Lago Coldai – A Stunning Lake Surrounded by Beauty
How to Reach Lago Coldai – Multiple Options for Every Traveler
There are many ways to reach Lago Coldai, offering flexibility depending on whether you want to save money, skip the gondola, or minimize the elevation you need to climb. Before starting your journey, it’s good to decide if you’d prefer a more budget-friendly hike or a more comfortable option with less effort. For those looking for a real challenge, there’s even a steeper route for experienced hikers. Here’s a breakdown of the main options:
Option 1: Parcheggio Piani di Pezzè + Gondola to Chalet Col di Baldi
This is the easiest and most comfortable option. Start at the Parcheggio Piani di Pezzè, where parking costs €10 from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and the night is free. This makes it a great choice for camper vans as well. From there, take the gondola up to Chalet Col di Baldi, which leaves you with 440 meters of elevation to climb to the lake. The hike from Chalet Col di Baldi to Lago Coldai is relatively short and manageable, offering stunning views along the way.
Option 2: Parcheggio Piani di Pezzè – Hiking Without the Gondola
If you’d prefer to skip the gondola and save some money, you can start your hike directly from Parcheggio Piani di Pezzè. This route follows the trail running parallel to the gondola line, but you’ll need to conquer approximately 860 meters of elevation to reach Lago Coldai. It’s a longer hike, but the trail is scenic, and you’ll feel a great sense of accomplishment at the top.
Option 3: Parcheggio Piani di Pezzè – The Steep Expert Route
For those looking for a challenging and shorter hike, this steep route also begins at Parcheggio Piani di Pezzè. You’ll cover about 750 meters of elevation, but the trail includes some steep sections, making it better suited for experienced hikers. While it’s the most physically demanding route from Piani di Pezzè, it’s a rewarding adventure for those up for the challenge.
Option 4: Start at Rifugio Monte Pelmo
This route starts at Rifugio Monte Pelmo, offering a middle ground for those who want to avoid the gondola but don’t want to hike from Piani di Pezzè. From here, you’ll climb approximately 670 meters of elevation to reach Lago Coldai. The trail is beautiful, and you’ll save the gondola fare. While I’m not sure of the exact parking fees for cars, for campers, the designated motorhome parking area costs €15 per day ... --> check (Park4Night)
Camper Parking at Parcheggio Piani di Pezze
If you’re traveling by camper, you can park at Parcheggio Piani di Pezze for €10 from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The night is free, so if you plan on staying overnight, you don’t have to worry about paying for parking after hours. Just keep in mind that the parking lot can fill up quickly, so early arrival is key.
What to Expect During our visit to Lago Coldai in the summer, we found the lake to be absolutely stunning. The landscape around the lake is truly peaceful, and we were even lucky enough to spot edelweiss growing near the rocks, which added a special touch to the experience. The area is perfect for those who appreciate natural beauty and quiet surroundings.
Sunrise and Sunset Both sunrise and sunset at the lake are spectacular, but I’d recommend coming for sunset if you can only pick one time. The light is simply magical in the evening, with the warm colors of the sun reflecting off the water and illuminating the surrounding peaks. It’s the perfect atmosphere for photography. The early morning light during sunrise is also beautiful, but the sunset offers a unique experience, with dramatic colors and shadows that you won't want to miss.
Camping at Lago Coldai we noticed around 3-4 tents set up around the lake. It’s a popular spot and it was very peaceful even with a few others nearby. If you plan to camp, make sure you pack your things up early in the morning, as the area can get crowded with hikers during the day.
For those who prefer a more comfortable stay, there’s a Rifugio close to the lake where you can stay overnight. The mountain hut offers food and drinks, so you don’t have to carry everything up the mountain with you. It's also a great place to warm up and relax after a long hike.
Other Notes While the lake can get busy with hikers during the day, we found that most people left in the late afternoon, so we had more peace and quiet around sunset. If you're planning to camp, it's important to remember to pack out all your trash and leave no trace behind, so everyone can continue to enjoy the beauty of the place.
