If you’re looking for an authentic experience amidst nature, spirituality, and breathtaking views, Sass dla Crusc (Sasso di Santa Croce, 2907 m) is a must-see destination in the heart of Alta Badia. Here, at 2,045 meters above sea level, you’ll find the small Santa Croce Sanctuary, nestled at the foot of an imposing rock face, a destination for pilgrims, hikers and lovers of the Dolomites.
The most convenient starting point is the town of Badia. From there, you can choose whether to take the Santa Croce chairlift, which will take you up to La Crusc in just a few minutes, or tackle the ascent on foot to enjoy every step of the journey.
If you choose the chairlift, you’ll find the main trails and the refuge already at the top. However, if you prefer to walk from the bottom, I recommend the trail starting from the Church of San Leonardo in Badia: it’s a well-marked path of medium difficulty, crossing forests, meadows and mountain huts, with spectacular views along the entire ascent.
After the climb, whether on foot or by chairlift, you suddenly find yourself in front of a place that seems suspended in time. The sanctuary, small, white, and perfectly nestled beneath the imposing wall of Sass dla Crusc, reveals itself only at the last moment. You stop, and everything slows down. The silence surrounding it, broken only by the sound of the wind and distant cowbells, creates an intimate atmosphere that invites respect and contemplation.
Just a few steps from the sanctuary is the La Crusc refuge, one of the most beloved in Alta Badia. Here, you can sit outdoors, your gaze sweeping over the peaks and valleys, and indulge in the flavors of Ladin cuisine: steaming canederli, polenta with melted cheese, a slice of freshly baked strudel, or simply a cold beer to sip slowly.
From here, the Dolomites seem even closer. The colors of the rocks, the green of the meadows, the ever-changing light. Santa Croce is not a place you simply visit; it’s a place you feel, breathe and remember.
If you’re a climbing enthusiast, here you’ll find one of the gems of the Dolomites: the Central Pillar of Sass dla Crusc, one of the most famous historic routes in the Alpine range. First climbed by Reinhold Messner and Heiner Reinstadler in 1968, it’s a challenging and exposed route that stretches for over 500 meters on the majestic vertical face of the mountain. The solid rock, the harsh environment, and the elegant line make it a landmark for experienced mountaineers.
The access isn’t immediate, and the ascent requires experience, proper equipment, and favorable weather conditions. But for those with the right technical level, tackling the Central Pillar is an unforgettable experience, a challenge that combines technique, strength and respect for the mountain.
Santa Croce is a destination suitable for everyone. If you’re traveling with children, the chairlift ride and a flat walk to the sanctuary are ideal: little effort, lots of beauty. In summer, there are also animals grazing in the meadows and wooden games along the trails, perfect for keeping the little ones entertained.
If you love hiking, you can continue beyond the sanctuary along the Sentiero dei Lasteri or head up towards the plateau of Sas dla Crusc, with views that stretch across all of South Tyrol. And if you enjoy photography, get ready: here, the light changes constantly, offering incredible colors on the rock face, especially at dawn and sunset.
In winter, Santa Croce transforms into a corner of the Dolomites suspended between the sky and the snow. The chairlift remains in operation even during the cold season, allowing you to easily reach the sanctuary and the refuge, whether in hiking boots or with snowshoes.
The area is part of the Alta Badia ski resort, directly connected to Dolomites Superski: here, you can ski on perfectly groomed slopes that wind through forests, meadows and breathtaking views. The descent from La Crusc is one of the most scenic in the entire valley.
But Santa Croce in winter is much more than just skiing. It’s the perfect place for a silent snowshoe walk, through snow-covered forests and views that seem like paintings. The sanctuary beneath the snow is an image that stays in your heart: simple, essential, embraced by a nature that is asleep but still alive.
And after the walk, there’s nothing better than stepping into the La Crusc refuge, where the warmth of the wood, a hot meal, and the view of the snow-covered mountains offer one of the most beautiful experiences you can have at high altitude during winter.
