MTSZ
MTSZ térképportál
Turista Magazin
TuristaShop
Kéktúra
Gerecse50
A kéktúrázás napja
-
Photo: Valeria Malagnini, UM.PASUBIO
A route of about 17 km and 1 039 m elevation gain, perfect for experienced hikers. It climbs from Contrà Cerbaro along the Brutto Sojo trail, touching the Priaforà and Monte Rione peaks and the cross on Novegno. Return along the Busa and Casara Vecchia.
"Walking on the Clouds" is a scenic trail of about 17 km with about 1 039 m of elevation gain, designed for hikers accustomed to challenging trails. It starts from Contrà Cerbaro (reachable from Schio via Bosco di Tretto), where you leave your car in the municipal parking lot, and begin the ascent on the Brutto Sojo trail to the Campedello Pass. From here you climb to the panoramic spur of Priaforà, then descend again to take the Busa back to the summit of Monte Rione. The last stop is the summit with the Novegno metal cross, from which there are breathtaking views. The return is along the south side of the massif: a silvo-pastoral road leads to Casara Vecchia and finally back to Contrà Cerbaro following trail marker 433. Traversable in summer, the trail passes through deciduous and coniferous forests, offering rest stops at local facilities such as Forte Rione and a number of mountain huts that are active in the summer season. Ideal for those who want a challenging hike immersed in the nature and history of the Little Dolomites of Vicenza.
Author’s recommendation
Here are some helpful suggestions:
-
Leave early in the morning to avoid the hottest hours and have time to leisurely enjoy the entire route.
-
Bring a good supply of water (at least 2 liters), especially in the summer months: there are not many safe sources along the route.
-
Download the GPX track in advance or use an offline app (e.g., Komoot, AllTrails, Maps.me) because at altitude the signal is weak.
-
Wear hiking boots with good grip: the ground is uneven in some sections and can be slippery.
-
Stop at the Novegno cross for a lunch stop or scenic break: the view is priceless over the Alps and plains.
-
Use trekking poles, useful both on the ascent and on the long final descent.
-
Consider a stop at Casara Vecchia on the way back: in summer it is sometimes manned and you can buy local products.
-
Check the local weather on Mount Novegno: low clouds or fog are frequent and make orientation difficult.
-
Consult CAI signs (e.g., 433 and others): the trail is well marked but requires attention at crossings and forks.
-
Respect pastures and fences: you may encounter cows or sheep, especially in summer.
-
Bring a small pair of binoculars: the peaks offer wildlife sightings and remarkable views of the foothills of the Alps.
-
Avoid crowded weekends if you are looking for peace and quiet: this is a popular route for local hikers.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
Echo of the directions for added safety:
-
Do not underestimate the elevation gain (more than 1,000 m): this is a challenging trail, suitable for those with good training.
-
Follow only marked trails: some off-trail sections can be dangerous or landslide-prone.
-
Check your physical condition: if you have knee or back problems, consider the trail carefully.
-
In case of a thunderstorm, avoid ridges and exposed areas such as Priaforà or the Novegno Cross.
-
Let someone know your route and time of return, especially if you are alone.
-
Avoid hiking in winter or snow unless you are experienced and well equipped.
-
Be careful of slippery ground in wooded or grassy sections, especially after rain.
-
Bring a whistle and a headlamp: useful in case of emergency or unexpected delay.
-
Do not rely totally on your phone: in an emergency, there may be no signal.
-
Wear layered clothing: the weather changes rapidly at altitude.
-
Beware of herding dogs: they may be present near the huts; do not approach the animals.
-
Check trail conditions on the CAI or Visit Schio website before setting out: landslides or seasonal closures may alter the trail.
Tips and suggestions
Here are some recommendations:
-
Mentally divide the route into stages (e.g., Priaforá, Rione, Novegno, Casara) to better manage your energy.
-
Slow down on steep downhill sections, where it is easier to slip or fatigue your knees.
-
Consult CAI paper topographic maps for non-digital support that is always available.
-
Bring something energetic but light, such as dried fruit, bars or dark chocolate.
-
Check the avalanche/instability bulletin, even in late spring or early fall.
-
Locate shelter spots (dense woods, huts, ruins) in case a storm surprises you.
-
Follow a steady pace, don't start too hard: the first part is steep uphill.
-
Respect the silence of the mountains: it reduces stress and promotes wildlife sightings.
-
Use apps with a geolocated "SOS" function such as GeoResQ (CAI) or 112 apps.
-
Avoid walking with headphones on: it is important to hear sounds of nature and other hikers.
-
Check that your shoes are already tested: never use new boots on a long hike.
-
Pick up your trash, including organic waste: keep the trail clean for everyone.
Roadbook
The trail begins at Contrà Cerbaro (elevation 930 m), a mountain resort above Schio, where you can leave your car in the municipal parking lot. From here you follow the CAI 433 trail marker, taking the Brutto Sojo path, which climbs gradually into the woods. After about 1,800 meters, you reach the Campedello Pass (1,170 m), a vantage point and the first important stage of the ascent.
From the pass, continue uphill to the northeast along a steeper but well-trodden path to the striking Priaforà peak (1,659 m). This section measures about 1,100 meters and culminates on a rocky outcrop from which there are sweeping views of the plains and surrounding peaks. After a scenic stop, you descend 600 meters until you connect with the trail that crosses the Busa, a grassy hollow between the ridges.
From here continue on a half-steep trail for about 1,200 meters until you reach Monte Rione (1,692 m), a historic peak with war remains from the Great War. Continue in an easterly direction for 1,000 meters, climbing slightly to the summit of Mount Novegno (1,695 m), easily recognized by the large metal cross placed on the summit.
The descent along the southern slope now begins. Follow a wide and well-traced silvo-pastoral road that in about 2,000 meters leads to the Casara Vecchia, often open in summer and ideal for a break. You then continue on CAI 433 in a southwesterly direction, crossing woods and pastures for another 2,500 meters, until you conclude the loop with the last 2,300 meters of descent that bring you back to Contrà Cerbaro, the starting point.
Monte Rione
Monte Novegno
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
From the Schio bus station, take the SVT city line (e.g., Line 1 to Santa Caterina/Tretto - check svt.vi.it for updated schedules) in the direction of Tretto - Contrà Rossi.
Get off at the Contrà Rossi stop (or as close to Cerbaro as possible). From here you will have to walk about 2.5 km on a slightly uphill paved road to Contrà Cerbaro (elevation 930 m), the starting point of the route.
The total time (bus + walk) is about 45-60 minutes, depending on the schedule and connection. Note that public services do not reach Cerbaro directly, so it is necessary to include a short transfer on foot.
Directions
To reach the starting point of the "Walking on Clouds" route by car, start from the Schio bus station, located on Viale Trento e Trieste. From here, take Viale Roma northbound and turn right onto Via Trento, then continue along Via Baccarini to the intersection with Via Santa Caterina.
Follow the signs for Tretto: the road begins to climb with several hairpin bends and will take you toward the mountain hamlets of the municipality of Schio. Continue for about 5.5 kilometers on Via Tretto / Via Santa Caterina, until you reach Contrà Rossi.
From Contrà Rossi, keep the direction following the signs indicating "Cerbaro." The road becomes narrower but remains paved. Drive another 3 kilometers through the mountain districts until you reach Contrà Cerbaro (elevation about 930 m), where the road ends.
Here you will find a small free parking lot used by hikers: it is the official starting point of the loop trail. We recommend that you arrive early in the morning, especially on weekends or in summer, because places are limited.
Parking
We can park in the municipal parking lot in Contrà Cerbaro, which is the official starting point of the "Walking on Clouds" route.
Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
Some route guides:
-
CAI classic route 433:
Departure/Arrival: Contrà Cerbaro.
Description: Ascent along the Brutto Sojo trail to Passo Campedello; continues to Priaforà, then Busa, Monte Rione and summit with cross. Return by south slope via Casara Vecchia. Total ~17 km and +1 039 m.
-
4-peaks trail:
Duration: 3 h, Distance: 7.5 km, Elevation gain: + 326 m.
Description: From malga Davanti (high altitude), passes the Novegno cross, Monte Cimetta, Cima Alta, Monte Rione, finally returning to Contrà Rossi. Perfect for a scenic half-day.
-
Historical tour through Great War:
Duration: 3 h 15 min, Distance/elevation: ~300 m.
Description: Departing from Busa Novegno, we visit Forte Rivòn and Cima Alta passing through trenches and tunnels. An easy tourist trail with historical content. Also suitable for family groups.
-
Medium hiking route:
Duration: approx. 4 h, Distance: ~12.3 km, Elevation gain: 782 m.
Description: Ascent from Cerbaro to Malga Pianeti, then Busa del Novegno, Monte Rione and return along Casara Vecchia. A good compromise between views and physical effort.
Author’s map recommendations
Some maps for the route:
-
Wikiloc (Itinerary "From Green to Blue"):
Cartographic scale indicated: 1:25 000.
-
Official CAI cartography (Sections Vicentine / Valdastico and Altipiani Trentini):
Used as a reference for CAI 433, the map is published by the Vicentine Sections, typically at a scale of 1:25 000.
-
Base OpenStreetMap / Komoot / Outdooractive on Wikiloc or similar:
Normally uses cartographies with scales between 1:25 000 and 1:50 000, depending on the portion and manufacturer. The CAI version taken from Wikiloc refers to 1:25 000 scale.
-
Extract of CAI route 433 from CAI Schio (official sheet):
Does not directly provide the scale on the online sheet, but clearly indicates that the reference map is the one published by the Vicenza Sections (scale 1:25 000).
Book recommendations for this region:
Equipment
Here is some useful equipment to bring:
-
Wide-brimmed hat or hat with visor: Useful for protection from the sun on the ridge and on open areas.
-
Sunglasses with UV lenses: Essential at high altitudes, where the light is most intense.
-
Tick sprays or natural repellents: Wooded areas may hide ticks or insects.
-
Portable power bank: For charging smartphones or GPS in case of emergency.
-
Emergency thermal blanket: Weighs only a few ounces but can save you in case of an unexpected accident or injury.
-
Blister plasters: In case your shoes start to bother you.
-
Pocket multi-tool (Swiss Army knife type): Useful in many situations, even mundane ones.
-
Plastic or waterproof hiking map: To be used even if it rains or your backpack sweats.
-
Lightweight hiking gloves: In the early morning hours or at high altitude the temperature may be low.
-
Folding hiking towel or seat: For sitting on wet or rough ground during breaks.
-
Waterproof or small dry bag: To protect documents, smartphones or snacks from the rain.
-
Warning whistle: Useful sound alternative in case of loss or difficulty.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions