Path of the Larches (Tru di lersc) in Alta Badia, Dolomites

The Path of the Larches (Tru di lersc in Ladin) is a short thematic trail between the Rü and Rudiferia farms above San Cassiano (Sankt Kassian) in Alta Badia.

This charming trail is ideal for arrival or departure days, offering a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh mountain air before settling into your hotel or continuing to your next destination.

If you’d like to extend the hike, I recommend continuing on Trail 15 all the way to the La Crusc Pilgrimage Church.

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Path of the Larches Hiking Map

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Path of the Larches Trail Description

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San Cassiano Village Center to Rü (30 minutes)

The Path of the Larches (Tru di lersc) trail begins in Rü hamlet above San Cassiano.

From the San Cassiano town center, locate the tourist office and then walk to the San Cassiano Church. Follow the Strada Micurá de Rü/Strass Soplá road (trail 15/15A) uphill to the Lüch Da Pćëi dairy farm and store.

After passing the dairy shop, continue following the paved road all the way up to Rü. As you ascend, the Lavarela and Conturines peaks dominate your view. 

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Rü to Rudiferia (20 minutes)

At Rü, turn left onto the Path of the Larches in the direction of La Crusc. The path soon veers left again. Signage guides the way.

Bordering the Fanes–Sennes–Prags Nature Park, the larch-lined trail follows a timber fence, steadily descending the whole time. 

There’s a wonderful view of La Villa in Val Badia, located at the base of the Puez mountains. As you progress, you’ll see Sassongher, the Gherdenacia Plateau, and the Sella group.

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Rudiferia to San Cassiano (45 minutes)

At Rudiferia, turn around and head back the way you came. When you reach an intersection, bear right. This is the direct route to San Cassiano via Larijëi Farm. If you go left, you’ll follow the same trail back to Rü.

After passing the Larijëi Farm, descend along Strada Soplá (the road you came up) to San Cassiano. 

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Extending the Hike from Rudiferia to La Crusc Pilgrimage Church (1:40 hours)

In Rudiferia, follow Trail 15 toward La Crusc, signposted at 1:40 hours. The mostly forested route climbs to the foot of Sass dla Crusc, at times quite steeply. It’s a straightforward trail, beginning as a wide forest road before narrowing into a woodland path.

A little beyond the halfway mark to La Crusc, the trail turns into a balcony path, with wide-open vistas of Sass de Putia and the Central Alps along the Austrian-Italian border.

To return to San Cassiano, you have a few options.

Option 1 | Return along the same path.

Option 2 | Ride the La Crusc cableways down to Badia and take a bus to San Cassiano. These cableways usually operate until early October.

Option 3 | Descend to Badia via the Armentara Plateau and take a bus to San Cassiano.

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Where to Stay Alta Badia

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San Cassiano

San Cassiano (St. Kassian) is a high-alpine village in Alta Badia between La Villa and Falzarego Pass, the gateway to the Ampezzo Dolomites and Cortina d’Ampezzo. This is an excellent base for exploring the Fanes Group and the Pralongià High Plateau.

Budget | Surrounded by pine forest at the foot of Sass Dlacia, Camping Sass Dlacia is the highest campground in the Dolomites, located 3.8 km away from San Cassiano village. If you’re not camping, you can also stay in their guesthouse apartments, Üties (wooden huts), and chalet. At the entrance to the Fannes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park, guests are well-positioned to hike to Rifugio Lavarella and Rifugio Fanes and the Lavarela and Conturines peaks. Don’t leave here without eating at their pizzeria and relaxing in their Natura Wellness sauna area.

Midrange | Hotel Conturines is a very welcoming hotel in the heart of the pedestrian zone of San Cassiano, offering comfortable rooms, high-quality breakfasts and dinners, and a small spa area.

Midrange | Garnì Ciasa Ai Pini is a traditional bed and breakfast, located 2 km from the San Cassiano village center. Guests enjoy the spacious rooms, wellness area, scenic surroundings, and friendly staff. In winter, you can ski directly to the hotel.

Top Choice – Luxury Aparthotel | Lagacio Hotel Mountain Residence is an excellent 4 star aparthotel in San Cassiano. You’ll love the spacious apartments, breakfast, spa area, and bar.

Luxury | Hotel Fanes is a stand-out 5-star hotel in San Cassiano, which spoils guests with their two swimming pools (including the adults-only panoramic Sky Pool), extensive spa and wellness area (including 7 saunas), Wellness Pension (breakfast buffet, afternoon homemade cake buffet, and 5-course gourmet dinner). Breakfast and dinner is included in the rate. Winter guests can take advange of the free shuttle service to the Piz Sorega cable car.

Find a place to stay in San Cassiano.

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Corvara 

The town of Corvara is centrally located in Val Badia at the base of Sassongher mountain, between Colfosco and La Villa. It’s the tourist center of Alta Badia and offers the most in terms of shops, restaurants, and accommodations. Cableways connect Corvara with Pralongià plateau and Sella.

Midrange | Ciasa De Munt Lifestyle Living strikes just the right balance between urban and the outdoors, with its clean aesthetic, modern elegant lines and location. Guests have access to top-notch wellness facilities, storage lockers, and a  washing machine. A fresh breakfast buffet featuring homemade cakes, cold cuts, and eggs is laid out each morning. Take advantage of the mountainside breakfast offering in their Piz Boé Alpine Lounge (2200 meters).

Midrange | Sporthotel Panorama is a great value hotel with an on-site restaurant and spa, perched above the village of Corvara. Guests love the setting, outstanding food, and friendly staff. The outstanding room rate will have you overlook the slightly dated interiors. 

Midrange | Berghotel Ladinia has been greeting travelers since 1930. With just 13 wood-paneled rooms and a warm, rustic restaurant showcasing classic Ladin mountain dishes, it offers a sense of enduring comfort. While many alpine stays now lean toward a polished, contemporary style, Berghotel Ladinia stays true to its roots, keeping a character that’s uniquely its own.

Luxury Family Aparthotel | Movi Family Apart-Hotel offers new and stylish apartments for families. This modern property blends everything we love about a hotel (amenities and breakfast buffet) with everything we love about an apartment (self-sufficiency and space). Extra Perks: kids and family spa area with pool, adults-only spa, summer outdoor playpark, entertainment for kids (ages 3-12, 9:30 am – 9:30 pm). 

4- star Luxury | Located in the heart of Covara, Hotel Col Alto is ideal for car-free travelers. We were impressed by the staff, the design, the extensive wellness facilities, deluxe bedding, and generous breakfast buffet.

5-star Luxury | Hotel La Perla is a family-run hotel set in an 18th century building with charming alpine interiors, several restaurants, and a spa. Breakfast and dinner, both included in the room rate, are served in the hotel’s Les Stües restaurant. If you’d like to dine in the hotel’s 1-star Michelin restaurant, La Stüa de Michil, it’s necessary to make a reservation in advance.

Look for accommodation in Corvara.

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More Alta Badia Travel Guides

Alta Badia Travel:

• Alta Badia Hotel Guide

Alta Badia Autumn:

• Alta Badia Autumn Guide

Alta Badia Summer:

• Alta Badia Summer Guide
• Sass da Ciampac Summit Hike
• Rifugio Puez Day Hike
• Lake Pisciadù Day Hike
• Rifugio Fanes Day Hike
• Sass de Putia Circuit Hike

Dolomites:

• Places to Visit in the Dolomites
• Things to Do in the Dolomites
• How to Get to the Dolomites
• Day Hikes in the Dolomites

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