Pala group Mountains

The Pala group is a major Dolomite massif in northeastern Italy, straddling Trentino and adjacent provinces. It forms a compact high plateau and steep-walled peaks that are prominent within the central Dolomites.

The area is a focus for hiking, climbing and via ferrata routes, with alpine refuges and established trail networks across the plateau and ridges. The massif contains several summits exceeding 3,000 metres and long limestone walls sought by climbers.

The Pala group is part of the geological ensemble recognised as the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site, noted for carbonate rock formations and distinctive pale cliffs. Human use includes traditional mountain pastures and modern mountain tourism infrastructure.

Geographically the group sits in the Dolomites of northeastern Italy, with the tourist village of San Martino di Castrozza commonly used as the main access point for the massif.

• High alpine summits: Contains peaks rising above 3,000 metres, with the highest summit in the group reaching just over 3,190 metres.
• UNESCO Dolomites: Included within the Dolomites, which are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their geological and geomorphological value.

What to See#

• Cima Vezzana: The highest central summit of the group, reaching alpine elevations and used as a target for mountaineers and long ridge routes.
• San Martino di Castrozza: The mountain resort town that functions as the principal visitor gateway, offering lifts, refuges and trailheads into the Pala plateau and surrounding valleys.
• Pale plateau: A broad high plateau and cirque system that forms the core of the massif and contains many via ferrata and alpine refuges for multi-day routes.

The Pala Group is reached from towns such as Feltre or Belluno; from Venice or Bolzano, drive northeast via the SS51 and local mountain roads. Bus connections serve some valley towns, with lifts or trails leading into higher terrain.

• Allow a full day (or more) to hike between peaks and sample different ridgelines.
• Start from refuges in the Cadore valleys for easier access to popular routes.
• Check mountain-hut (rifugio) availability in summer; some require reservations.