Suspension Bridge - Malga Fratte

Safety information

For snow hiking activities follow these guidelines:

• get well informed about the route and its conditions before leaving. You can do so by contacting the nearest tourist information office;
• the day before the hike check the weather forecast and the avalanche bulletin; 
• if you plan to reach a malga or refuge, make sure they are open and if you intend to stay to eat or sleep, call them in advance to book;
• before leaving, if you don’t feel well, postpone the outing until you feel better;
• never abandon waste at altitude and, if possible, avoid leaving it at the refuges or malgas you visit;
• if you notice wild animals along the path, we encourage you not to approach, not to shout and to keep your dog on a leash to avoid it instinctively chasing and scaring them.

Starting point

Directions

Rabbi Fonti (1,260 m) - Suspension Bridge (1,366 m) - Malga Fratte Bassa (1,482 m)

From the parking lot in the Rabbi Fonti area, near the Terme di Rabbi (closed in winter), follow the obvious forest road climbing on the left side of the main road, which shows the direction to Suspension Bridge and Malga Fratte.

You will walk uphill for about one kilometer, until you find on your right signs for the trail leading to Suspension Bridge/Malga Fratte Bassa. Follow it, enjoying the silence and the strength the fir forest conveys, until you reach the deep hollow of the Rio Ragaiolo, crossed by the suspension bridge.
The bridge spans the gorge for over 100 meters at a height of 57 meters and stands next to the Ragaiolo waterfall, particularly impressive in winter when water draws its paths among the ice.
While crossing the bridge a stop is mandatory to enjoy the spectacle and savor the sensations your body sends, suspended 60 meters above the ground!
After the bridge the trail continues slightly downhill until it meets an old mule track climbing from below (be careful: the ground here may be icy!). Follow it uphill until you reach the forest road, which shortly leads you to Malga Fratte Bassa (1,482 m). Stop here and admire the panoramic view over Val di Rabbi.
If you plan to stop and enjoy the typical dishes of the malga, we recommend that before starting the hike, you find out the opening hours and, if possible, book at the number (+39) 339.2868811.

The return follows the same forest road downhill and it is from below that you will now be able to see the suspension bridge you previously crossed. Continuing along the road, it runs alongside the cross-country ski track and the Rabbies stream, until you reach the starting point of the hike. 

The part of the itinerary leading to the suspension bridge may be closed due to ice presence. In this case it is possible to take the route indicated as the return path from Malga Fratte for both the outward and return journeys.

Public transportation

You can reach the Rabbi Terme (Rabbi Baths) area by Trentino Trasporti line bus MALÈ - RABBI BAGNI - SOMRABBI (download the outbound and return timetables).

How to get there

Where to park

Here is a list of items you should have with you when you go snowshoeing: 

• waterproof boots;
• snowshoes and trekking poles. To rent them, choose the rental location nearest to you;
• waterproof, comfortable, and warm winter clothing;
• mask, as required by the COVID-19 safety protocol;
• hat, gloves, sunglasses, and sunscreen;
• small backpack with a snack and a thermos of hot drink;
• avalanche self-rescue kit MANDATORY where avalanche risk exists due to snow-weather conditions (Art.26 Legislative Decree 28 February 2021 n.40). The kit is composed of ARTVA, shovel, and probe. Before any excursion, make sure you know how to use it. You can also rent it at shops offering this service; 
• camera or mobile phone to capture panoramas and views you like most. If you want, you can share them on social media using #visitvaldisole.