Val San Nicolò is a side valley that extends from Pozza di Fassa (Val di Fassa) and is one of the most fascinating destinations in the Trentino Dolomites.
Like all minor valleys, it ends beneath the high peaks, offering a stunning landscape where the green grass of the meadows contrasts with the rock of the Dolomites, furrowed here and there by snow-laden ravines.
A truly picture-perfect landscape, Val San Nicolò is enriched by the Rio San Nicolò, the waterfalls formed by its springs, and the many small, well-preserved wooden huts scattered among the meadows that occupy the valley floor.
Many of these old huts are called tieje in Ladin: during the mountain pastures, they served as seasonal dwellings and barns. In the meadows and along the trails, you can also find relics of the Great War and small signs of religious devotion. They are traces of different eras, preserved within a landscape shaped for centuries by mountain labor.
Starting from Vidor, you initially pass through the forest, accompanied by the Rio San Nicolò. After Saùch, the valley changes: the meadows become wider, the tieje appear, and the Dolomite walls gradually get closer, until you reach the area of the Jonta waterfalls. Along the way, there are a succession of huts, mountain dairies, and large spaces where you can stop, so the visit can easily take up a whole day.
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The length of the hike can be adjusted by choosing to start from Vidor, Saùch, or Ciampiè. The train starts from Ciampiè and you can stop there for lunch; the shuttle leaves from Saùch, where the waterfalls are accessible to children already accustomed to hiking. Starting from Vidor, you also hike the lower section through the woods. The San Nicolò Pass, on the other hand, requires a true mountain hike, which is longer and more challenging.
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During the summer season, the road that goes up from Pozza is regulated and private traffic stops in the Vidor area , where the parking lots are located.
From the Vidor parking lot, you can continue on foot, by bike, or by shuttle bus to Saùch . The rubber-tyred train departs from the center of Pozza, stops at Malga Crocifisso, and ends at Baita Ciampiè. Before purchasing your ticket, it's a good idea to decide how far you want to walk and check the scheduled return time.
In summer 2026, the bus to Val San Nicolò is scheduled to run from May 29th to October 11th, with service from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm, every 30 minutes, and a single fare of €7. The tourist train is scheduled from June 20th to September 20th, with 18 or 8 daily trips, approximately from 8:45 am to 17:00 pm. It has 28 seats, and a single fare is €9. One child up to six years old travels free for each accompanying adult. Dates, prices, last departure, and availability should be checked on the day of your visit, especially in September, in case of inclement weather, or during local events.
The shuttle arrives at Saùch , where the most open stretch of the valley begins. The train continues to Baita Ciampiè , about a half-hour's walk further on. Getting off at Saùch allows you to leisurely traverse the meadows and the barn area; Ciampiè is more convenient when traveling with very young children or if you want to reach the waterfalls without having to walk too far.
The hike from the village has its own charm, as the access road to Val San Nicolò offers magnificent scenery of verdant forests and streams that flow through them, over wooden bridges and a few green meadows. Halfway along the trail, you'll come across Malga Crocifisso and a charming little church, two useful landmarks to break up the climb.
The closure to private traffic has reduced the number of vehicles in the valley floor. However, shuttle buses, taxis, minibuses, and other authorized vehicles continue to operate on the road, requiring caution on both pedestrians and cyclists.
From Saùch the valley floor opens into a succession of large green expanses, barns, mountain huts, and ridges, with Maerins, the Creste di Costabella, and Cima Uomo in the background. The road leads first to Ciampiè and then to the waterfalls, while on either side, more challenging routes branch off toward Lagusel, Passo San Nicolò, and Val Monzoni.
In summer the valley is much loved and frequentedA stop at a mountain hut, the animals grazing, the traces of the Great War, and time spent in the meadows easily fill the hours between the outward and return journey.
La Val San Nicolò It is located in the municipality of San Giovanni di Fassa and opens from the hamlet of Pool of FassaIt is crossed by the Rio San Nicolò, whose sources form the waterfalls at the bottom of the valley, and extends between Maerins, Creste di Costabella, Cima Uomo and Col Ombert. Through the passes and high paths it also communicates with Val Contrin, Ciampac and the Monzoni group.
In summer, access is regulated and timetables, rates, and service conditions must be double-checked before departure.
The most popular hike follows the valley floor toward the waterfalls, with a steady climb and a surface that alternates between asphalt and dirt. Starting from Vidor, Saùch, or Ciampiè significantly changes the distance and elevation gain. The routes that climb toward Lagusel and the passes require mountain hiking footwear, experience, and pace.
In the valley floor, a family can choose how much to walk: Ciampiè can be enough for a short stroll with lunch in a mountain hut, while the waterfalls are a more distant goal for children who already enjoy walking.
With little ones, you can reach Baita Ciampiè by train and stop nearby, where there are outdoor tables, lawns, and a beautiful view of the mountains. From here, you can follow the initial stretch of the dirt road and return to the terminus without tackling the entire climb to the waterfalls.
From Saùch to the Baita alle Cascate, the hike is approximately 3,8 kilometers and involves just over 200 meters of elevation gain. An adult takes about an hour to complete the climb; with children, breaks, and photographs, it's wise to allow more time. The trail to Ciampiè is paved, then becomes a dirt road and steeper.
Along the way, you can observe the "tieje" (sheep 's huts) , look for the noticeboards dedicated to the legend of Similuce, and detour towards Malga Mezza Selva . The mountain hut offers seasonal cheeses, butter, and cream made from local milk; cattle are often encountered in the pastures. Observe the animals by staying within the designated areas, avoiding fences, and respecting the directions of those working on the mountain pasture.
At the Jonta waterfalls, on warm days, many families stop at the tables next to the cabin to watch the stream. Children must be supervised near the water, on the slopes, and at points crossed by authorized vehicles.
With children already accustomed to the mountains, you can continue towards the San Nicolò Pass , but the climb adds altitude, elevation gain, and several hours to the day, so it should be planned from the start. For most families, the waterfalls remain the final point of the hike, with enough time to have lunch and return slowly.
From Saùch to Baita Ciampiè, the Val San Nicolò is a wide, asphalt road with a gentle climb. This first stretch is manageable even with a standard stroller in good condition, taking the gradient into account; those reaching Ciampiè by train will have to walk even further.
After Ciampiè, the road becomes steeper, unpaved, and rocky in some places. To reach the waterfalls, we recommend a trekking stroller with sturdy wheels, good brakes, and a stable ride, which is easy to control even on the descent. Lightweight city strollers are less suitable, especially when the rain has made the terrain rough.
With a stroller, it's best to follow the main road both there and back, because the Strada dei Russi passes through the woods, encounters roots, and small bridges, and is best suited for those walking in hiking boots or carrying a baby in a backpack. On wet terrain and downhill sections, the stroller should be walked slowly, using the brake before it picks up speed.
Taxis, trains, bicycles, and hikers share some sections of the road. On paved stretches and near mountain huts, it's best to keep children close to adults and move aside when a vehicle approaches. For the forest trail, consider a child carrier appropriate for their age and used according to the manufacturer's instructions, taking into account the adult's weight and the need for regular breaks.
If you have only a few hours to spare, you can take the train to Ciampiè, stroll around the hut, and return on one of the later trains. This will limit your time on the trail if you have a baby or unpredictable weather. Check the schedule immediately, as the train runs less frequently than the shuttle.
From Saùch, you have time to reach Ciampiè, continue to the waterfalls, and stop for lunch or a snack. The return journey follows the same route, with the option of shortening the stop if the children are tired or the weather is changing. Considering the hike, meals, and free time in the meadows, it's a good idea to leave most of the day free.
Starting on foot from Vidor, you'll add about five kilometers before Saùch, passing through the forest, the Malga Crocifisso area, and the little church. With small children, the entire route can be lengthy. If space is available, you can combine the walk with the shuttle, after checking with the ticket office.
If you decide not to use the shuttle service but to complete the entire journey to Val San Nicolò on foot , after parking in Vidor you can follow the asphalt road or opt for the more picturesque dirt path through the woods.
We're talking about trail 615 , which you take on the right before the bridge, near the Soldanella restaurant. The route winds through the woods alongside the stream and, after a short stretch on trail 615B , ends just before Malga Crocifisso , where it rejoins the paved road.
Just beyond the mountain hut, the road forks: to enter Val San Nicolò, follow the path to the left. The walk continues at a leisurely pace, surrounded by conifers and offering pleasant views of the stream. Toward the end of the trail, the trees thin out and the valley begins to reveal itself in all its beauty.
A few more steps and you arrive at Saùch , near the Baita Ta Ciajaa . This is the shuttle bus terminus and the beginning of the stretch where the valley opens up more, with meadows and huts.
The route climbs steadily, but those starting from Vidor must consider the entire route, the return journey, and the variable terrain. Mountain biking requires training, technical experience on mixed terrain, and good control of the bike when descending. Part of the road is shared with families, hikers, taxis, and the train, especially between Pozza and Ciampiè: on the busiest sections, it's important to reduce speed early and leave room for pedestrians.
This path in the heart of Val San Nicolò It initially follows the paved road and then continues onto a dirt road. The valley opens up among coniferous forests, grassy slopes, and perfectly maintained wooden houses: these are the tieje, ancient seasonal dwellings and barns of the mountain pastures.
Part of the route is accompanied by wooden noticeboards that tell children about the adventure of Simillight, the legendary girl raised by a king who travels through the valley towards the Marmolada and encounters various creatures. Along the way, small places of worship and reminders of the Great War also appear.
From Saùch a short detour on the left leads to the Malga Mezza Selva and to the little cave of the Our Lady of Light. Back on the main road, we continue towards Ciampie hut, a traditional stopping point on the valley floor and the terminus of the little train that climbs from Pozza.
Immediately after Ciampie hut the road becomes a dirt road and continues to climb. Continuing on you come across a monument with the names of the commanders stationed in this area during the First World War. Val San Nicolò and the Costabella area preserve other evidence related to the front and the military routes that crossed these mountains.
Further ahead, you can take the path to the right that enters the larch forest, pleasant on hot days because it's less exposed to the sun. Here, you'll also find the monument dedicated to the mountain guide. Josef Premstaller, who died in 1916 on the Costabella. When the forest thins out, the view returns to the meadows, the rock faces, and Col Ombert; at the bottom of the valley, the Jonta waterfalls appear, cascading down a gentle slope, dividing into several branches.
Next to the waterfalls is the Cabin at the Falls, a wooden structure with an indoor dining room and furnished outdoor space. From here, the view encompasses the pastures, Maerins, and the Catinaccio peaks. Before returning, it's important to calculate the time needed to get back to Ciampiè or Saùch.
The mountain huts offer several places to break up your hike. In Saùch , opposite the shuttle terminus, the Baita Ta Ciajaa serves meals and local produce. A little further on, you can detour to Malga Mezza Selva , see the mountain pastures, and purchase dairy products when available. With small children, one of these stops can become the destination of the day.
The Baita Ciampiè , at 1.826 meters, is located where the railway ends and the paved road gradually gives way to a dirt road. The family that runs it traces its history back to the 1900s and offers cuisine inspired by Ladin tradition, with a focus on local products. The outdoor tables and surrounding lawns make it a convenient stop even for those who decide not to continue to the waterfalls.
The Baita alle Cascate , at about 2.000 meters, is the base at the end of the classic hike. It has a lounge inside, and outside, tables, benches, umbrellas, and loungers. The restaurant serves mountain dishes such as polenta with shank, venison, or sausage, along with homemade desserts, as well as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Those with allergies or special dietary needs should contact the restaurant directly.
For summer 2026, the lodge will be open from 9:00 am to 20:30 pm, with restaurant service from 11:30 am to 20:30 pm. An early dinner can be booked by contacting Baita alle Cascate to confirm your table and kitchen time. The shuttle from Saùch and the train from Ciampiè end before the restaurant closes, so the descent must be arranged separately. A headlamp, knowledge of the trail, and suitable conditions for the entire group are required for a possible return hike after dinner.
Speaking of sunshine, if you find yourself in this area on a sunny late afternoon, you can sometimes witness a marvelous spectacle, as the surrounding Dolomite peaks can light up with a beautiful color, perfect for photographs . The light is not guaranteed, and those who decide to wait for it must carefully plan their return.
Along the valley floor, the Tieje peaks, with Maerins, Cima Uomo, and the Creste di Costabella in the background, provide good photographs. Near the waterfalls, the stream and pastures enter the frame; from the San Nicolò Pass, the view extends to the Marmolada, Catinaccio, Sella, Pordoi, and Monzoni. Clouds quickly change visibility: when the peaks are revealed, it's best to photograph them along the way, without leaving everything until the end point.
The Strada dei Russi forms a loop starting and ending in Saùch. Once you reach trail 641 for Lagusel, turn left, cross the Rio San Nicolò stream, and enter the forest. Beyond the scree slope and the Giaf stream, the trail rejoins the dirt road of the upper valley, turns toward Baita Ciampiè, and returns to Saùch on the asphalt road. The loop takes about two hours and involves 143 meters of elevation gain. The name commemorates the Russian prisoners employed on construction sites during the Great War.
The Strada dei Russi has a more uneven surface than the main road and requires greater caution when crossing the woods and near the stream. With a stroller, it's best to return to the outward route, which is more continuous. Trail 641 allows hikers to complete a small loop; after rain, the condition of the terrain should be assessed, and dogs must be kept on a leash.
The small train facilitates access from the second half of June; the opening hours of individual mountain huts do not necessarily coincide with those of public transportation and should be checked before departure. Early summer meadows often offer the most spectacular blooms. July and August see the greatest concentration of families and hikers, especially between the arrival of the first shuttle buses and lunchtime. The valley is wide enough to spread out people along the route, but in Ciampiè and near the waterfalls, the tables and more comfortable spaces can fill up.
To avoid crowds, you can take one of the first trains or choose a weekday. In the late afternoon, the lateral light enhances the barns and walls; those who wish to wait should check if there are any buses available for the return journey. In September, the colors and clear air can be magnificent, and the days get shorter; in 2026, the train ends on September 20th, while the shuttle continues until October 11th.
Saùch is already around 1.700 meters high, and the waterfalls reach nearly 2.000 meters. Even on a hot morning, it's helpful to bring a windbreaker, rain gear, and a change of clothes for the kids. Above Ciampiè, the trail alternates between open areas and short stretches in the woods, so sunscreen, a hat, and water are also a must. Before setting off, it's a good idea to check the Val di Fassa weather forecast , and if afternoon thunderstorms are forecast, set off in the morning.
Provincial regulations prohibit camping outside of authorized facilities. Only a limited exception is made for a single, occasional camping site, lasting a maximum of twenty-four hours and in an area with no specific restrictions. Municipal regulations, any local restrictions, and the wishes of the landowner must be respected.
For a normal visit, especially with children, it's best to stay overnight in an authorized campsite on the valley floor and reach Val San Nicolò during the day. Those planning a multi-day itinerary should check the regulations with the municipality or tourist office in advance, as well as check the opening hours of mountain huts.
There's no shortage of hiking trails, varying in difficulty, in Val San Nicolò and the surrounding areas. Below, we'll describe a few.
Just before the Baita alle Cascate, in the Ciamp area , trail 608 climbs toward Passo San Nicolò and the refuge of the same name, built in 1974 near Col Ombert, on a panoramic pass at approximately 2.340 meters above sea level . From here, a mountain hike begins, with characteristics very different from the easy walk on the valley floor.
From the fork, the trail enters the forest for a good portion and gains altitude more steeply. From Saùch, allow about two to two and a half hours, depending on your walking pace; from the waterfalls area, the climb typically takes more than an hour, not including stops and the return journey. Anyone wishing to reach the pass should therefore plan for this from the start.
The trail requires shoes with suitable soles, water, sun protection, and a warm layer; strollers are not permitted. This is not an easy walk: the altitude, elevation gain, and duration require people already accustomed to steep mountain trails. In case of fog, developing storms, or if you're tired, it's best to stop at the waterfalls.
The Passo San Nicolò Refuge can only be reached on foot from Val San Nicolò, Val Contrin, or Ciampac and offers 24 dormitory beds. From the pass, the view encompasses the Marmolada, Catinaccio, Sella, Pordoi, and Monzoni mountain ranges; looking down, you can see the entire length of the Val San Nicolò you've just traveled. Opening times, catering, and overnight stays must be arranged directly with the refuge before the ascent.
The ring starts from the valley floor in Saùch locality and goes up on the path 640 towards the basin of Lake LaguselLeaving the more open meadows behind, you gain altitude until you reach the small alpine lake.
From Lagusel the path 641 continue towards the Sela da la Palacia, the Ladin toponym of Sella Palacia, located approximately 2.260 metersThe descent is steep, reaching the Baita alle Cascate area and returning to Saùch along the valley floor. To complete the loop, you need a sure-footedness, the ability to navigate crossroads, and stable conditions.
This path enters the Val Monzoni, a lesser-known side valley, with a wilder appearance and a significant mineralogical history. The Monzoni have been studied since the 19th century, and the valley's refuge is named after geologist Torquato Taramelli.
From Vidor follow the road towards Malga Crucifix; near the Chapel of the Crucifix the crossroads on the right enters Val Monzoni on the signpost 603Along the way you will meet the gorge of the Monzoni, deeply carved by the stream, then the road reaches Malga Monzoni and continues through a larch forest.
Il Taramelli Refuge it is found at 2.040 meters of altitude It has 12 beds. It's a refuge that's over a century old and retains the original "cube" structure of the first SAT refuges. From Malga Crocifisso, follow the forest road and trail 603, allowing for about an hour and a half's walk. A seasonal shuttle service operates between Malga Crocifisso and Malga Monzoni.
From Taramelli you can continue on path 604, cross the Ruf de le Sele and reach the Léch da le Sele, Lago delle Selle, taking into account the additional altitude and the time needed to return to the valley.
There are still many trails connecting Val San Nicolò to other noteworthy sites and refuges. To choose your route, it's helpful to consult the Val di Fassa hiking map , which lists trails 608, 615, 615B, 640, and 641. For crossings to Passo San Nicolò or Taramelli, check the conditions and opening times of the rest areas before entering the higher trails.
We conclude this article with some suggestions on where to stay in Pool of Fassa, to be able to explore the Val San Nicolò and its surroundings.
Pool of Fassa it is in fact the closest fraction to the Val San Nicolò and it is also a very pleasant tourist resort, thanks to its centre, the presence of thermal waters and valuable monuments such as the Church of San Lorenzo di Pera, with its Gothic bell tower.
Built in the late 16th century in late Gothic style, the Church of San Lorenzo preserves frescoes by Francesco Bernard, known as Franzeleto, and a winged altar by Giorgio da Pozza. The bell tower is Gothic and retained its classic onion-shaped spire until 1890. Also worth seeing is the Torn di Pozza , a quadrangular building with arrow slits dating from the 15th to 16th centuries, the only surviving example of an ancient fortification in the Fassa Valley.
When visiting the valley with children, it's convenient to stay in the Meida area or near Vidor, allowing you to quickly reach the parking lot and shuttle. From the center of Pozza, you can take the train directly, leaving shops and services just steps away. Apartments offer more independence, while hotels and half-board options make it easier to plan your meals.
Sleeping in Pozza di Fassa allows you to reach Vidor, the parking lot, and the shuttle without having to worry about a long morning transfer. Throughout the rest of the Val di Fassa, you'll find hotels, apartments, mountain huts, guesthouses, agritourisms, campsites, and bed and breakfasts: the official accommodation portal allows you to compare different categories. For short-term departures or last-minute availability, you can also contact the Pozza tourist office , which can assist you in finding rooms, apartments, and campsites.
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