamron 17-70mm 2.8 Di III-A VC RXD
- Wide angle Zoom Lens: Sony – E 10-18mm F4 OSS Wide-angle Zoom Lens
- Backpack Camera Clip: Peak Design Camera Clip
Dolomites Hiking Guides
Hiking in the Dolomites is our passion. Year after year, we love discovering new trails and expanding our knowledge of the area. For day hiking, check out Best Day Hikes in the Dolomites. For trekking, take a look at our guide to Hut to Hut Hiking in the Dolomites and Alta Via 1.
For region-specific hiking trails, check out:
- Best Hikes in Val Gardena
- Best Hikes in Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Best Hikes in Alta Badia
- Sexten Dolomites Hiking Guide
- Puez-Odle Nature Park
Recommended Hiking Guidebook: Cicerone Guide: Shorter Walks in the Dolomites
There are 13 comments on this post
Great and very informative article. I am looking at staying here in September. Do you have good panoramic views from here for sunrise and sunset? I noticed some people run off the trail to go to Rifugio Bolzano on their journey which looks nice. It also appears to have nice views. It seems there is a road going into Compatsch you cant drive between 9 and 5 unless you are staying there. I am assuming the Hotel Bellavista is on what they call the plateau and if I stayed there I could drive in. Do you know are they on what they call the plateau? Maybe they would let me park an extra day there for this hike. Thanks so much, Jerry
Hi Jerry! Unfortunately, we didn't take any sunset photos - we experienced a thunderstorm the night we stayed. We also didn't hike to Rifugio Bolzano, but that would be a fun idea. It looks like there's a hiking trail and a via ferrata route from Tierser Alpl to Rifugio Bolzano (see map). If you're driving, the easiest thing to do is to park at Seis Am Schlern (Siusi Allo Sciliar), which is directly below the seiser alm plateau. Next, take the Alpe di Siusi Aerial Cableway (Seiser Alm Bahn/Cabinovia Alpe di Siusi) from Seis Am Schlern (Siusi Allo Sciliar) to Compatsch (Compaccio). Good luck with your planning!
I love your site - so much great info!!
Thanks for the detalied description. It sounds like an amazing hike. I'm a bit confused about the way back to Seis Am Schlern. Do you back track the same way you came? Through compach and down the cable car or is there a faster way?
Thanks,
Enosh
Hi Enosh, We hiked down the same way we came up and took the cable car down. For other options, you can check out this map: https://www.tierseralpl.com/en/how-to-arrive.html
- Sabrina
Hi! Thanks for all the very useful info. Do you have any info about backpacking and sleeping in your own tent on Dolomites treks? Is that something that can be done or are there any rules against it?
Hi Sabina,
Wild camping is not allowed in the Dolomites. If you want to plan a multi-day trek in the Dolomites, you can stay in rifugios along the way.
Thanks for the great article! Looking forward to staying there. I know the last part you said was steep but would you describe it at all as exposed/difficult for someone with a fear of heights? I am a regular hiker but get a bit of vertigo on narrow/exposed trails so try to avoid them. Not afraid of uphill as long as I don’t feel like I’m about to plummet to my death. I have noticed some of the trails around here tend to be quite slippery with the scree/gravel so that combined with exposure is not ideal for me. Thanks for any info you can provide!
Hi Kristen,
You're welcome! To reach Rosszähne, you'll have to hike up some steep switchbacks. The trail is probably narrow, but you're not in any danger. Hiking poles will be helpful in unstable terrain. Let us know if you end up hiking this route. - Sabrina
Hello! We would love to try to do this day hike but I noticed on your other page where you describe the longer loop hike that visits this hut you say the switchback descent can be slippery. How steep is it? We have a toddler that will be with us in a backpack carrier. We are very experienced hikers but of course don't want to do anything that could put her in danger. I'm not sure if you're still responding to comments on here but if you are, I'd really appreciate your advice! Thank you!
Hi Tai,
The final stretch to the Forcella Denti di Terrarossa/Rosszahn scharte (from Alpe di Siusi)is slippery because of the scree. The trail zigzags up a scree slope at a reasonably steep grade. If you're very comfortable/confident in scree, then it should be ok. But, if you don't like loose rocks underfoot, it could be very challenging with a backpack carrier.
-Sabrina
I have a question about the hike to this hut. It seems as though it is a fairly steep hike to this hut, is that true?
Hi Jerry,
The final stretch to the Forcella Denti di Terrarossa/Rosszahn scharte is very steep. You'll hike up a scree slope along a series of switchbacks. Hiking poles are very helpful.
-Sabrina