The Path of the Larches is a short scenic trail between the Rü farm and the Rudiferia farm, above San Cassiano/Sankt Kassian in Alta Badia, Italy. This delightful Dolomites hiking trail is a perfect excursion on arrival and departure days, or when you don’t have a lot of time. It’s also something you can do all year round. We hiked here after a heavy snowstorm and it was enchanting.

Path of the Larches, Alta Badia

Trail of the Larches, Winter Hike in San Cassiano, Alta Badia

Trailhead: San Cassiano village center, Alta Badia, South Tyrol
Type of Hike: Out-and-back with loop
Distance: 5.8 km
Elevation Gain/Loss: 255 meters ascending/descending
Difficulty: Easy
Time Needed: 1:30 – 2:00 hours
Trails: 15/15A
Route: San Cassiano – Rü – Rudiferia – San Cassiano
Where to Stay: Hotel Fanes in San Cassiano

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Path of the Larches Hiking Map

Path of the Larches Trail Description

Winter Hiking in San Cassiano, Path of the Larches

San Cassiano Village Center to Rü (30 minutes)

The Path of the Larches (Tru di lersc) trail begins in Rü, a farmstead above San Cassiano. From the village 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 Laden dairy farm and store. After passing the dairy shop, continue following the road up to Rü. As you ascend, the Lavarela and Conturines peaks dominate your view.

Rü to Rudiferia (20 minutes)

At Rü, turn left onto Path of the Larches in the direction of La Crusc. The larch-lined trail runs along the border of the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park, steadily descending the whole time. The village of La Villa at the foot of the Puez Group is visible ahead.

Hiking Path of the Larches, Alta Badia, Dolomites

Rudiferia to San Cassiano (45 minutes)

At Rudiferia, turn around and head back the way you came. When you reach an intersection, head 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.

Read Next: Alta Badia Summer Guide

Where to Stay in San Cassiano, Alta Badia

Budget | Camping Sass Dlacia is the highest campground in the Dolomites, located 3.8 km away from San Cassiano village, at the entrance to the Fannes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park. If you’re not camping, you can also stay in their guesthouse apartments, Üties (wooden huts), and chalet. The location couldn’t be better, because the campground and guesthouse are surrounded by pine forest at the foot of Sass Dlacia. During your stay, you can hike to Rifugio Lavarella and Rifugio Fanes, summit Piz Dde Lavarla and Piz dles Conturines, hike to Rifugio Pralongià, and Pico Setsas. Don’t leave here without eating at their pizzeria and relaxing in their Natura Wellness sauna 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.

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.

Related: Best Hotels in the Dolomites

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Path of the Larches Winter Hike in Alta Badia

Path of the Larches Winter Hike in Alta Badia, South Tyrol, Italian Dolomites

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Path of the Larches (Tru di lersc): Short Winter Hike in Alta Badia, Italian Dolomites