Padola: Culture, Trails and Winter Sports in Comelico

Padola combines Alpine and Ladin culture with waterside trails, an easy cycling loop and winter sports in Comelico. If you would like to bring different interests together on your trip, you can explore the area through museums, churches, landscapes and specific activities. The range extends from a short bike ride to a circular hiking trail of around 100 kilometres.

Culture and History in Padola

A cultural highlight is the Museo della Cultura Alpina e Ladina del Comelico. It displays more than 4,000 objects in thematic sections. A large hall is dedicated to the First World War in Comelico; explanatory panels are available in Italian, Ladin, English and German.

Two churches are also part of Padola's historical landmarks. The Chiesa di San Luca Evangelista was built between 1862 and 1869 according to the plans of the architect Giuseppe Segusini. The Chiesa Madonna delle Grazie was built in 1859 as a hexagonal structure with an atrium, based on a design by the engineer Francesco Sandi. It is opened for religious services.

The valley's history also includes various traces of economic and technical use. La Stua below Padola is an artificial dam on the Torrente Padola that made it possible to float timber downstream. The Antica Cava di Tufo di Padola preserves visible traces of the valley's historic economic activity. It lies northwest of the village on the way to Lago di Campo and can be seen shortly before the lake on the left slope, with a view towards Monte Aiarnola.

Hiking, Landscapes and Waterside Trails

For longer routes, the Cammino degli Alti Pascoli begins and ends in Padola. It is a circular hiking trail of around 100 kilometres with 5,225 metres of elevation gain. The fifth stage runs along a level path beside the stream to Valgrande, then follows trail 171 along the Torrente Risena towards Selvapiana and to the depression with Rifugio Lunelli.

Valgrande lies near Padola, a valley with high biodiversity, beech, larch and spruce forests, natural sulphur springs and opportunities for family walks. For information and reservations for the excursion to the Laghetti di Padola, contact the Consorzio Turistico Val Comelico Dolomiti at 0435 67021 or 0435 62230, or by email at dolomiti@valcomelico.it.

Cycling and Winter Sports

A shorter option is the “Padola – Valgrande – Padola” cycling loop. It is classified as easy, is 10 kilometres long and takes around one hour. The starting point is at Padola's ski lifts; the route heads towards Lago di Campo along a forest track and returns to Padola via a cycle path.

In winter, the range of activities extends from skiing to cross-country skiing. The Ski Area Val Comelico belongs to the Dolomiti Superski ski network, with 115 kilometres of pistes and 31 lifts. On the slopes, the Scuola Sci Padola offers private and group lessons for adults and children, from beginner to advanced levels. The cross-country trails in Comelico run through the forests and belong to the Dolomiti Nordic Ski network, with 1,300 kilometres of pistes and a shared ski pass.

Ice Skating and Practical Information

Ice skating is also possible in Padola: the Pattinaggio Kral Ladin ice rink is located at Via Valgrande 21. The ice-skating facilities also offer evening skating and on-site skate rental. Padola also has charging stations on Via Torrente Padola and at Via Valgrande 21 by Kral Ladin.

Discover More Destinations

Villapiana-ronchena, Masarè, San Nicolò Di Comelico, Misurina, Falcade, Colle Santa Lucia, Soverzene, Forno Di Zoldo

For the higher-level travel overview: Belluno.