Alta Badia

From the hut Ütia Gardenacia to the Col Plö Alt

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The Ütia Gardenacia hut above La Villa is an excellent starting point for a number of different walks in its vicinity, to absorb the peace and quiet that still reigns in this area.

If you're lucky, you may even see the chamoix goats and marmot squirrels which, in the company of the cows and horses, thanks to the abundant and nutritious grass in the high mountain pastures.

*By car

• Coming from Innsbruck: take the A 13 and the A 22 toll motorway and exit at Bressanone/Brixen, following the signs to Brunico/Bruneck along the Val Pusteria/Pustertal road as far as San Lorenzo/St.Lorenzen. Follow the signs to Val Badia/Gadertal 
• Coming from Verona-Bolzano: take the A 22, exit at Bressanone/Brixen and continue as above

*By train

The nearest train stations are:

• Brunico - 37 Km
• Bolzano (via Passo Gardena) - 72 Km (via Brunico) – 100 Km
• Connection train station – Alta Badia by the local bus SAD: www.sad.it

*By air

• Innsbruck - 130 km
• Munich – 330 km
• Venice Treviso / Venice Marco Polo – 180 / 200 km
• Verona – 213 km
• Milan Bergamo / Milan Malpensa - 310 /400 km
• Information airport transfer: www.suedtirolbus.it - www.cortinaexpress.it

From the Ütia Gardenacia hut, climb in a north-west direction following trail nr. 1/A, reaching the first meadow plateau and then, after crossing extensive displays of mugo pines, into a second. 

From here, continue across a grassy valley towards Pre Janin, which is about a half hour’s walk from the refuge. Walking westwards along a pine-covered ridge, you will come to a slight slope. After crossing this, you will reach a rocky outcrop. Continue west, then north, meeting trail nr. 1. Still heading north, cross over rocky slabs and after one final, short climb, you will come out in Somamunt. Col Plö Alt can be seen to the east, with its distinctive cross (2331 m) (1h 10min.), and is an excellent panoramic viewing point.

Return to the refuge on the same path (50min.).