The Complete Guide to Outdoor Activities at Passo Costalunga: Summer, Winter and All Year Round
Published on 13 April 2026 · 8 min read
At 1,753 metres above sea level, at the exact point where the Catinaccio and the Latemar face each other, there is a place that anyone who loves the mountains should never overlook. Passo Costalunga is not just a mountain pass between the Val di Fassa and the Val d'Ega: it is a natural crossroads from which trails, ski runs, cycling routes and some of the most intense experiences the Dolomites can offer all begin.
Whether you are planning a summer holiday in the open air, a weekend on the snow or simply looking for a place where you can truly breathe, this guide gathers everything you can do starting from the Pass — season by season, level by level.
Summer: Hikes, Trekking and Mountain Biking
Summer at Passo Costalunga is the moment when the territory opens up completely. The trails are clear of snow, the mountain huts reopen and the landscape takes on a depth of colour that ranges from the dark green of the spruce forests to the light grey of the dolomite rock at altitude.
Easy Hikes from Passo Costalunga
For those looking for walks without major elevation gain, the Pass is an ideal starting point. The trail from the Pass to Lake Carezza through the Latemar forest is one of the most popular walks in the area: about an hour and a half among resonance spruces — so named because their wood, with its exceptionally regular grain, is used by luthiers to build the soundboards of stringed instruments.
Another accessible option is the Sentiero delle Perle (Pearl Trail), a panoramic path connecting the Pass to Passo Nigra via Baita Masarè. It is a wide, well-marked trail with moderate elevation gain and open views of the Catinaccio along almost the entire route.
Trekking on the Catinaccio and Latemar
For those seeking something more demanding, the two mountain groups framing the Pass offer high-level itineraries.
The trek to the Pulpito di Cima Pope starts directly from the Pass following trail 17 through the Latemar mountain cinema to an altitude of 2,328 metres. It is a route for experienced hikers, requiring proper equipment and a head for heights, but it rewards with a 360-degree panorama of the Val di Fassa, the Marmolada and the surrounding Dolomite groups.
On the opposite side, the Catinaccio offers access to the Roda di Vael and the Rifugio Paolina via the cable car departing from the Carezza area. From there, itineraries range from panoramic walks to alpine trekking, with the possibility of linking huts for multi-day excursions.
Mountain Biking and Road Cycling
Passo Costalunga can be reached by bicycle along the provincial road SS241, both from the Val d'Ega and the Val di Fassa. For road cyclists, the climb from Nova Levante is a classic: 14.2 km with 750 metres of elevation gain and a difficulty rated as challenging.
For mountain biking and e-bikes, the area offers routes winding through the surrounding forests and connecting to the Val d'Ega trail network. Several e-bike charging stations are available along the way and at refreshment points.
Lake Carezza
Just beyond the Pass, heading towards the Val d'Ega, lies Lake Carezza — probably the most photographed alpine lake in the Dolomites. Its crystal-clear waters reflect the spires of the Latemar, creating an image that alone justifies the journey.
The lake is also reachable on foot from the Pass along forest trails, and is the natural arrival point of several hikes. In the summer months the car park fills up quickly: walking from the Pass is often the smartest choice, as well as the most scenic.
Winter: Skiing, Snowshoeing and Snow Hikes
Winter completely transforms the landscape of Passo Costalunga. The ski runs reach directly to the Pass, the skibus stops in front of the accommodation, and the entire Carezza resort comes alive for a season running from December to April.
Skiing at Carezza Dolomites
The Carezza Ski Area is a resort ideal for families and intermediate-level skiers, with runs stretching between the Catinaccio and the Latemar. Its distinction is the location: you ski with the Dolomite walls within arm's reach, a visual experience that few resorts in the world can offer.
The König Laurin and Paolina chairlifts depart directly from the Pass, along with the Hubertus gondola. The connection to Obereggen via the Latemar Ronda and to the Sellaronda circuit (reachable in about 20 minutes by car) extends the options for those seeking more kilometres of piste.
For those wanting to try skiing for the first time or to refine their technique, local ski schools and rental shops are just steps from the lifts. Renting directly at Passo Costalunga avoids having to transport equipment.
Snowshoeing and Winter Hikes
The snow opens a different dimension of the summer trails. From the Pass, marked snowshoe routes lead to the Latemar meadows along trails 21, 13 and 17 to the Malga Latmor Alm, where the Latemar mountain cinema is also located. Another option is the snowshoe trek towards the Tre Baite, following trail 548 in the direction of the Rifugio Roda di Vael.
The winter hike from the Pass to Lake Carezza is a classic that deserves to be done at least once: the trail crosses the snow-covered Latemar forest, and arriving at the frozen lake with the Dolomite panorama all around is an image that stays with you.
All Year Round: the Enrosadira and the Starry Sky
Some experiences at Passo Costalunga do not depend on the season. They are tied to light, sky and the unique position of this place between two Dolomite massifs.
The Enrosadira at Sunset
Every evening, when the sun drops behind the peaks, something happens that the Ladin word "Enrosadira" — literally, "to turn pink" — describes perfectly. The walls of the Catinaccio catch fire with hues ranging from yellow to deep red, passing through intense pink and violet, before slowly fading into the blue of the evening.
The phenomenon is caused by the composition of the dolomite rock, rich in calcium and magnesium carbonate, which reflects the low sun's light with a unique intensity. In winter the colours are even more vivid thanks to the crisp air and the contrast with the snow.
The Ladin legend of King Laurin adds a poetic soul to the phenomenon: the king of the dwarves, betrayed by his rose garden on the Catinaccio, cursed the flowers so that no one could ever see them by day or by night. But he forgot about twilight. And that is why, tradition tells us, the roses continue to bloom every evening on the mountain walls.
From Passo Costalunga, the view of the Catinaccio at sunset is among the most direct and spectacular in the Dolomites. No special hikes or viewpoints are needed: the terrace of your own room is enough to witness the spectacle.
The Starry Sky
The altitude, the absence of light pollution and the clean air make Passo Costalunga a natural observation point for the night sky. With the naked eye, on clear nights, the Milky Way is visible with a clarity that those living in the city have forgotten.
For astronomy enthusiasts or simply for those who want the experience of a sky without filters, this is one of the lesser-known but most compelling reasons to choose Passo Costalunga as a base for a mountain holiday.
How to Get There and Practical Information
Passo Costalunga is reached via the SS241, both from the Val di Fassa (from Vigo di Fassa) and the Val d'Ega (from Nova Levante). The nearest airport is Bolzano, while Verona and Venice are the options for international flights.
Bus line 180 connects the Pass to Bolzano, Nova Levante, Lake Carezza and the Val di Fassa with regular services. In summer the car parks at the Pass fill up quickly, especially at weekends: public transport is a practical and comfortable alternative.
During winter months, road conditions may require snow chains or winter tyres. It is always advisable to check road conditions before setting off, by consulting the Provincial Traffic Centre.
Staying at Passo Costalunga
Choosing to stay directly on the Pass, rather than in the villages down in the valley, offers a tangible advantage: the immediate proximity to trails, ski lifts and viewpoints eliminates daily transfers and allows you to experience the mountains from early morning until the Enrosadira sunset.
Costa Lunga House is located right on the Pass, at 1,753 metres above sea level, in a privileged position between the Catinaccio and the Latemar. The winter skibus stops in front of the property, Lake Carezza is reachable on foot, and the private terrace is a natural stage for the evening Enrosadira.
It is an apartment designed for those who want the independence of their own home and the care of attentive hospitality: self check-in, a welcome basket with local ecological products, and a discreet but always available presence.
Do you have questions about specific activities, trails or seasonal conditions? Write to us directly: we are here all year round and know every corner of this territory.