Alpine Path of the Dolomites no. 8: from Feltre to Bassano del Grappa

This route, known as the Alpine Path of the Heroes, runs from Feltre (Piave Valley) to Bassano del Grappa (Brenta Valley). The two river valleys that bookend the trail recall historic feats and define the limits of this pre‑alpine itinerary.

The mountain’s layout allows hikers to avoid steep, sustained ascents and descents for most of the route, with the main climbs concentrated in the first section (Feltre → Mt. Tomatico) and the final section (Cima Grappa → Bassano).

A large portion of the route follows the ridgelines of Mt. Tomatico, Malga Pàoda, Mt. Santo, Sassumà Peak, Mt. Peurna, Mt. Paion, Colle Crodarotta, Mt. d’Avien, Sasso delle Capre, and Mt. Fontanasecca. The trail mainly uses mule tracks and well‑maintained footpaths; in some stretches the path is indistinct, but red waymarks guide the route.

The itinerary is commonly divided into four stages (you may of course adapt this). The only staffed mountain hut on the main route is the Bassano Hut (Rifugio Bassano alla Cima Grappa); other stages feature rustic alpine “malghe” (cattle huts) where overnight stays are possible only if you bring a sleeping bag.

On reaching Cima Grappa you can visit the Shrine of Monte Grappa and the Vittorio Emanuele III wartime tunnel, an impressive military work planned and built between January and June 1918 to strengthen the mountain’s defensive structures.

Technical data

Start: Feltre (Province of Belluno)
Finish: Bassano del Grappa (Province of Vicenza)
Recommended itinerary: 4 days (typical staged itinerary)
Trail length: about 63 km
Total walking time (approx.): ~25 hours
Shelters on main route: 1 (Bassano Hut)
Bivouacs on main route: 5
Longest stage: Stage 2 — Malga Pàoda → Malga Val Dumèla (approx. 8 hours)
Shortest stage: Stage 3 — Malga Val Dumèla → Bassano Hut (approx. 5 hours)
Difficulty: medium to high

Elevation

Total ascent: about 3,100 m
Total descent: about 3,200 m
Maximum single ascent: 1,340 m (Feltre → Mt. Tomatico, Stage 1)
Maximum single descent: 1,615 m (Cima Grappa → Bassano del Grappa, Stage 4)
Highest trail point: Bassano Hut → Cima Grappa, 1,745 m
Lowest trail point: Bassano del Grappa, 130 m
Mountain group: Grappa Massif
Practical info
Shelter opening period: late May → early November (check individual openings)
Waymarking: generally adequate; follow numbered/red CAI markers where present
Recommended season: June → October

Recommended topographic maps

I.G.M. maps 1:25.000
- Feltre: sheet 22, II, SE;
- Seren del Grappa: sheet 37, I, NE;
- Cavaso del Tomba: sheet 37, I, SE;
- Monte Grappa: sheet 37, I, SO;
- Bassano: sheet 37, II, NO
- Canale del Brenta, CAI di Bassano (for the last stage)

Map 1:30.000
- Il Massiccio del Grappa i sentieri, Comunità Montana Brenta, Grappa, Feltrino (covers the whole route).
- Colli Asolani - Grappa - Tomba, Zanetti (only the last stage)

Map 1:50.000
- Le Vette, Monte Grappa, Pilotto, Feltre (the whole route)
- Altopiano di Asiago, Kompass

Stages

Stage 1 — Feltre → Malga Pàoda (via Mt. Tomatico)
Elevation change: +1,340 m / −420 m
Distance: ~15 km
Time: ~6 hours
Waymarks: No. 841
Difficulty: Hike / touristic

Connections: Ciladón → Malga Pàoda (1h 45m); Val di Prada → Malga Pàoda (1h 30m).

Stage 2 — Malga Pàoda → Malga Val Dumèla (CAI Montebelluna path)

Elevation change: +780 m / −790 m
Distance: ~15 km
Time: ~8 hours
Waymarks: No. 847
Difficulty: Trekking; includes equipped sections / via ferrata in alternatives

Notes & alternatives: Crest route via Mt. Santo and Sassumà; multiple connections from Cengia di Prada, Schievenìn and other local trailheads (see detailed route notes for timings).

Stage 3 — Malga Val Dumèla → Bassano Hut (via Col dell’Orso)