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Mountain · Ortisei, Trentino-Alto Ádige
Sassolungo
3,181-metre massif that closes the end of Val Gardena, with vertical walls, a cable car that rises from Passo Sella to the forcella between the towers, and a trail that circles the group.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Sassolungo
The Sassolungo, Langkofel in German and Saslonch in Ladin, is the massif that dominates Val Gardena, with the main summit at 3,181 metres. The name means "long stone" and makes sense when the group is viewed from the northeast. The first ascent to the summit was on 13 August 1869 by Viennese Paul Grohmann with guides Franz Innerkofler and Peter Salcher.
A local legend says the massif is the tomb of a giant, and the peaks called Cinque Dita, the five fingers, would be his hand emerging from the rock. At the foot of the Sassolungo runs the Saslong piste, which each year hosts a World Cup alpine skiing race.
For visitors, the most direct access is Passo Sella, about 25 km from Ortisei. From there a small cable car goes up to the Forcella del Sassolungo, between the towers, with views of the Sella and the Marmolada. A trail circles the whole massif, passing refuges and the Sassopiatto, and can be done in a day.
The Passo Sella cable car usually operates in summer from June to October and also during the ski season; check the dates.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day for the cable car and a short walk. A full day to circumnavigate the massif.
Best time
From mid-June to September, with dry trails and open refuges. Early in the morning Passo Sella has parking and fewer people.
How to get there
From Ortisei, take a bus or car to Passo Sella via the road that passes Santa Cristina and Selva. At the pass the cable car departs to the Forcella del Sassolungo. You can also see the massif up close from Alpe di Siusi and Monte Pana.
Tip
The cable car is small, for two standing persons: arrive early to avoid queues. The descent from the forcella on the north side is steep and loose-stoned; those without experience should return by cable car.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Sassolungo
Can you go up to the summit of the Sassolungo?
Only with climbing experience. The normal route is one of the most difficult in the Dolomites. Ordinary visitors take the cable car up to the forcella between the towers.
Where does the cable car for the Sassolungo depart from?
From Passo Sella, about 25 km from Ortisei. It goes up to the Forcella del Sassolungo and usually operates from June to October in summer.
Is the round tour of the Sassolungo difficult?
It's a long, full-day hike with ascents and descents but no climbing sections. It requires good fitness and proper hiking footwear.