Cima Valdritta
2,218 m
Italy
- Elevation
- 2,218 m
- Prominence
- 1,950 m
- Difficulty
- 3/10
- Mountain hike
- Best Season
- Sep–Oct
- Routes
- 2
Routes
2Sources differ: E (itineraridimontagna.it (CAI scale)) · E-EE (CAI group outing listings (search summary))
The most direct ascent of Monte Baldo's highest summit, from the east (Trentino/Veneto) side: from Chalet Novezza (1,430 m) up meadows on path 652, then steeply on path 66 to the Alta Via del Monte Baldo (651) and Forcella Valdritta, and a short, slightly exposed path up the summit ridge. About 800 m, 2¼–2¾ h up; often looped back via Rifugio Telegrafo.
Elevation Profile
approximate line- Distance
- 4.1 km
- one way
- Ascent
- +887 m
- −58 m lost on the way up
- High Point
- 2,218 m
- Time Up
- 3h 35m
- DIN 33466
- Time Down
- 2h 29m
- DIN 33466 · same way back
Drive up the Monte Baldo provincial road from Ferrara di Monte Baldo (or from Brentonico/Avio) to Novezza and park by Chalet Novezza (1,430 m). Take the variant of path 652 up the meadows past Baito Novezza, turn left on path 652 (Sentiero Bovi) and at the next fork right onto path 66, which climbs steeply, almost straight up, to the ridge path 651, the Alta Via del Monte Baldo (1½–2 hours). Turn right along 651 to Forcella Valdritta (about 2,107 m), where paths 651, 5 and 2 meet. From the forcella walk about 5 minutes along 651, then take the left branch up the steep, rocky crest to the summit (2,218 m, about 45 minutes from the junction with 66). The summit ridge is relatively exposed and needs sure footing; the view takes in Lake Garda directly below and the gorges and towers of the Baldo massif. Descend the same way, or make a loop (5–6 hours, about 1,100 m, 12.5 km): follow 651 south with gentle ups and downs, then steep switchbacks to Rifugio Telegrafo (2,147 m) and Punta Telegrafo (1–1½ hours), and return to Novezza by path 652 (about 1½ hours). There is no water on the route; the upper slopes are open and hot in summer.
Start
Chalet Novezza1,389 m
- None to Novezza was verified.
- Parking at the trailhead
Stages
| Day | Stage | km | m ascent | m descent | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chalet Novezza → Cima Valdritta | 4.1 | 887 | 58 | 3h 35m |
Waypoints
- Parking: Chalet Novezza1,389 m
- Waypoint: Baito Novezza1,420 m
- Col: Forcella Valdritta2,096 m
- Summit: Cima Valdritta2,218 m
Key Passages
- Steep climb on path 66 to the Alta Via del Monte Baldo
- Forcella Valdritta
- Relatively exposed rocky summit ridge
Equipment
0/5 packedDownloads
Route confidence 75%Overview
The highest summit of Monte Baldo (2,218 m), the long limestone ridge that rises more than 2,000 m above Lake Garda. Reached by a steep walk from Novezza or a ridge traverse from the Malcesine cable car, with Lake Garda directly below.
Monte Baldo is the long mountain ridge that walls in the eastern shore of Lake Garda between the lake and the Adige valley, and Cima Valdritta is its highest point. With about 1,950 m of prominence it is one of the most prominent summits in the Alps, rising more than 2,000 m above the lake shore in a few kilometres.
The crest is followed by the Alta Via del Monte Baldo (path 651), which links a string of summits, Cima delle Pozzette, Cima del Longino, Cima Valdritta and Punta Telegrafo, with the cable car from Malcesine at its northern end and Rifugio Telegrafo at its southern end. The slopes facing the lake are steep, rocky and cut by gorges; the eastern side falls in pasture and dwarf pine towards Novezza and the Adige valley. Parts of the western slope lie in strict nature reserves, and chamois are common on the ridge.
The summit itself is a short, rocky side trip from the ridge path, with a relatively exposed final section. Whichever way you come, this is a walk rather than a climb, but a long and shadeless one.
Climbing Notes
From Chalet Novezza allow 2¼–2¾ hours up and 5–6 hours for the loop via Rifugio Telegrafo (about 1,100 m). From the Tratto Spino cable car station the ridge walk takes about 3 hours each way with many ups and downs and a short cabled section; check the cable car's last descent before setting out. The final path to the summit is steep and slightly exposed; sure footing is needed.
There is no water on the ridge and little shade: start early in summer, when the ridge heats up quickly, and carry plenty to drink. The route is not suitable with snow or ice, which can linger on the north- and east-facing slopes into May and return in November. Rifugio Telegrafo, near the southern end of the ridge, offers food and beds in season; call ahead.
Season
Best Sep–Oct- January: Not advisable
- February: Not advisable
- March: Not advisable
- April: Possible
- May: Good
- June: Best
- July: Good
- August: Good
- September: Best (best window)
- October: Best (best window)
- November: Possible
- December: Not advisable
- Jan
- Snow; ridge not suitable; cable car may run for skiing
- Feb
- Winter conditions
- Mar
- Winter conditions
- Apr
- Lingering snow on the ridge
- May
- Usually possible once snow-free
- Jun
- Flowers on the ridge; start early
- Jul
- Hot, shadeless ridge; afternoon thunderstorms
- Aug
- Hot and busy
- Sep
- Clear, cooler days
- Oct
- Good in dry weather; check cable car and hut opening
- Nov
- Possible early in the month without snow; short days
- Dec
- Winter conditions
Access & Permits
- Hut Booking
- Rifugio Telegrafo (2,147 m) is closed in winter; book by phone.
- Fees
- Malcesine–Monte Baldo cable car ticket if used
- Rules
- Parts of the western slopes lie in strict nature reserves (e.g. Lastoni Pezzi); stay on marked paths
- Getting There
Malcesine (lake side) or Ferrara di Monte Baldo (east side)
Verona Villafranca (VRN)
- Cable car from Malcesine via San Michele to Tratto Spino (seasonal; timetable at funiviedelbaldo.it)
- By car to Novezza on the Monte Baldo provincial road from Ferrara di Monte Baldo
- By car to San Michele from Malcesine (Via Panoramica) for the path 5 ascent
- Buses run along the lake shore to Malcesine
Hazards
- Exposure
- Weather
Huts & Shelters
1- 2,147 m
Rifugio TelegrafoHutStaffed
Summer; closed in winter