Gruppo: Dolomiti di Brenta

The Sentiero Attrezzato Violi is the uncomplicated link between the Casinei Refuge and the Brentei Refuge on the western Brenta Dolomites, a less frequent alternative to the parallel Sentiero Bogani. Cross the wall of Cima Fridolin with stretches equipped at the exposed points and a slightly more steep finish, making it a classic approach to the ferrates of the Brenta Dolomites.

The starting point is the parking lot of the Rifugio Vallesinella (1513 m), above Madonna di Campiglio: from the roundabout of the centre of Madonna di Campiglio follow Via Vallesinella for about 3 km. From the parking lot you climb to the CAI 317 in the forest until the Rifugio Casinei (1850 m, approx. 45 min).

From the Casinei refuge (1850 m) follow the Sentiero Violi which starts in the forest with moderate slope, crossing from the west the wall of Cima Fridolin at a lower altitude than the Sentiero Bogani. Halfway you will meet some equipped extracts easy progression, then some rocks with passages on solid soil. L’ last stretch is the steepest of the whole route and leads to the Rifugio Brentei (2182 m, ca. 2h from Casinei — 5h total from Vallesinella included return).

Easy path, suitable for hikers with good leg. The equipped sections do not have technical difficulties but require good balance. The most steep final stretch from the Bogani can tire further in view of successive routes planned by Brentei.

From July to September, when the Brenta Dolomites are free from snow. The Rifugio Brentei offers accommodation and refreshment, an ideal starting point for the Sentiero SOSAT and the Bocchette del Brenta.

From the Brentei refuge you can return to the Sentiero Bogani (CAI 318, more direct) or to the Violi itself to the Casinei and from there to the Vallesinella on the CAI 317 (5h total).

Main access to the XII Apostle Refuge in the Dolomites of Southern Brenta, the Sentiero della Scala Santa is a characteristic carving equipped alongside an iconic Madonnina carved in the rock. Easy from the technical point of view, it is the starting point for many more challenging routes in the Brenta.

From Pinzolo (SS239 from Trento) take the cable car to the Doss del Sabion (2101 m). Alternatively, walk with the CAI 307B from Pinzolo through the Pra Rodont Refuge (1530 m). From the mountain station, cross a half-coasted path to the east, intercepting the CAI 307 in Baita del Cacciatori (1836 m). You enter the Val dei Nardi to the east from Lake Agola, then continue on the right side of the valley until the clear plain of Lake Asciutto, where the cable car is detached for the refuge. From here the path is steeper (1h30' from the upstream station).

From Lake Asciutto it is aimed towards the carving in the rock that characterizes the Scala Santa. The equipped stretch is steep but without technical difficulties once insured: climb next to the carved Madonnina, then on wooden steps and steep path. Exit from the equipped section you go up a moraine valley on swallows following carefully the white red signs not to leave the path. A stone paved characteristic precedes the plateau of Rifugio XII Apostoli where the excursion ends (1h30' from Scala Santa, 3h total from the mountain station).

Easy. The equipped stretch is well dotted with fixtures and has no intrinsic difficulties. Attention to the marking on the nail that follows the Scala Santa.

July-September, check the opening of the Pinzolo cable car and the XII Apostle Refuge. The ring can be partially snowed at the beginning of the season.

It goes back for the climb to the mountain station of the cable car (2h from the hut, 5h total).

From the refuge XII Apostoli the famous paths of the Bocchette: the Bocchette Central Trail, il High Bocchette Path e il Path Ideal Mouth of Ambiez.