A snowshoe is footwear for walking over the snow – in Trentino, it is called ciaspola (plural ciaspole). Once used by hunters and farmers to move more easily amid deep snow, it has become increasingly popular in the last few years as a winter activity in the mountains.
Snowshoeing has a long tradition in Trentino; it is an easy and fun way to discover the beautiful mountainous landscapes of this northern Italian region. Add to it the chance to taste some of the local delicacies at the typical mountain huts (rifugi) and you have a great Italian winter escape.
Here are five easy snowshoeing excursions with mountain hut ‘tasty’ stops recommended by Visit Trentino:
Val di Fassa
Passo San Pellegrino to Rifugio Fuciade – a flat, 4-km walk with amazing views of the Dolomites. You may even go back by way of romantic sleigh horses or fun snowmobiles under the moonlight.
Paneveggio – Pale di San Martino Natural Park
An easy, 20-minute snowshoe hike in the heart of the Unesco-inscribed Dolomites, departing from Passo Rolle to Capanna Cervino, with the chance to admire the incredibly beautiful pink and red hues of Cimon della Pala.
Brenta Dolomites
The spectacular Brenta Dolomites can be admired via easy ascents departing from Fratè, fra Pinzolo e Madonna di Campiglio, reaching Malga Ritorto, which stands on a large meadow for a delicious lunch with a view.
Altopiani Cimbri
From Centro Fondo Millegrobbe, on the eastern boundary of Cimbri plateaus, walk for approximately 4 km into the woods until you reach the Malga Millegrobbe (a walk that you could also do at night). Here, try the game-based dishes, and Vezzena, the traditional local cheese.
Stelvio National Park
In the heart of the Stelvio National Park, at the bottom of the Val di Rabbi, depart from the village of Plan to reach Malga Stablasolo, in a fairytale trek amid the snow. Among the traditional dishes to try are canederli, platters of cold cuts and cheeses from the local farmers, local wine, and delicious pastries.