Padola, experiences to enjoy during your vacation

After exploring Dosoledo, our column continues with Padola ( Pàdulä in Ladin), one of the liveliest and richest in cultural heritage centers of Comelico Superiore.

Nestled in the Upper Comelico Valley and embraced by the Popèra Group, it offers a complete experience of pristine nature and deep Ladin roots. Strolling through Padola, in fact, means immersing yourself in an authentic mountain village, where the historic wood and stone architecture remains intact. This identity is shaped by centuries of Ladin culture, visible not only in the housing structures but also in ancient forms of self-government such as the Regole .

The town, besides being an important cultural center, is also the main ski destination in Comelico!

History and architecture

After the devastating fires that struck Padola, the village was completely redesigned in 1860 by architect Giovanni Angelo Segusini , who conceived a cross-shaped structure , with the houses radiating out towards the central square. It is one of the most interesting examples of Alpine urban reconstruction of the nineteenth century.

The Church of St. Luke the Evangelist

In the centre of the town, the parish church dedicated to San Luca houses important works, including paintings by Tommaso Da Rin and an altarpiece by Cesare Vecellio , nephew of the famous Titian.

Cultural and museum heritage

The Comelico Museum of Alpine and Ladin Culture, located in the town center, is an immersive experience with over 4,000 exhibits, recounting rural life, crafts, the Great War, and Comelico’s traditions, keeping historical memory alive.

The Stua of the Padola Torrent

A symbol of the centuries-old timber culture , the Stua is the last remaining traditional lock, used until the 20th century to harness and release logs destined for the valley’s sawmills. A unique place, perfect for a visit during a walk in the valley floor.

The historic churches

• Madonna delle Grazie  (near the Padola bridge): a small church much loved by the community.
• Church of Sant’Anna  (towards Passo Sant’Antonio): a secluded and panoramic place, linked to popular devotion.

Valgrande

Valgrande , in Padola, is part of the Dolomites Natural Park , a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The valley is characterized by great biodiversity and the presence of natural sulfurous thermal waters (such as Aga Puza and Aga Rossa ). Although the Valgrande spa is currently closed , the area remains a place of extraordinary natural and geological interest. Valgrande is the starting point for numerous hikes in the Popèra Group ; the Alta Via n. 5 (known as the Tiziano route) and the famous Strada degli Alpini pass through here . It is also considered a paradise for cross-country skiers in winter and offers numerous mountain bike trails in summer.

If you immerse yourself in its woods, you can admire the Queen of the Val Comuna , a gigantic Norway spruce tree standing 50 meters tall and estimated to be over 200 years old, the largest in the entire Triveneto region. The Comelico woods are also home to the Picea excelsa fissilis (Resonance Spruce), whose “singing” wood is still selected today by luthiers to create the soundboards of stringed instruments, a centuries-old tradition linked to rafting and the lumberjack trade.

In Padola, nature merges with faith and history, giving life to paths that invite reflection, discovery and a sense of deep connection with the mountains.

The Comelico area is crisscrossed by important spiritual trails that combine physical commitment and meditation. Among these, the Frassati Trail (a multi- stage route ) and the Trails dedicated to Pope John Paul II , beloved by the pontiff for their “sense of infinity,” are particularly noteworthy. These trails are characterized by gentle, spiritual, and easily accessible views. Discover the trails here.

The Way of the Cross of Padola

A unique, unusual, and innovative itinerary, desired by the town’s residents, which begins on the outskirts of the hamlet (in Via Torrente) and focuses on the values ​​of the Christian faith and community living.

Padola – Danta

An easy and scenic 2-hour hike, perfect for combining religious art and nature, connecting the evocative Church of Sant’Anna in Padola with the Church of Santa Barbara in Danta di Cadore.

The Queen of the Val Comuna

Marvel at the largest Norway spruce in the Triveneto region, a 50-meter-tall giant over 200 years old, protected and admired as a symbol of the valley’s forests.

The Mystery of the Pear of Borcia

In the woods on the road to Passo S. Antonio lies an enigmatic monolith. A 3-meter square stone with five cup-shaped holes on its surface. A mystery awaiting your interpretation!

Discover  some of the cultural and religious itineraries of Val Comelico here  .

• in Cortina d’Ampezzo, host of the Milan – Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games: ∼50km
• in Belluno: ∼70km
• in Treviso: ∼128km
• at Treviso Antonio Canova Airport : ∼136km
• to Venice: ∼158km
• to Venice Marco Polo Airport : ∼147km

Find out how to get there by bus here

Railway lines: Calalzo di Cadore is the terminal station of the Padua-Belluno and Venice-Ponte nelle Alpi lines. From Calalzo, there are bus connections to Comelico. San Candido is connected to Bolzano and the Austrian border. From San Candido, Comelico can be reached by bus.

Both in the village and on the way up to the refuges, it is possible to taste the gastronomic specialties of the area , with a rich and authentic cuisine that enhances the mountain pasture products and Ladin recipes.

• La Culla Restaurant
• Perini Coffee Bar
• Skay Ristorante Pizzeria (opposite the Val Comelico Ski Area)
• Sport Hotel Restaurant (at Sport Hotel Zambelli Lucia)
• Kral Ladin

(Hotel, B&B, Guest House)

• B&B Da Linda
• B&B Nonna Pina
• B&B Al Castel
• B&B Al Mulin
• La Stua Apartments 
• The Cradle B&B
• Farmhouse at Belvedere Padola Dolomites
• CasaFlora Comelico – Tourist Apartments
• Comelico Chalet
• Padola Apartment 72
• Hotel D’la Varda snc
• Hotel Comelico
• Active Hotel La Torre
• Sport Hotel Zambelli Lucia
• Da Costantino Apartments
• Red Elk – Don Bosco Stay
• Design Residences Dolomiti
• Villa Lucia apartment Fiore
• Holiday apartment Via ai Pini 11
• Padola Holidays
• Snowdrop Apartment Padola
• Stella Bee
• Tà Fratte
• Avio’s Apartment
• Casa Osta Apartment

In addition to all the services concentrated in the square (such as the pharmacy, post office, and bank), the village of Padola boasts a living artisan tradition, with the presence of carpenters and eyewear  workshops that testify to the manufacturing excellence of the area.

• DMC Wood – Carpentry
• Desert Oasis – Travel Agency
• LeFant snc Glasses
• The Old and the New – Carpentry
• De Lorenzo Occhiali by De Lorenzo Poz Mario & Italo (snc)
• Be Happy Dog Training Center
• Dolomiti Horses Riding Sports Association
• Novalegno Srl
• Ski Rental Ski Carving Center
• Dolobikes
• Archiform Design Studio
• Acustica Caregnato – hearing aid shop
• Studio 2 Murgia Patrizia Real Estate Agency
• Bar Bianco Padola – La Genzianella Dairy
• Ajarnola Hardware Store by De Martin Deppo Francesco
• At the Proila Oven
• La Turistica – clothing store
• Freestyle Padola – clothing store
• La Buteiga Snc di Ribul Moro Angela & C.
• Bottega del Buon Sapore – Gastronomy
• Gempy Butcher’s Shop and Rotisserie
• Comelux Srl
• Centrottica by Angelo De Lorenzo
• The Path – Footwear, Leather Goods and Accessories
• Gant Stationery – Gift Shop
• Comelico Real Estate Studio
• Passuello Supermarkets – Despar

Padola is the main tourist resort in Comelico Superiore, a village that combines a long Alpine tradition with a modern and comprehensive outdoor offering. Today, it is the heart of Comelico skiing and part of the vast Dolomiti Superski area, with slopes reaching 2,000 meters above sea level.

Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding

• Val Comelico Ski Area : an Alpine gem that opens the doors to the world’s largest ski carousel. The Padola Ski Area is your gateway to the 3 Cime Dolomiti/Alta Pusteria ski area (over 115 km of slopes). Connection to the rest of the Sesto Dolomites circuit is via a ski bus ( SALTO Ski Shuttle ).
• The lifts (which lead to the Col d’la Tenda Refuge) provide access to the famous “Giro delle Cime” ski route, an experience with spectacular views of the UNESCO Dolomites. Among them, we see Croda da Campo, Cima Bagni, Monte Popèra, Cima Undici, Croda Rossa, all the way to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Cima Dodici, and Tre Scarperi.

Interesting fact: this trail holds a record, being the only ski itinerary to connect two continentally significant river basins: the  Piave (Belluno side) and the Drava–Danube  system   (Alta Pusteria side).

The  Padola Ski School  offers group and private lessons for all levels, from beginners to experts.

For equipment rental, we recommend  Noleggio Sci Costantino  and  Ski Carving Center,  both in Padola.

Discover the area on the  map !

Cross-country skiing

The Comelico Valley is part of the  Dolomiti Nordic Ski circuit , the largest Nordic ski carousel in Europe. You’ll find groomed trails, loops of varying difficulty, and views alternating between forests, villages, and views of the Dolomites.

 Trail  information and  updates are available through the local consortium  and area representatives. Find the route that’s right for you  here !

Ski mountaineering

Ski mountaineering is one of the most sustainable ways to experience the mountains in winter: no lifts, no energy consumption, just the rhythm of your steps and the silence of the snow.
It allows you to rediscover the mountains in their most authentic essence, following their natural contours and original morphologies.

On the Comelico Outdoor  portal,  you’ll find numerous marked itineraries, with varying levels of difficulty and views ranging from the Sesto Dolomites to the peaks of the Popera.

Snowshoeing and winter trekking

The Snowshoe Hike on the Spina : an iconic trail that follows the rocky ridge of the Spina , a place of enormous geological interest. The start is from  Casamazzagno , passing by the Church of  San Leonardo Vecchio , until reaching  trail marker 148. From here, unrepeatable views open up of the  Popera Group , the  Brentoni Mountains  , and the mountains that form the border between Italy and Austria.

• Don’t miss the  recommended experiences, including excursions accompanied by alpine and nature guides and guided moonlight excursions (organized by the Val Comelico Consortium ).

Ice climbing

For adrenaline junkies, Val Comelico transforms into an open-air gym. Ice climbing enthusiasts will find numerous  icefalls  to safely scale (always accompanied by  expert Alpine Guides ).

Ice skating

Sleddog

For an unforgettable experience, you can experience  sled dog  riding and drive a sled pulled by Siberian Huskies across the snowy plains, accompanied by an   expert musher .  For information .

And much more…

This collection of activities is just a taste.
The Comelico Valley is a vibrant, ever-evolving valley, and this page will be  updated over time  with new itineraries, new suggestions, and new discoveries to share!

To not miss the events, check  here.

(Data according to the official Val Comelico Dolomiti tourist website)

Padola is a true hiking hub! For mountain hikers, an endless network of trails awaits! Here’s a small sampling of the most popular routes, designed to provide you with some useful tips!

Always check  weather , snow conditions, and accommodation opening times.  Trail difficulty may vary depending on the season and hiking experience.

Easy and panoramic walks (difficulty T)

Ideal for families and first-time explorers of the area.

Queen of the Val Comuna : short route from Val Grande to admire the largest Norway spruce in the Tri-Veneto region (50 metres high).

The Aga Puza Spring: A nature trail immersed in the woods of Valgrande that leads to the famous Aga Puža thermal spring , known as the “stinking water” due to its sulfur content, with healing properties. (Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes / Elevation gain: 126 m). Starting point: Kral Ladin Padola.

Lago di Campo : a simple and pleasant walk that offers an enchanting view, ideal for families.

Music Trail: an ideal route for an easy, flat walk where you can admire beautiful wooden sculptures, including a band of musicians, created by local artist Giorgio Osta.

Path of the Trades (Trói) : thematic walk (18 min) between Padola and Dosoledo, with wooden sculptures representing the ancient crafts of the Comelico Valley.

Casera Aiarnola, Lake Aiarnola, and Lake Sant’Anna: water is the star of this itinerary! At the foot of Cima Aiarnola, near the Casera, you’ll reach the scenic little church dedicated to Sant’Anna. (Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes / Elevation gain: 450 m). Starting point: Padola.

Padola – Danta: A route that uncovers the beauty of religious art and the spiritual power of nature, passing through the Church of Sant’Anna (in Padola) and the Church of Santa Barbara (in Danta). (Duration: 2 hours / Elevation gain: 40 m). Starting point: Church of Sant’Anna, Padola.

Via dei Fienili – Dosoledo : a cultural itinerary among eleven historic tabià  , rural courtyards, and period photographs.

Dosoledo’s themed trails : don’t miss the other trails!   Mascri, Tradizion , and Bacani! Great year-round for combining nature and culture.

Monte Zovo: An easy route between Costalissoio and Costa, it offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the valley’s center, overlooking all the villages of the Comelico area. (Duration: 2.5 hours / Elevation gain: 400 m). Starting point: Costa, road to Monte Zovo.

Monte Spina: A short but pleasant hike to the summit, where you can enjoy an unparalleled view of the Popera Dolomites and the Digon Valley. (Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes / Elevation gain: 400 m). Starting point: Casamazzagno, Le Federe.

Danta Bogs: In about an hour’s walk, you can embark on a true journey into biodiversity! (Duration: 2 hours 25 minutes / Elevation gain: 203 m). Starting point: Piazza Danta. A dedicated audio guide is available   .

Intermediate excursions (difficulty E)

Longer, more structured routes, suitable for those with a minimum level of training.

Coltrondo and Nemes from Passo Monte Croce (Loop): A beautiful panoramic loop trail leading to the Coltrondo and Nemes refuges. (Duration: 3.5 hours / Elevation gain: 400-450 m).

Colesei Peak – Monte Croce Comelico Pass: a route of naturalistic, geological, and historical interest, where you can admire the Dolomite rocks and the imposing Vallo Littorio.  (Duration: 5.5 hours / Elevation gain: 690 m). Refreshment point: Lunelli Refuge.

Vallon Popèra: A circular route that retraces the key sites of the Great War, passing by the old Rifugio Sala (now a museum) and the Monument to the Unknown Soldier. (Duration: 3 hours / Elevation gain: 450 m). Refreshment point: Rifugio Berti.

Col Quaternà: a trail that combines geology and history. Here you can observe ancient rocks and note the traces of Italian military posts from the Great War. The summit was even reached by Pope Karol Wojtyla. (Duration: 4 hours / Elevation gain: 640 m). Refreshment point: Malga Coltrondo.

Val Visdende Loop: A wonderful circular route that will allow you to immerse yourself in the valley’s ancient woods and observe its ancient villages. (Duration: 3 hours / Elevation gain: 547 m). Starting point: Cima Canale Val Visdende.

Stage 5 of the Frassati Trail (from Padola to Selvapiana): takes about 4 hours to walk (with about 640 m of elevation gain) and leads to the Lunelli Refuge, passing by Lake Campo.

More challenging / high altitude excursions (EE difficulty)

Routes recommended for those with good preparation and adequate equipment.

Cima Colesei – Creston Popera: A challenging route, rich in relics of the Great War. It skirts the main peaks of the Dolomites. (Duration: 3 hours 40 minutes / Elevation gain: 666 m). Refreshment points: Rifugio Lunelli and Rifugio Berti.

Monte Cavallino: a long route in a high mountain environment, accessed from Val Digon. (Duration: 4.5 hours / Elevation gain: 1000 m) Starting point: Val Digon

Stage 6 of the Frassati Trail (Selvapiana a Danta): a long and challenging stage that requires approximately 8 hours of walking.

Great War Itineraries: numerous historic high-altitude routes, with trenches, emplacements, tunnels, and paths that require specific preparation.

The Dolomites Trail : a multi- stage itinerary that passes through iconic locations such as Mulin Berto , Cima Vallona , ​​and the Sources of the Piave River . It requires adequate physical preparation to tackle the following sections: Auronzo → Candide – Candide → Val Visdende – Val Visdende → Sappada

Discover  some of the hiking trails in Val Comelico  here and visit the social media profile managed by the Val Comelico Dolomiti Tourist Consortium to discover excursions accompanied by mountain and nature guides!

Iconic places not to be missed near the village:

Val Visdende: “Nature’s temple,” an unspoiled place where the Piave River originates.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo: the absolute symbol of the Dolomites, just a short drive from Comelico.

Danta Torbiere: a natural area known for its high biodiversity and the presence of rare plants.

Col Quaternà: recognizable by its conical shape of volcanic origin, it is a geological and historical landmark, with ancient rocks and traces of the Great War.

Refuges and mountain huts in the surrounding area

Always check the opening dates and the accessibility of the routes

Reachable with easy or intermediate walks

The information about Padola doesn’t end here… keep following us for more unpublished news for your mountain holidays , to discover new villages, routes, traditions and activities.