Shepherds' Path

Safety information

To undertake a mountain hike we suggest you:

• choose a route suitable for your preparation. In case of doubts, contact the Mountain Guides or our Information Offices
• prepare your hike: check the weather forecast, the route you will follow and the opening hours of the lifts, if your itinerary involves their use. Remember that the feasibility of itineraries in a mountain environment is strictly linked to contingent conditions and depends on natural phenomena, environmental changes, and weather conditions. For this reason, be well informed about the route and its conditions before leaving
• leave information about your itinerary and approximate return time and bring your cellphone with you
• pay attention to the signs and markings you find on the route: signs of Stelvio Park, white and red SAT signs and red and white brushstrokes on stones or trees
• book in advance the mountain hut or refuge where you intend to stop to eat or sleep
• never leave waste in the high altitude areas and, if possible, avoid leaving it near the refuges or mountain huts you will visit
• if you spot wild animals along the route, we invite you to stay on the path you are walking, not approach too much, don’t shout and keep your dog on a leash to avoid it chasing and frightening them instinctively

Starting point

Directions

The starting point of the walk is Malga Panciana, at the arrival of the Copai - Malga Panciana cable car (1882 meters) where you take the path that has a medium difficulty ascent and meets a panoramic plateau of particular scenic value. From here you continue along a fairly flat route with a slight ascent that reaches the Alpe Daolasa Refuge and the Solander Refuge at an altitude of 2045 meters (also reachable by lift). Walking time 1 hour. The route continues to Lake Malghette, which is reached by initially descending the ski slope and then along a comfortable path on the right. From here you return to Malga Panciana following the outward route (2 hours).

Route recommended for people with visual disabilities

From Alpe Daolasa (2045 m), follow the signs for the Shepherds' Path. The route develops until Lake Malghette, which is reached with a simple walk in the woods characterized by an initial descent along the ski slope, then continuing on a comfortable path on the right until reaching the alpine oasis of Lake Malghette. From the refuge located at the foot of the lake, head, following SAT trail no. 201, first towards the Orso Bruno refuge, then descend by following the signs along the dirt road to Malga Panciana. From here follow the Shepherds' Path that returns to the starting point.

Difficulty level: easy - medium

Surface type: the itinerary starts downhill and on soft grass until it intersects the Malghette slope. There are flat bridges in the first part. The second stretch of the path develops in the forest of fir and larch among rhododendrons, junipers, and stone pines.
Network coverage: yes

Public transportation

You can reach Marilleva 1400 by bus MALE' - MARILLEVA 1400. From here, you can reach the starting point of the hike with the Copai - Panciana cable car.

How to get there

Follow the SS42 to the village of Mezzana then continue towards Marilleva 1400. Once you have parked the car take the Copai - Panciana cable car.

Where to park

You can park at Marilleva 1400 in front of the church of SS. Pietro and Paolo.

To undertake a hike in the mountains it is always useful to:

• wear trekking boots suitable for uneven, irregular, and wet ground, long pants, hat, and sunglasses
• put in your backpack a waterproof jacket, a fleece sweater, hat and gloves, sunscreen, and minimum change of clothes
• bring a water bottle and snacks for energy drops (dried fruit, bars or chocolate)
• don't forget a camera or cellphone to capture the views and spots you like the most. If you want, you can share them on social media using #visitvaldisole and #valdisolevibes