Pale di San Martino Ski Mountaineering Rally – Camillo Depaoli Memorial

A rally on the Pale Plateau

The Pale di San Martino Ski Mountaineering Rally – Camillo Depaoli Memorial is one of the most anticipated late-winter events in Primiero San Martino di Castrozza, in the heart of eastern Trentino. Every year, towards the end of March, dozens of ski mountaineers meet in San Martino di Castrozza to tackle the great crossing of the Pale di San Martino Plateau, one of the most spectacular landscapes in the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites.

The route: from Rosetta to Val Canali

The classic itinerary traverses the entire plateau: participants ascend via the Colverde-Rosetta cable car and then ski across the lunar landscape of the Pale, passing the Fradusta glacier and Passo Canali, before descending into the picturesque Val Canali. The crossing requires good preparation and proper ski mountaineering equipment: the use of an avalanche transceiver (ARVA), shovel, and probe is mandatory, while a helmet is strongly recommended. In case of unsuitable snow conditions, the route is adapted with a variant towards Cima Fradusta.

Safety and mountain assistance

Throughout the route, participants are accompanied and assisted by the Aquile di San Martino e Primiero Mountain Guides, the Primiero Alpine Rescue, and the Guardia di Finanza Alpine Rescue. This is not a race, but a rally: the goal is to experience a day in the mountains together, safely sharing a passion for ski mountaineering.

In memory of Camillo Depaoli

The rally is dedicated to the memory of Camillo Depaoli, a mountain guide from Primiero, and keeps his legacy alive by linking his name to one of the iconic crossings of the Pale di San Martino. The event is one of the highlights that celebrate the end of the winter season in the region, alongside the ski resort closing parties.

Conviviality and local charm

The day concludes with a convivial lunch in the mountain huts and restaurants of Val Canali, such as La Ritonda and Cant del Gal, the final meeting point before returning via the shuttle service. The Depaoli Memorial is thus also an opportunity to discover the hospitality of Primiero and the beauty of Val Canali, nestled at the foot of the Pale spires.