The day hike to the Rifugio Stevia mountain hut and the Col dala Pieres (also written Col dla Pieres) summit is one of the finest hiking tours in the Italian Dolomites.

While most people visiting Val Gardena make a beeline for the Seceda Ridgeline, only a few know about this exciting alternative in Puez-Odle Nature Park.

This hike delivers mesmerizing views of Sassolungo/Langkofel, Sella Group, and the famous Odle/Geisler peaks from an entirely fresh perspective. 

---

Rifugio Stevia and Col dala Pieres Day Hike

---

This post links to products and services we love, which we may make a small commission from, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our blog!! – Sabrina and Kati

---

Col dala Pieres Hiking Map

---

When to Hike to Rifugio Stevia and Col dala Pieres

Early June to mid-October. Time your visit with the Col Raiser gondola summer operating times. The Col Raiser gondola is generally open from late May until mid-October.

Without the gondola ascent and descent, this hike would be impossibly long (at least 11 hours). 

---

---

Getting to the Rifugio Stevia Trailhead: Col Raiser Gondola

---

Car

The hike begins at the Col Raiser gondola top station. If you’re traveling by car, drive to the Col Raiser valley station in Selva, Val Gardena. There’s a large parking lot with 217 spaces. 

---

Bus

If you’re traveling by transit, you can reach Col Raiser by bus.

From other destinations in Val Gardena, take bus 350 or bus 471 to the Dosses stop in Santa Cristina.

Check out this Val Gardena bus schedule for transit times.

When the Col Raiser gondola is operating, there’s a free shuttle which runs between Dosses and the valley station. The shuttle runs from from 8:30 am to 12 pm.

---

Col Raiser Gondola Prices

Purchase a round-trip ticket.

A round-trip ticket costs 23 EUR for adults and 15 EUR for kids (ages 6-13). If you’re an Alpine Club Member, show your card, and you’ll receive a 1 EUR discount. 

Check current pricing.

---

Rifugio Stevia and Col dala Pieres Trail Description

---

Col Raiser Top Station to Rifugio Firenze/Regensburger Hütte (25 minutes)

Starting at the Col Raiser gondola top station, you’ll hike 25 minutes to Regensburger Hütte, a lovely mountain refuge in Puez-Odle Nature Park. This easy path is ever-so-slightly downhill. 

---

Rifugio Firenze to Forcella Piza/Pizascharte (1 hour)

At Rifugio Firenze, the signpost indicates 2 hours to Rifugio Stevia and 2.5 hours to Col dala Pieres. 

Walk across the outdoor terrace of Rifugio Firenze and follow the wide gravel path downhill. As you slowly descend along trail 3, enjoy the views of Langkofel.

Keep your eyes out for 17B, a narrow trail that cuts left into the forest. You’ll take 17B all the way to Forcella Piza (Pizascharte, Furcela Piza), the saddle between Muntejela (2643 m) and Mont De Stevia (2555 m).

The ascent to Forcella Piza takes an hour. 17B initially leads gently uphill through the forest. When you clear the treeline, the path continues to ascend towards a rock wall (Muntejela and Mont De Stevia).

The final stretch to the mountain pass traverses a scree slope, which is secured by wooden logs made into steps. 

---

Forcella Piza to Rifugio Stevia (20 minutes)

When you get to the Piza saddle, you can head left directly to the Col dala Pieres summit, or right to Rifugio Stevia (Stevia Hütte / Ütia de Stevia).

Even though you’ll have to backtrack to this very point to continue the hike, we recommend detouring to Rifugio Stevia for lunch, or just a drink. It takes about 20 minutes to walk down to the mountain refuge. The views of Sassolungo (Langkofel), the Sella Group, and Cir Peaks are just fabulous. 

---

Rifugio Stevia to Col dala Pieres (1:30 hours)

From the hut, head back the way you came and continue along Trail 17. At the Piza saddle, the sign indicates 1 hour to Col dala Pieres (2747 m). Following the ridgeline, the ascent to Col dala Pieres is very moderate. In every direction, peaks and ridgelines create a multi-layered masterpiece. 

---

Col dala Pieres to Forcella Forces de Sieles (45 minutes)

From the summit of Col dala Pieres, the trail continues along the mountain ridge, gifting you glorious views of the spikey Odle (Geisler) peaks. The level trail will eventually dip over the ridge at the saddle Forcella Forces de Sieles (2505 m). This section is quite steep.

---

Forcella Forces de Sieles to Rifugio Firenze (1 hour)

In dry conditions, the descent from Forcella Forces de Sieles isn’t overly difficult. There are some ropes to aid your passage through tricky areas. But, as long as you have sturdy boots and hiking poles, it’s NBD. If you don’t have alpine hiking experience, forget what I said. Depending on your experience, this can be difficult. 

When you get to level ground, continue along trail 2 in the direction of the Geisler peaks. The long stretch to Rifugio Firenze is spellbinding. The Odle (Geisler) peaks steal the show with their brilliant dagger-like formation. 

---

Rifugio Firenze to Col Raiser Top Station (20 minutes)

Take the exact route that you took coming here. The Col Raiser chairlift closes at 5:30 p.m., so unless you want to descend another 900 meters, try to catch it. 

Read Next: Best Day Hikes in the Dolomites

---

Where to Stay in Val Gardena

---

Selva di Val Gardena

Budget | Family-run Hotel Garni Morene is a clean and comfortable guesthouse, set in an idyllic location outside the town center of Selva. Stay here for the unbeatable price, mountain views, and hospitality. Breakfast included.

Luxury | Linder Cycling Hotel stands out with its bold architecture, stylish urban accents, and laid-back atmosphere. Beyond the captivating design, Linder Cycling Hotel boasts excellent facilities, including a rooftop terrace, indoor pool, bar and the à la carte Luis Eatery restaurant.

Midrange – Luxury |  Hotel Rodella  occupies an idyllic location on a hill overlooking Selva di Val Gardena and surrounded by meadows. The hotel’s elevation affords unbeatable views of Val Gardena and the surrounding mountains. We loved watching the sunset from the hotel: it feels like you have VIP tickets to the Sella and Langkofel burning Dolomites show. Hotel Rodella is also a convenient 10-minute walk to the Col Raiser Gondola valleys station, which makes Puez-Odle Nature Park destinations like Rifugio Firenze, Seceda, Col dala Pieres extremely accessible. Rooms are bright and comfortable. And, the newly-renovated wellness area is stunning.

5-star Luxury | Hotel Granbaita Dolomites is an ode to alpine elegance. This stately hotel pampers guests with its lavish rooms, extensive spa area (7 saunas, indoor-outdoor pool, fitness room, spa), and decadent tasting menus. Book half board. 

Look for accommodation in Selva di Val Gardena.

---

Santa Cristina

Budget | Garni Le Chalet is a traditional guesthouse in Santa Cristina. Stay here for the cozy atmosphere and affordable room rate. Breakfast is included.

Budget | Smart Hotel Saslong is a no-frills hotel in Santa Cristina featuring modern, minimalist interiors decorated in local wood. Guests have access to a self-service bar, free parking (indoor and outdoor), and on-site restaurant serving local cuisine. This is a perfect place to stay if you’re traveling with friends. Book breakfast!

Midrange | Charme Hotel Uridl is a family-run hotel set in a mountain chalet dating back to the 17th century. Stay here for the cozy and quaint atmosphere and delicious breakfast buffets and dinners.

Luxury | Dorfhotel Beludei is the finest hotel in Santa Cristina and one of the best hotels in the Dolomites. With inspiring mountain views, hiking trails right on the doorstep, and a chef that puts ingenious and creative riffs on regional cuisine, this darling hotel is quite the Dolomites dream. Breakfast, an afternoon snack, and dinner are included in the rate.

Look for accommodation in Santa Cristina.

---

---

If you thought this post was helpful, follow us on Instagram @moonhoneytravelers

---

More Hikes around Val Gardena:

• Best Hikes in Val Gardena
• Resciesa to Seceda 
• Seceda Ridgeline Day Hike
• Monte Pic

Plan your trip to the Dolomites:

• Dolomites Travel Guide
• Best Things to Do in the Dolomites 
• Best Places to Visit in the Dolomites
• 7-Day Dolomites Road Trip Itinerary
• Best Day Hikes in the Dolomites
• When to Visit the Dolomites

Where to Stay in the Dolomites:

• Where to Stay in the Dolomites in Summer
• Best Hotels in the Dolomites 
• Dolomites Accommodation Guide