Gendarmi di Passo Cibiana

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Overview

  • Starting point: Passo Cibiana (1530m), Val di Zoldo

  • Highest point: Around 2380m (close to Sfornioi di Mezzo, 2425m)

  • Total elevation gain: Approx. 900m

  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (final part requires light climbing and a good head for heights)

  • Distance: About 10-11 km round-trip

  • Duration: Around 5–6 hours total (including breaks)

  • Highlights: Gendarmi rock towers, alpine scenery, panoramic views, Malga Déone gourmet desserts

Hike Description

This hike starts at Passo Cibiana (1530m) in Val di Zoldo. You will find a parking area next to Malga Déone hut.

The first part of the trail follows a wide gravel road heading towards Forcella delle Cavazòle. After about 15 minutes, a narrower path branches off to the right, leading deeper into the forest. After a pleasant walk through the woods, you’ll pass Casera di Copada Alta, located a few hundred meters below the trail.

Continuing onwards, you will reach a crossroads at around 1850m, where several signposts are present. Here, take the path leading towards Forcella and Rifugio Bosconero.

From this point, the trail becomes steeper as it climbs towards the forcella. The dense forest gradually gives way to lower alpine vegetation, dominated by pine bushes. After about half an hour, you will arrive at Forcella delle Cavazòle (1994m).

At the forcella, the main trail continues down towards Rifugio Bosconero, but a smaller path branches off to the left, ascending the mountain.
Here, the landscape becomes more rocky and steep.

  • After another 30 minutes, you will reach a cross marking a minor summit just above 2200m. This is a good option if you wish to end the hike early.

  • Otherwise, continuing for another 30 minutes brings you to the impressive Gendarmi, two slender rock towers that stand out like sentinels over the valley.


The final section to the Gendarmi involves light climbing and some exposure, requiring a steady step and a head for heights. To reach them, the path skirts around the Sfornioi Nord peak and approaches the base of the towers.

For the more adventurous, there is an option to attempt the Sfornioi di Mezzo (2425m). However:

  • The path is not officially marked and requires proper climbing experience.

  • Alternatively, you can aim for the Sfornioi Minore (around 2410m).

    • The trail is officially marked by red paint spots, but can be hard to follow.

    • We tried this route but, after losing some time on wrong paths and considering the late hour, decided to turn back about 30 meters below the summit.

The return follows the same route. After the initial light climbing section, the trail poses no technical difficulties, and you'll descend smoothly back to the parking area in about 1 hour 40 minutes.

Once back, reward yourself at Malga Déone with their gourmet desserts — a real treat, and quite a surprising find for a mountain hut!

Location: Cibiana Pass, 32040 Cibiana di Cadore, Province of Belluno, Italy

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