Region: Corvara — Alta Badia, Dolomites, Italy
Places To Stay: Base yourself in Corvara for super easy access to lifts, cafés and shops. Colfosco is a quieter option just up the road. Both are perfect for this loop and other Alta Badia walks.
Looking for more Dolomites trails? Head to my ‘Dolomites Hiking Guides‘ page to see all regions and routes.
Below are a few ideas for day tours and transfers around Corvara, with GetYourGuide offering great discounts and easy booking + see more here.
For a wider choice of accommodation in the Dolomites, Booking.com has a huge variety to browse through.
This is an easy-to-love plateau day from Corvara: walk up (or take the lift) to Col Alt, wander the rolling meadows across Ütia Bioch and the Pralongià area, then loop back via Piz d’Arlara to town. Big views the whole way, loads of hut options, and simple navigation. You can make it short and relaxing or you can stretch it out if the legs are feeling good.
Getting There: Directions, GPX and Map
- Start/Finish: Corvara centre → Col Alt → Arlara → Bioch → Pralongià → Corvara (loop).
- Transport: Regular Alta Badia buses; paid parking in Corvara. Col Alt/Arlara lifts (seasonal) help trim ascent.
- Download the GPX file here.
- Follow this route on my Outdooractive profile.
Travel Data: I use eSIMs to stay connected — quick setup and no roaming faff. Sim Local has been solid in Italy/Europe with good prices and coverage.
Hike Profile
- Distance: 8–11 km (loop variations).
- Duration: 4–5 hours with hut stops.
- Ascent/Descent: ~230m.
- Highest Point: Pralongià area ~2,100–2,150 m.
- Difficulty: Moderate — wide plateau tracks with a few short steeper bits.
- Terrain: Meadow paths, gravel tracks, short forest links near town/lifts.
Route Overview (Typical Loop lift up, walk down)
| Section | From → To | Trail/Signs | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Corvara → Col Alt | Signed paths / Col Alt lift (optional) | 2–3 km | Warm-up climb or use the lift to save legs. |
| 2 | Col Alt → Ütia Bioch | Plateau signs: Bioch/Pralongià | 3-4 km | Easy rolling meadows and big views. |
| 3 | Bioch → Pralongià | Pralongià | 2 km | Great spot for lunch/coffee; multiple huts around. |
| 4 | Pralongià → Corvara | Arlara/Corvara | 5 km | Descend back to town; lift shortcut available in season. |
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Hike Description
Head out from Corvara and make your way to Col Alt, either walking the signed path from town or by taking the lift if it’s running. From the top you’re straight onto the plateau paths. Wayfinding is simple: follow signs for Bioch and Pralongià and just keep the ridgelines in view.
There are huts dotted everywhere, the two I used are Ütia Bioch which is a handy coffee stop and Rifugio Pralongià which makes an easy lunch stop with plenty of space on the terrace. The paths are wide and mostly gentle, with the Sella group and Marmolada popping in and out of view.
Keep moving forward towards Utia Punta Trieste, or if you prefer to loop back and take the Col Alt back down, just simply head back the way you came. If you decide to walk down, there are signed paths back into Corvara or use any of the chair-lifts (in season) to take the load off the knees. It’s a straightforward day with loads of flexibility, ideal if you’re mixing hiking with a relaxed hut-to-hut vibe.
Places to Stay in the Dolomites – My Picks
I’ve put together a few guides to make choosing a hotel in the Dolomites easier. If you’re after a romantic break, I’ve found some cosy hideaways. If it’s hiking that’s front and centre, I’ve rounded up the best hotels with trails right from the door. There are also ski-in ski-out favourites, family-friendly bases, and hotels with those wow-factor mountain views or even hot tubs to sink into after a long day.
- Most Romantic Hotels in the Dolomites ⇢
- Best Hotels for Hiking in the Dolomites ⇢
- Best Ski-In Ski-Out Hotels in the Dolomites ⇢
- Best Family Friendly Hotels in the Dolomites ⇢
- Best Hotels with Mountain Views in the Dolomites ⇢
- Best Hotels with Hot Tubs in the Dolomites ⇢
Places to Stay in Corvara & Colfosco
For a wider choice of accommodation in the Dolomites, Booking.com has a huge variety to browse through.
Recommended Stays
Top-end stay with spa and great food; central for buses and local trails.
Hotel Kolfuschgerhof (Colfosco)
Classic alpine base with views straight to the Sella; quiet and close to Path 8.
AllTrails: Trail Guides & Maps for Hiking, Camping, and Running | AllTrails Plans – Read my ‘Full Review‘ for more details.
Practicalities
- Season: June–October (lifts help, but you can walk the whole loop too).
- Footwear: Trail shoes/light boots are fine.
- Water & food: Plenty of huts — Bioch, Pralongià, Arlara.
- Weather: It can change quickly — pack a light shell and an extra layer.
- Options: Use Col Alt up and/or Arlara down to shorten and save the knees.
Corvara Plateau Loop FAQs
How long is the loop?
Typically 12–16 km and 4–6 hours with breaks. Shorter if you use lifts.
Is it beginner friendly?
Yes — wide plateau tracks, clear signs, and easy options to cut it short.
Can I shorten it?
Yes — use Col Alt up and/or Arlara down, or loop just Col Alt ↔ Bioch ↔ Arlara.
Where should I eat?
Ütia Bioch, Rifugio Pralongià, and Piz Arlara all work well for coffee or lunch.
Any tricky bits?
Nothing exposed; just a few short climbs/descents. Good in most weather if you’ve got a shell.
Dogs allowed?
Yes on a lead near huts and livestock. Check lift policies if using them.
Walk this route yourself in 3D!
The video is a 3D walkthrough of this route; it’ll give you a great idea of what to expect before you set foot on the mountain.
I’ve created 3D videos of my walks and shared them with the Outdooractive and Welsh Man Walking communities.
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