Toni Demetz Cable Car
Ascend to 2,685m via a unique cable car for stunning Dolomite panoramas & a historic mountain hut.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer views, fewer crowds
Toni Demetz Cable Car
Best Time
Clearer views, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend to 2,685m via a unique cable car for stunning Dolomite panoramas & a historic mountain hut.
"A must-visit stop at the top with truly delicious food and that unique mountain atmosphere."
Check Operating Dates
Cable car runs seasonally (late May-mid Oct). Verify dates before your trip! :calendar:
Arrive Early
Beat the crowds by taking the first cable car up. :clockwithsecond_hand:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Toni Demetz Cable Car Ride
Passo Sella
A thrilling, short ride up to the Toni Demetz Hut with breathtaking Dolomite vistas.
Toni Demetz Hut
2,685 meters, Passo Sella
Rustic rifugio with incredible mountain views, historical photos, and delicious food.
Hike to Rifugio Vicenza
From Toni Demetz Hut
A challenging but rewarding hike down the Sassolungo massif, offering dramatic scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Ascent
What to Expect at the Top
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Operating Dates
Cable car runs seasonally (late May-mid Oct). Verify dates before your trip! :calendar:
Arrive Early
Beat the crowds by taking the first cable car up. :clockwithsecond_hand:
Dress in Layers
Mountain weather changes fast! Bring a jacket, even in summer. :cloud:
Hike Smart
The descent to Rifugio Vicenza is steep. Wear sturdy hiking boots. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Operating Dates
Cable car runs seasonally (late May-mid Oct). Verify dates before your trip! :calendar:
Arrive Early
Beat the crowds by taking the first cable car up. :clockwithsecond_hand:
Dress in Layers
Mountain weather changes fast! Bring a jacket, even in summer. :cloud:
Hike Smart
The descent to Rifugio Vicenza is steep. Wear sturdy hiking boots. :athletic_shoe:
Enjoy the Hut
Savor the food and historical photos at Toni Demetz Hut. :coffee:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking views and the unique atmosphere of the Toni Demetz Hut, calling it a 'hidden gem' with delicious food. However, some reviewers have reported poor service from specific staff members, which detracted from their otherwise stunning mountain experience.
"Right at the exit of the famous little white cabins that take you up to 2,685 meters, this restaurant feels like a hidden gem in the mountains. We stopped here in terrible weather and it turned into the perfect cozy refuge with truly delicious food. Wonderful service, great wine by the glass, and that unique mountain atmosphere that makes you want to linger a bit longer. A must-visit stop at the top!"
Natasha Kulagina
"This is a pretty unique place given where it is, but I wouldn’t say it’s unique compared to any of its peers, other than the location, which is incredible to say the least.
I wouldn’t normally feel compelled to make a review but I feel that the service was remarkably poor by the two head servers. While the bus boys and counter operators were very nice and did a good job, both of the ladies taking orders were rude and utterly non attentive. We had been there for almost an hour, had eaten a full meal for 4 people, had several drinks, and once we were ready to go, started looking for our server for our check. When she came over, she spoke to someone at our communal table for 5 straight minutes, we were respectful as to allow them the conversation but attempted to gain her attention towards the end of the conversation to no avail, we made hand signals, eye contact, spoke two different languages, and while I really want to give her the benefit of the doubt, the sheer amount of times we made direct eye contact/acknowledgements only to have her walk away and never actually attend to us made me feel like this was very intentional. Eventually after many more minutes had passed I had to more or less find her and present my card, at which she seemed annoyed. As we then prepared to leave, we used the restroom, and the other server that had literally delivered parts of our meal to us chased us into the bathroom and accused us of not paying to use the restroom/at least ordering a drink to use the restroom. (A European custom we respect and understand).
I’ve traveled a lot in my life and I’m normally very willing to overlook issues like these when there are language/cultural barriers, but this entire experience really stuck out as intentionally rude.
Hopefully we just caught them on a bad day."
Chris Kneale
"The only restaurant in this mountain, which is just next to the coffin lift. It has wonderful view where you can enjoy your food and watch people doing rock climbing. The food was tasty, esp potatoes with eggs and speck! The washroom was clean too!"
tung tung Lam
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The cable car is located at Passo Sella. You can reach Passo Sella by car or bus from towns like Selva di Val Gardena or Canazei. Parking is available at the pass, but can fill up quickly.
Yes, there is parking available at Passo Sella, but it is limited and can be expensive, especially during peak season. Arriving early is recommended.
Regular bus services connect major towns in Val Gardena and Val di Fassa to Passo Sella. Check local bus schedules for routes and times.
No, the cable car is the primary and most direct way to reach the Toni Demetz Hut. Hiking up from Passo Sella is possible but very strenuous and time-consuming.
The 'coffin lift' or 'standing cable car' refers to the two-seater cable car that takes you from Passo Sella to the Toni Demetz Hut. It's a unique and iconic ride. 
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but expect a round-trip fare. It's advisable to check the official website or inquire locally for the most current pricing.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance or arriving very early is highly recommended during peak season to avoid long queues.
The cable car typically operates daily during the summer season, usually from around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but hours can vary. Always confirm current operating times.
There is no entrance fee for the Toni Demetz Hut itself. You pay for the cable car ride to get there, and then for any food or drinks you consume at the hut.
The Toni Demetz Cable Car is a summer operation and is generally not covered by winter ski passes. Separate tickets are required.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hut is a popular starting point for hikes, especially the descent towards Rifugio Vicenza. It's also a great spot for enjoying the views and having a meal.
The trail down towards Rifugio Vicenza is steep and rocky, requiring good hiking boots and a reasonable level of fitness. It's a challenging but scenic descent.
Yes, restrooms are available at the Toni Demetz Hut. Some reviews mention a small fee for use, which is common in some European mountain huts.
Expect spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Dolomite peaks, including the Sassolungo and Sassopiatto massifs.
The cable car ride itself is an experience for families. The hike down is strenuous and not recommended for very young children or those with mobility issues.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The hut offers traditional mountain cuisine, including hearty dishes like goulash soup, speck, and potatoes with eggs. They also serve drinks and coffee.
While traditional mountain food is meat-heavy, you might find options like cheese dumplings or vegetable soups. It's best to inquire directly.
Prices are typical for mountain restaurants in the Dolomites, which can be higher than in the valleys due to the logistics of supplying the location.
Yes, you can stop by for a coffee, wine, or other beverages without ordering a full meal.
The restaurant has a rustic, cozy atmosphere with historical photographs adorning the walls, creating a unique mountain refuge feel.
📸 📸 Photography
The views from the cable car, the hut itself, and the surrounding trails offer incredible photographic opportunities of the dramatic Dolomite peaks.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful dramatic lighting on the mountains. Midday can be harsh but still offers stunning vistas.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating specific peaks or details.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be respectful of other visitors and private property.
Try to get shots of the unique two-seater cabins against the mountain backdrop, or capture the feeling of ascent from inside the car.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the family's hiking experience and the children's stamina before planning the descent. For a more relaxed family experience, simply enjoying the views from the hut and the cable car ride might be sufficient.⛰️ Hikers & Adventurers
Be prepared for scree, steep sections, and potentially exposed areas. Ensure you have appropriate hiking gear, including sturdy boots, layers of clothing, and sufficient water. 📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Toni Demetz Cable Car Experience
The ascent is a thrilling experience, providing a dramatic introduction to the high-alpine environment. It's important to note that the cable car operates only during the summer months, typically from late May or early June until mid-October, and its schedule can be weather-dependent. Many travelers find the cable car ride itself to be a memorable part of their trip. The intimate nature of the two-seater cabins allows for a personal connection with the breathtaking scenery. Social media content often showcases the stunning vistas captured during the ascent, highlighting the dramatic rock formations and sweeping valleys.
Toni Demetz Hut: More Than Just a Stop
The hut offers a rustic restaurant and bar, serving traditional mountain fare. Reviews frequently praise the delicious food, with mentions of goulash soup and hearty local dishes.
Hiking Adventures from Toni Demetz
The path winds down through the dramatic landscape of the Sassolungo massif, offering challenging yet rewarding trekking. It's a route that allows hikers to truly immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of the Dolomites.While the descent to Rifugio Vicenza is a popular choice, the area around Toni Demetz offers other possibilities for exploration. Hikers can circumnavigate the Langkofel massif, taking in varied perspectives of the iconic peaks.
The trails are well-marked, but it's always wise to carry a map and be prepared for changing mountain conditions. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit