Alta Via 2 (day 8): Rifugio Mulaz to Rifugio Pradidali

Last Updated on 3 September 2026

From the lunar landscapes of Rosetta to the flower-filled meadows of Pian de Cantoni and finally the striking tower of Cima Canali, the Pale di San Martino are on full display today. Expect a fair bit of elevation gain and loss as you journey through ever-changing terrain!

Although the standard route includes several cable-protected sections, none really qualify as a true via ferrata; instead, the highlight is a quick detour to Cima Rosetta, whose sweeping summit views further showcase one of the Dolomites’ most dramatic mountain groups.

This comprehensive guide to Day 8 of Alta Via 2 contains detailed section times, route recommendations, adventurous side trips, via ferrata, and heaps of insider tips— use it to plan your hike & then refer back on the trail so you always know what to expect!

All my AV2 knowledge in one place: Alta Via 2: complete hiking + via ferrata route guide

Alta Via 2: Day 8 overview

• Trail hours: 7hrs (6.5hrs without summit)
• Distance: 14km (12km without summit)
• Elevation gain & loss: 1225m gain & 1525m loss (990m gain & 1280m loss without summit)
• Side trips: Cima Rosetta (easy summit)
• Huts: (Rifugio Rosetta), Rifugio Pradidali

*Trail times reflect the time we spent hiking, excluding extended breaks where we removed our backpacks to eat lunch, relax on the summit, or otherwise luxuriate along the trail. These figures are best used to understand realistic minimum hiking times between major waypoints, but we recommend factoring in 1-2hrs of additional time every day to properly enjoy the route! 

Rifugio Volpi al Mulaz to Passo della Farangole (1hr)

From Rifugio Mulaz, ascend steep switchbacks up a rocky trail to reach Forcella Margherita, following red and white-painted rocks through the scree. 

The final 10-15min to Passo della Farangole is on cable. If you’re not super confident on rough terrain, put on your via ferrata gear here, otherwise you can suit up at the pass for the steep cable-protected descent (even with experience, you may want to be clipped in here). 

If you’re following my custom AV2 adventure route, the best way to stay on track is with my custom-built AV2 GPS map— packed with detailed daily tracks, 168+ waypoints, all the side trips & via ferrata described in this guide, detours to avoid challenging sections, plus extensive trail notes to help you navigate AV2 like an expert. UPDATED SEPT 2026 BASED ON USER FEEDBACK!

Available in both JSON and GPX formats, the map works seamlessly with GPS apps like CalTopo, Gaia, and AllTrails, or with Garmin devices and watches. Head to my storefront to purchase the map!

Passo della Farangole to Pian de Cantoni (3hrs)

From the high pass, down-climb steeply for about 10min on cable before continuing the descent via a series of switchbacks through the scree. 

The next several hours are spent alternating between ascents and descents with intermittent cable protection. You likely won’t need your via ferrata gear again, but the day necessitates careful footwork through loose rocks and steep slopes. In clear weather, the views of the Pale di San Martino are wonderful!

Pian de Cantoni to Rifugio Rosetta (30min)

From the flowered flatland of Pian de Cantoni, climb under 30min through an endless sea of bright-white Dolomite to reach Rifugio Rosetta, perched on a hill in this strikingly lunar landscape. 

*This is one of only a few occasions where my recommended itinerary deviates from what I actually did, but for good reason. I spent Night 8 at Rifugio Rosetta, which meant that Day 10 included 2hrs to Rifugio Pradidali + 5hrs of via ferrata + 5hrs to Rifugio Treviso (including the most miserable descent of the entire route).

I spent almost 12hrs on the trail without sitting down once, and I although I don’t regret doing it, I would never suggest that someone else structure their itinerary this way on purpose! Even if you’re not climbing tomorrow, the downhill to Rifugio Treviso is truly torturous and you’ll want to be as fresh as possible. Do yourself a favour and continue onwards another 2hrs to Rifugio Pradidali today!

Side trip: Cima Rosetta (30min)

As a worthwhile addition to the day, follow a beautifully constructed trail to the summit of Cima Rosetta for spectacular panoramic views across the Pale di San Martino. The summit also offers one of the best vantage points back across the vast limestone plateau and down to Rifugio Rosetta.

Rifugio Rosetta to Rifugio Pradidali (2hrs)

Descend from Rifugio Rosetta on a long series of steep switchbacks, leaving behind the barren limestone plateau for a more rugged alpine landscape below. After 45min, the trail levels briefly before beginning a steady ascent towards Passo Ball, with increasingly dramatic views of the surrounding peaks.

There are some cable-protected sections below Passo Ball, and it’s up to you whether you want to fully gear up for this rather easy (but somewhat exposed) section. See the photo below for reference.

The cables lead uphill for about 10min on an exposed trail with good footing, and then the route ascends a further 10min on a rocky trail to reach Passo di Ball. 

Off the other side of the pass, it’s just a 10min rocky descent to the junction for tomorrow’s Porton & Nico Gusella circuit before the trail continues a few minutes further to spectacularly situated Rifugio Pradidali.

Night 8: Rifugio Pradidali 

Nestled beneath the towering walls of Cima Canali, Rifugio Pradidali is one of the most spectacularly located huts on AV2. It’s also perfectly positioned at the start of tomorrow’s unforgettable Via Ferrata Porton & Nico Gusella circuit, making it an ideal base for one of the best adventures of the entire itinerary! Reserve Rifugio Pradidali by email.

• Rooms: 75€ half board
• Food: Half board 
• Connectivity: None
• Alpine club discount: -17€ half board

For more information on what to expect in a mountain hut & how to prepare for your stay: Everything you need to know about mountain huts (rifugi) in the Italian Dolomites

Read more about Alta Via 2

• start here ->Detailed AV2 Route Guide
• Alta Via 2 (day 1): Bressanone to Rifugio Genova + Via Ferrata Sass di Putia
• Alta Via 2 (day 2): Rifugio Genova to Rifugio Puez + Via Ferrata Piz Duleda
• Alta Via 2 (day 3): Rifugio Puez to Rifugio Pisciadú + Via Ferrata Gran Cir, Piz da Cir V, Brigata Tridentina
• Alta Via 2 (day 4): Rifugio Pisciadú to Piz Boè + Cima Pisciadú
• Alta Via 2 (day 5): Piz Boè to Rifugio Castiglioni Marmolada 
• Alta Via 2 (day 6): Lago di Fedaia to San Pellegrino + Via Ferrata delle Trincee
• Alta Via 2 (day 7): Passo San Pellegrino to Rifugio Volpi al Mulaz
• Alta Via 2 (day 8): Rifugio Mulaz to Rifugio Pradidali
• Alta Via 2 (day 9): Rifugio Pradidali to Rifugio Treviso + Via Ferrata Porton & Nico Gusella
• Alta Via 2 (day 10): Rifugio Treviso to Passo Cereda + Via Ferrata Canalone
• Alta Via 2 (day 11): Passo Cereda to Rifugio Boz
• Alta Via 2 (day 12): Rifugio Boz to Croce d’Aune
• navigate confidently on & off the trail ->AV2 adventure route GPS map! (updated Sept 2026)