If there’s a place capable of transmitting peace, beauty, and wonder, it’s definitely the vast plateau of Prati dell’Armentara, above Badia, at the foot of the majestic Sas dla Crusc (Santa Croce).

Walking here is like stepping into a painting: endless stretches of meadows, alpine flowers that change with the seasons, mountain huts immersed in silence, and the constant backdrop of the Dolomites, which seem to accompany you step by step.

How to reach Prati dell’Armentara

The most convenient starting point to explore the Prati di Armentara is the Furnacia parking area, located above the town of Badia. It’s easily accessible by car, following the road that climbs toward the hamlet of San Leonardo. From there, a wide, well-maintained, and clearly marked trail begins, immersed in larch and fir forests. The route has a gentle and consistent elevation gain, making it suitable even for those without particular training. In about an hour and a half of leisurely walking, you reach the Armentara plateau, where the view opens up to rolling meadows, wooden mountain huts, and the imposing walls of Sas dla Crusc dominating the horizon.

If you’re looking for an alternative route that’s even more immersed in nature, you can start from the village of La Val, one of the most authentic Ladin villages in Alta Badia. From there, two popular variants begin from the hamlets of Spescia and Razuns, both with pedestrian access and dedicated signage. The trail from La Val crosses ancient farms, silent pastures, and offers a more wooded and contemplative perspective, perfect for those who enjoy walking without haste.

Another option, particularly scenic in the summer, is to take the lifts from La Villa up to Piz La Ila and then to La Crusc, the sanctuary of Santa Croce. From there, you can descend along panoramic trails that cross the Prati dell’Armentara, heading towards Furnacia or La Val. This circular route allows you to enjoy breathtaking views of the entire Alta Badia, with a well-balanced elevation gain between ascent and descent. It’s perfect for those who want to combine spirituality, nature and flavor, perhaps with a stop at one of the mountain huts along the way.

A hike for everyone

The hikes in the Prati dell’Armentara are suitable for everyone, including families with children or those with little trekking experience. The trails are gentle, well-marked, and cross a diverse and picturesque landscape: larch forests, rolling meadows, streams, wooden mountain huts, and open pastures that offer magnificent views of the Dolomites.

In spring and early summer, these meadows transform into a palette of colors: crocuses, anemones, gentians, orchids, and wild lilies dot the ground, creating a fairytale landscape. It’s the perfect time to walk among the flowers, observe the first butterflies, breathe in the scents of fresh grass, and take photos that look like they’ve come straight out of an illustrated book.

In autumn, the light becomes softer and warmer, the larches turn golden, and the meadows take on shades ranging from amber to copper. The atmosphere grows quieter, more intimate, perfect for those who want to listen to the sound of their own steps and rediscover a sense of peace immersed in nature.

Prati dell’Armentara in winter

Even in winter, the Prati dell’Armentara retain their charm. In fact, under the snow, it becomes even more magical. The trails transform into routes to explore with snowshoes, well-trodden paths that cross pristine white expanses, where everything feels muffled. Walking in this silence, with snow-laden branches, your breath condensing in the cold air, and the snow-covered face of Sas dla Crusc standing out against the clear sky is a deeply rejuvenating experience.

You can start from Furnacia or La Val even in this season, with snowshoes on your feet, and treat yourself to a stop at a mountain hut to enjoy a hot soup, a homemade cake, or a steaming mulled wine. A simple hike, but one that can offer you authentic emotions, even in the heart of winter.

Mountain huts and rest stops along the Prati dell’Armentara trail

Along the trails that cross the Prati dell’Armentara, you’ll find several mountain huts and rest stops, perfect for taking a tasty break at altitude. These wooden huts, nestled among the meadows and surrounded by silence, offer a simple yet genuine welcome, true to Ladin tradition.

One of the most beloved stops is the Ütia Ranch da André, a rustic and panoramic mountain hut where time seems to slow down. Here, you can taste freshly prepared hot dishes, platters of local cured meats, mountain cheeses, eggs with speck and potatoes, or a hearty plate of steaming polenta with venison stew or mushrooms.

The Ütia Valgiarëi, located in a more secluded spot, is perfect for those seeking peace and homemade flavors. The menu changes with the seasons and also includes homemade desserts, such as buckwheat cake or apple strudel, served still warm.

Another highly appreciated stop is the Ütia Al Cir, where you can enjoy freshly made yogurt produced on-site, served with mountain honey and freshly picked berries. All of this can be savored outdoors, with your gaze directed towards the Dolomitic peaks of Sas dla Crusc, which dominate the horizon with their silent, imposing presence.