Alta Via del Granito – amidst memories of the Great War

The Alta Via del Granito is a loop through the granite sites of the Cima d'Asta and the Cime di Rava, in the Lagorai mountain range. It's four days of easy walking in the midst of magnificent natural landscapes that still bear the traces of the Great War, passing malghe (shepherds' huts) and ambling through mountain pastures.

The Alta Via follows a network of former military paths and roads dating back to the First World War. The route links Rifugio Caldenave and Rifugio Cima d’Asta Ottone Brentari, both located at the foot of the mountains.

The best time to undertake this trek is from mid-June to mid-September. Depending on the year, it may be possible to make the crossing as late as the end of September or October, weather-permitting. During the autumn, you’ll need to bring a tent and sleeping bag, or rely on the winter shelters in the refuges.

In early summer, you may still find snow on the trails, especially towards Cima d'Asta, and in this case gaiters are useful. In the height of the summer season, it’s essential to book well in advance.

The length of the Alta Via del Granito is 36 kilometres (22 mi), with a total elevation gain of almost 2,030 metres (6,660 ft). If you decide to make the ascent to the Cima d'Asta, you’ll add another 380 metres (1,247 ft) of climbing.

The trails are easy and don't require a great deal of physical effort. There are no equipped or particularly exposed sections, so no special equipment is required. The route is well-signposted, too. That said, don't underestimate trekking in the mountains, and bring clothing appropriate for the many stretches above 2,000 metres (6,500 ft).

You can hike the Alta Via del Granito either clockwise, along the so-called Orange Tour, or anticlockwise, along the Green Tour. This option is useful if you’re struggling to find space in the refuges – just reverse the Tour to combine the different availabilities.

In this Collection, I have chosen to retrace the Green Tour, which is recommended if you don’t have the whole day available on the first stage. I have added the variant to the Rifugio Consèria, which allows you to take an extra day and discover this corner of the wilderness at its best.

To reach the start of this trek, climb up the Valsugana state road from Strigno, following the Tesino signs. Then follow the signs for Val Malene, Sorgazza and Cima d'Asta and, after about 10 kilometres (6 mi), you’ll find a large car park near Malga Sorgazza, where the Alta Via del Granito begins.

For more information visit the official Alta Via del Granito website: altaviadelgranito.com (in Italian or German).