Top 20 Mountain Passes around Folgaria
Best mountain passes around Folgaria are situated in the Trentino region of Italy, characterized by its mountainous terrain and historical significance. The area features several passes connecting plateaus and valleys, offering diverse landscapes. These passes are known for their role in past conflicts and their natural features, including alpine flora and karstic phenomena. The region provides access to various outdoor activities within a natural setting.
Best mountain passes around Folgaria
- The most popular mountain passes is General Achille Papa Refuge, a hut located at 1928 meters on the Pasubio massif. It was built after the First World War, utilizing former Italian barrack camp buildings, and offers a panoramic position at the head of Val Canale.
- Another must-see spot is The Scarubbi Road, a trail that is a former military road constructed during World War I. This 10.5-kilometer route connects Passo Xomo to Porte del Pasubio, featuring a gravel surface with asphalted hairpin bends.
- Visitors also love Vezzena Pass, a mountain pass that connects the Asiago plateau with Lavarone. This pass is known for its historical context and offers routes suitable for cycling and hiking.
- Folgaria is known for its historical mountain passes, challenging cycling routes, and scenic viewpoints. The area provides a variety of mountain passes to explore, from high-altitude refuges to former military roads and connecting routes between plateaus.
- The mountain passes around Folgaria are appreciated by the komoot community, with 961 upvotes and 672 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 14, 2026
General Achille Papa Refuge
Highlight • Mountain Hut
The view up here is pretty breathtaking! Both from the hut, as well as the hut itself. Even the journey through the tunnel that ends here is an experience. In the hut you can strengthen yourself and even stay overnight. There is also a bivouac. Info unfortunately only in Italian: caischio.it/rifugio-papa
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The Scarubbi Road
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
La strada degli Scarubbi è una strada carrabile del massiccio del Pasubio, nelle Prealpi vicentine, costruita durante la Prima guerra mondiale. Lunga 10,5 chilometri, parte dal Passo Xomo (1058 m) e arriva alle Porte del Pasubio (1928 m).
Storia:
La strada degli Scarubbi fu costruita nell'estate del 1917, durante la Prima guerra mondiale, dall'Esercito Italiano per avere un accesso alla zona sommitale del Pasubio e quindi alla prima linea. Percorsa da autocarri, era tuttavia esposta all'artiglieria austriaca del vicino Monte Maio, essendo ricavata sul versante settentrionale del Monte Forni Alti. Veniva perciò percorsa in condizioni di particolare pericolo, in particolare durante la notte e a fari spenti. Furono sviluppate tecniche particolari per sfuggire all'artiglieria austriaca, come ad esempio sostare nei tornanti non in vista, per rendere più difficoltoso il puntamento dell'artiglieria nemica.
A causa della sua esposizione a nord, non era utilizzabile durante l'inverno e per buona parte della primavera: questi fattori resero necessaria la costruzione della strada delle 52 gallerie, molto più sicura ma non accessibile ai mezzi motorizzati.
Dopo il secondo dopoguerra la strada degli Scarubbi ha rappresentato, con quella degli Eroi, la principale via d'accesso alle prime automobili di gitanti. Chiusa al traffico motorizzato dagli anni ottanta con sbarra poco dopo Bocchetta Campiglia, è oggi accessibile solamente ai gestori del rifugio Achille Papa.
Oggi:
La strada degli Scarubbi è oggi di fatto l'unica via usata per l'accesso alla sommità del Pasubio con mezzi motorizzati. Nella sua parte intermedia, quella pianeggiante, è tuttavia soggetta a frane dopo le piogge primaverili e richiede annualmente lavori di manutenzione consistenti, per la rimozione dei detriti e la messa in sicurezza.
Viene inoltre scelta come via di discesa dalla maggior parte degli escursionisti, essendo molto più breve della Strada degli Eroi, sfruttando le scorciatoie sui tornanti delle Caneve di Campiglia.
Insieme all'altra rotabile rappresenta uno dei percorsi di maggior interesse storico e paesaggistico per la mountain bike.
(fonte Wikipedia)
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Heroes' Road
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Xomo Pass
Highlight • Mountain Pass
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Strada del Menador
Highlight (Segment) • Climb
Because of the tight bends, this road can only be used by smaller vehicles - should not be a problem with the bike ;-)
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Tips from the Community
Road to the Rifugio Achille Papa. This is where you walk down if you're doing a circular hike with the 52 tunnels.
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The first plans for the construction of a refuge on Pasubio date back to 1907. However, they were not realized until after the First World War, when the Schio section of the CAI began to build a refuge in memory of the soldiers who had fallen on Pasubio. Source: https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rifugio_Achille_Papa
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Simple route in terms of terrain type, with a spectacular view.
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Named after General Achille Papa, Gold Medal for military valor who died during the First World War in 1917, the refuge is located at the saddle of the Porte del Pasubio, at 1,928 meters above sea level, on the massif of the same name. Today the Papa refuge is owned by the CAI of Schio and boasts around sixty beds.
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Together with the 52 Tunnels hike you can make a circular walk here
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It can be tackled from Levico going towards Lochere. Start of climb which, at the first bends, rises well over double figures. Then, after the crossroads, it regularly bites just under 10%: a segment mainly in a straight line, with a couple of hairpin bends, which when the sun beats down can get scorching hot. After a bend to the left, just above 800 metres, here is the first tunnel dug into the rock: an image that immerses us in the historical dimension of this climb. It is about twenty meters long, less than three meters wide (the Menador is in fact forbidden to vehicles wider than two and a half metres). Here the slope allows you to breathe for a moment, shortly after there is the second tunnel, similar to the first and then you arrive at the hardest segment of all: from kilometer six, three thousand meters of hard sweating, divided into three parts of similar length. At 10% and above the first, constantly at 12% the second and finally always above 9% the third, before reaching Monterovere (altitude 1,261).
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Great rifugio at the end of the Strada delle 52 gallery. You can also stay overnight here, reservations are welcome. Warm and good food is provided, the bigoli are very tasty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can be found near the mountain passes around Folgaria?
The region around Folgaria is rich in history, particularly from World War I. Near Vezzena Pass, you can explore the ruins of Forte Verle and the strategic Fortress Vezzena on Cima Vezzena. General Achille Papa Refuge itself was built after WWI using former barracks. Additionally, Passo Sommo features two former Austrian fortress works, Werk Sebastiano and Zwischenwerk Sommo, adding to the area's historical significance.
Are there opportunities for cycling on the mountain passes near Folgaria?
Yes, the mountain passes around Folgaria offer various cycling opportunities, from challenging climbs to scenic routes. Passo Vezzena is known for its challenging routes, with an ascent from Caldonazzo featuring a 5.2% average grade. Valico della Fricca is considered a demanding Category 1 climb for cyclists. For a scenic drive or ride, the Strada del Menador (also known as Kaiserjägerstrasse) offers wonderful views of Valsugana and Lake Caldonazzo. You can find more road cycling routes in the area on the Road Cycling Routes around Folgaria guide.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around Folgaria's mountain passes?
The mountain passes offer diverse natural beauty. At Passo Coe, you can visit an Alpine Botanical Garden, which showcases alpine biodiversity and geological features like karstic phenomena and fossil-rich limestone. Passo Vezzena is characterized by vast pastures and undulating terrain, and from Cima Vezzena, you can get panoramic views of Valsugana and the lakes of Levico and Caldonazzo. The Strada del Menador also provides sensational views over Lake Caldonazzo and Lake Levico.
Are there family-friendly activities or passes suitable for families around Folgaria?
Yes, several areas are suitable for families. Passo Coe is easily accessible with well-maintained roads and offers amenities like ski schools and equipment rental, making it suitable for families interested in cross-country skiing. The Alpine Botanical Garden at Passo Coe also provides an educational experience. Xomo Pass is also listed as family-friendly and offers facilities. Many of the passes feature walking and snowshoeing routes that can be enjoyed by families.
Where can I find hiking trails near the mountain passes?
The region offers numerous hiking opportunities. Passo Vezzena, for instance, has many walking and snowshoeing routes. The Scarubbi Road, a former military road, is a popular route for hikers, especially as a descent option for circular hikes. For more detailed hiking options, explore the Hiking around Folgaria guide, which includes trails like the Carbonare Water Trail and the Monte Maggio Peace Trail Loop.
What are the options for skiing near Folgaria's mountain passes?
Folgaria's mountain passes offer excellent skiing opportunities, particularly for cross-country and Nordic skiing. Passo Coe is a renowned cross-country ski center with 35 km of competitive, learning, and leisure tracks, including FISI-approved courses. Passo Vezzena also provides both alpine and Nordic skiing, with the Vezzena chairlift accessing a low-difficulty alpine slope and an 18 km Nordic ski loop at the Centro Fondo Millegrobbe.
Is there parking available at the mountain passes?
Yes, parking is generally available at the mountain passes. Passo Coe, for example, provides parking facilities and is easily accessible, even for campers. Xomo Pass is also noted for having parking available.
What are some challenging routes for experienced outdoor enthusiasts?
For those seeking a challenge, the region offers several demanding routes. The cycling routes over Passo Vezzena and Valico della Fricca are considered challenging, with significant gradients. The Scarubbi Road is a former military road that presents a challenging route, especially for mountain biking. You can also find difficult MTB trails in the MTB Trails around Folgaria guide, such as the Tour dei Forti sull'altopiano di Folgaria.
Can I find accommodation or places to eat near the passes?
Yes, there are options for accommodation and dining. The General Achille Papa Refuge offers both meals and overnight stays. Xomo Pass is an ideal place to stop and eat, known for its Sopressa sandwiches. The wider region around the passes, including Folgaria itself, provides various cafes, pubs, and accommodation options.
What makes Passo Sommo noteworthy?
Passo Sommo, located between Folgaria and Carbonare, is notable for its historical significance, featuring two former Austrian fortress works from World War I: Werk Sebastiano and Zwischenwerk Sommo. It's also appreciated by drivers and motorcyclists for its western ramp descending into the Etschtal, which offers a greater elevation change and curvier sections compared to the eastern side. You can learn more about it on Wikipedia.
What is unique about Passo Coe?
Passo Coe, just 6 km from Folgaria, is unique for being a premier cross-country ski center with 35 km of tracks and FISI-approved courses. Beyond winter sports, it hosts an Alpine Botanical Garden, which is also a geological point of interest, showcasing alpine biodiversity, karstic phenomena, and exposed limestone rich in fossils. It's easily accessible and suitable for campers.
What is the Vezzena plateau known for?
The Vezzena plateau, connected by Vezzena Pass, is famous for its traditional 'Vezzena' cheese. It's also characterized by vast pastures and offers numerous walking and snowshoeing routes. Historically, the area bears the marks of World War I bombardments, with ruins like Forte Verle nearby. For more information, you can visit Visit Valsugana.
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