A View of Pietra Grande on the loop around.
a map of the route around, it can be completed clockwise or anti clockwise.
Location: Madonna di Campiglio, Trentino-Alto Adige
Highest Point: Bocchetta del Tre Sassi – 2,613m
Route Length: Approx. 10.6km (circular)
Total Ascent: ~628m
Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
Season: Late spring to early autumn
Key Features: Scree climbs, panoramic ridgelines, snow crossings, dramatic Dolomitic scenery
Base: Madonna di Campiglio
A view of Madonna di Campiglio looking down from Mt Spinale.
Nestled in the Brenta Dolomites, Madonna di Campiglio is often called the Aspen of the Italian Alps. It’s a picturesque and lively alpine town with excellent facilities, making it an ideal base for hikers and climbers.
We stayed at Hotel Lorenzetti, where the service was truly first-class. A special thanks to Pierre for the extra wine and breadsticks, and to Madam Lorenzetti for her warm hospitality. A fantastic place to return to after a long day in the mountains.
The view from the balcony at Hotel Lorenzetti.
Starting Point: Grostè 1 Express Lift
This route begins at the Grostè 1 Express ski lift, which operates in summer for hikers and climbers. The hike is a circular loop around the upper flanks of Pietra Grande (2,925m), with its highest point at Bocchetta del Tre Sassi (2,613m).
This is one of the more adventurous hikes on this side of the valley, featuring exposed ridgelines, steep scree slopes, slushy snowfields (even in summer), and dramatic cliffside traverses.
view of the cable car running not the walk up to Stoppani.
Route Direction
Although the official route begins with a left turn from Rifugio Boch towards Rifugio Graffer, I recommend tackling the loop in reverse (anti-clockwise). From Boch, continue uphill towards Rifugio Stoppani—this offers better early views and places the steeper, more technical ascent mid-route rather than at the start.
Stoppani in the bottom right corner overlooking the valley.
Section 1: Rifugio Boch to Rifugio Stoppani
Follow the gravel ski access track uphill. Once you reach Rifugio Stoppani, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views of Madonna di Campiglio below and surreal, Mars-like dolomitic formations all around.
Pietra Grande dominates the skyline and will remain your dramatic companion for much of the hike.
The peaks around are one of the few places in the area you can still find fossils.
Section 2: Gentle Descent to 2,300m
From the plateau, the trail gently descends along the edge of the valley to around 2,300 metres. It’s a relaxed stretch—perfect for warming up before the steeper challenges ahead.
The route down the valley towards the ascent.
Section 3: The Climb to Bocchetta del Tre Sassi
At this point, the trail veers sharply left and begins a sustained, steep ascent—roughly 500 metres in a short distance.
Expect slushy snow, loose scree, and challenging footing. Hiking poles and sturdy boots are essential here.
Looking back on the path down from Stoppani to the bottom of the ascent to the summit of this hike.
Once you reach the Bocchetta del Tre Sassi, the effort pays off with spectacular views across both sides of the valley.
Looking down on the ascent up to the peak of Bocchetta del Tre Sassi (2613m)
A view of the valley looking down with the route stretching around the edge of the mountain.
Section 4: Exposed Traverse Beneath Pietra Grande
After the pass, the trail levels out but hugs the steep slopes beneath Pietra Grande. This section is exposed, with sheer drops and narrow ledges—not for those with a fear of heights. That said, if you take your time, it's quite manageable. The views are some of the best in the Brenta Dolomites.
Some of the giant rock stacks that surround the main peak of Pietra Grande.
Section 5: Descent via Switchbacks to Rifugio Graffer
As the trail winds off the high slopes, it gradually transitions to a single-track path that leads into a set of zigzagging switchbacks. These take you back down to Rifugio Graffer, where the terrain becomes more stable. From there, it's a straightforward walk along ski pistes back to Rifugio Boch and the lift station.
Mt Spinale off in the distance with Madonna di Campiglio in the background.
One of the long scree slope crossing that are very much a no fall zone. Dramatic but deadly.
Optional Extension: Monte Spinale
If you’ve energy left in the legs, you could follow a connecting trail from Boch towards Monte Spinale for further views. On this occasion, I opted for the lift down—my legs had certainly earned the rest.
The looking up the valley towards Stoppani, behind Pietra Grande.
Final Thoughts
This is a challenging and rewarding hike that offers raw alpine beauty, exciting terrain, and jaw-dropping views throughout. While there's no technical climbing involved, the route does demand good fitness, sure footing, and a head for heights.
For those up to the challenge, the Bocchetta del Tre Sassi loop is a very fun high-altitude day hike around Madonna di Campiglio!