From Mendola Pass to Mount Roen Peak through Malga Smarano
Mountain tour • Val di Non
From Mendola Pass to Mount Roen Peak through Malga Smarano
A classic itinerary that proves popular among hikers in the Val di Non and the Caldaro area whatever the season. It can be shortened by climbing up the first part up to Mezzavia Refuge in the chairlift!
<p>The itinerary snakes its way along trail SAT 500 starting off at Mendola Pass. The trail begins as a country road and then becomes narrower and steeper to reach Mezzavia Refuge. The trail continues in an alternation of steeper sections and parts with less of a gradient to the clearing where Malga di Romeno lies. The final part to reach the summit of Mount Roen corresponds to the steepest section but the spectacular view from the peak will be well worth the effort.</p> <p>The return to Malga di Romeno suggested does not match the outward leg but it descends along the Roen prairies to Malga Smarano and then links up with Malga di Romeno along the shady and flat trail 528/A.</p>
recommended route
Mountain tour
· Val di Non
From Mendola Pass to Mount Roen Peak through Malga Smarano
APT Val di Non Verified partner
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Monte RoenPhoto: Silvia Gentilini, APT Val di Non
The itinerary snakes its way along trail SAT 500 starting off at Mendola Pass. The trail begins as a country road and then becomes narrower and steeper to reach Mezzavia Refuge. The trail continues in an alternation of steeper sections and parts with less of a gradient to the clearing where Malga di Romeno lies. The final part to reach the summit of Mount Roen corresponds to the steepest section but the spectacular view from the peak will be well worth the effort.
The return to Malga di Romeno suggested does not match the outward leg but it descends along the Roen prairies to Malga Smarano and then links up with Malga di Romeno along the shady and flat trail 528/A.
Author’s recommendation
The excursion winds its way along the balcony ridge on the Adige Valley and it can be cut short by stopping at Malga di Romeno and returning back the way you came (3-4 hours in total).
Alternatively, the uphill trail can be varied by continuing on from Malga di Romeno to Oltradige Refuge and then reaching the summit along the simple via ferrata. The section of via ferrata should only be tackled if you have the appropriate equipment with you (climbing harness and carabiners).
In summer and autumn until late October, the difference in altitude can also be limited by climbing up the first section from Mendola Pass to Mezzavia Refuge in the chairlift.
APT Val di Non Verified partner
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Show elevation profileRest stops
Rifugio Ristorante MezzaviaSafety information
Please note that the practicability of the itineraries in a mountain environment is strictly linked to the contingent conditions and is therefore influenced by natural phenomena, environmental changes and weather conditions. For this reason, the information contained in this page may have changed. Before leaving for a tour, make sure the path you will approach is still accessible by contacting the owner of the mountain hut, the alpine guides or the visitor centres of the nature parks, the info offices of the local tourist board.Tips and suggestions
This is a classic itinerary even in winter, during which hundreds of hikers tackle the gentle slopes of Mount Roen with touring skis and snow shoes on their feet.Roadbook
The trail follows trail marker SAT 500 “Sentiero Italia” (Italian Trail) completely. The excursion winds its way along the balcony ridge on the Adige Valley and it can be cut short and simplified (easy walk) by stopping at Malga di Romeno and returning back the way you came (3.5 hours in total) or using the chairlift for the first section.
From Mendola Pass above the cable-car car park, take the narrow road amid the mountain chalets with trail marker SAT 500 to reach Genzianella Refuge. From here, climb gently along trail SAT 500 to gain altitude under the chairlift cables and you will quickly reach Mezzavia Refuge. Continue along trail SAT 500 and climb up to the woods and clearings to reach the pasture basin where Malga di Romeno is located. From Malga di Romeno climb up trail SAT 500 along the entire Northern side of the mountain to the peak of Mount Roen where you can enjoy a view through 360 degrees of the Dolomites. Once at the summit, continue heading South for a short section of trail 500 then take trail marker 528 which descends across the meadows down to Malga di Smarano. Here, take trail 528A which joins trail 500 a little above Malga di Romeno. From here, return to Mendola Pass going back the way you came.
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
Mendola Pass can be reached from the Trentino side on Trentino Trasporti bus line 630 and from the South Tyrol side using the Mendola cable car that departs from St. Antonio in Caldaro.Directions
Mendola Pass can be reached along state road SS42.Parking
At Mendola Pass.Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Equipment
Trekking boots, trekking poles, a waterproof jacket and a spare T-shirt.Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
