Sentiero delle Bocchette: Why It Is Not Just a Walk

The allure of the Dolomiti di Brenta inevitably passes through the famous Sentiero delle Bocchette, a high-altitude network of routes that allows you to cross the massif by taking advantage of the natural horizontal ledges carved into the Dolomia Principale rock. However, the term "sentiero" (trail) frequently misleads those approaching this dizzying environment for the first time.

Not a hike, but a via ferrata

The Sentiero delle Bocchette is not a normal high-altitude walk. It is a via ferrata in all respects, historically designed by the SAT (Società degli Alpinisti Tridentini) to connect the mountain huts without necessarily climbing the peaks, but moving along exposed ledges, suspended metal ladders, and sections equipped with steel cables. Tackling these routes requires a head for heights, surefootedness, and adequate mountaineering skills.

To venture onto the Bocchette, approved equipment is mandatory. A complete via ferrata kit includes:

• Protective helmet to shield against potential falling rocks.
• Climbing harness.
• Via ferrata set with an energy absorber and specific carabiners.

Autumn access: logistics and closures

A crucial aspect for those planning an excursion in this phase of the season concerns the approaches. Most hikers usually take advantage of the lifts to gain altitude and reach the start of the via ferratas (as in the case of Passo del Grostè). It is essential to remember that the summer cable cars ended their operation in mid-September (between September 13 and 20, 2026). Without the support of the lifts, accessing the via ferratas requires a significant elevation gain starting from the valley floor, turning the itinerary into a physically much longer and more demanding undertaking.

Furthermore, for those considering hiking up from the Madonna di Campiglio side, attention must be paid to the accessibility of the lower trails. From September 21, 2026, a section between the parking lot and the Cascate di Mezzo in Vallesinella, as well as a part of the Sentiero dell'Arciduca (strada Cason), is closed due to ongoing works. Therefore, it is not possible to walk the entire traditional valley floor loop to approach the huts (such as the Tuckett or the Brentei), and it is advisable to gather information to recalculate the ascent routes.

Caution and awareness

The Brenta via ferratas offer spectacular views of rock spires and pinnacles, but the mountain demands respect. Before setting off, it is highly recommended to objectively assess your own abilities, check the local weather forecasts, and inform yourself in advance about the conditions of the high-altitude trails, where sudden autumn temperature drops can rapidly alter the difficulty of the route.