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Showing posts with the label dolomites

Cadini di Misurina

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Overview Starting Point:  Col de Varda, Misurina (2,100 m) Path: Sentiero Bonacossa ("equipped path" with some ropes and cables) Ending Point: Rifugio Auronzo (2,320 m) Estimated Time: 5–6 hours Difficulty: Moderate to demanding; some exposed sections with metal cables (via ferrata kit recommended for safety) Return Options: Bus to Misurina (recommended) Hike back down (about 1.5 hours) Download GPS file The Story This hike I remember well, although I didn’t organize it—my father did. And when I don’t plan a hike myself, I often have a harder time remembering all the details! Anyway, it starts in Misurina and ends at Rifugio Auronzo — the same place where the famous Tre Cime tour begins. Along the way, we cross rocky valleys, narrow rock ledges, and pass by the stunning Cadini di Misurina — surely one of the top 10 most Instagrammed spots in the Dolomites. We started in Misurina (1,750 m) . Since it was August, the town was packed, with cars park...

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 Download GPS file 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 ...

Campanile di Val Montanaia

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Overview Start point: Rifugio Padova (1310 m), near Domegge di Cadore Highest point: Forcella Montanaia (2333 m) Duration:  ~6 hours round trip Difficulty: Medium to hard (short climbing sections and steep scree descent) Highlights: Stunning views of jagged Dolomite peaks The iconic Campanile di Val Montanaia A fun scree descent (ghiaione) Rich variety of alpine landscapes Download GPS file This hike starts at Rifugio Padova (1310 m) , near Domegge di Cadore. Reaching the hut requires driving up a narrow mountain road that only allows uphill traffic in the morning and downhill in the afternoon—so be sure to check the schedule before heading up. The hut also features nice wooden sculptures. From the hut, you're immediately rewarded with a breathtaking view: a dramatic amphitheater of jagged Dolomite peaks. The goal of the hike is to reach the valley beyond those peaks, home to the striking Campanile di Val Montanaia , a needle-like rock tower sta...

Tour of Sassolungo

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Overview 🏔 Route : Circular loop around the Sassolungo group 📍 Start & End : Rifugio Carlo Valentini, near Passo Sella (2218m) 🥾 Distance : ~16 km ⛰ Elevation gain/loss : 680 m 🕒 Duration : ~6 hours including breaks 🚶‍♂️ Difficulty : Moderate – long but without technical challenges Download GPS file This hike is a long and panoramic loop without particular technical difficulties. It’s not a stroll, though – the distance and elevation make it a solid day hike. But it’s absolutely worth it for the ever-changing landscapes and continuous views of the iconic Sassolungo group. The hike can start from several places, but the most typical and accessible trailhead is the large parking at Rifugio Carlo Valentini near  Passo Sella (2218m) , located at the linguistic border of South Tyrol’s German-speaking area. The trail starts just before the pass, and right from the beginning, you’re treated to sweeping views of the Sassolungo ridge – perhaps the most beautiful perspec...

Nuvolau from Passo Giau

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  Overview Starting point: Passo Giau (2236m), Dolomites, Italy Summit point:  Nuvolau (2574m) Duration: ~4h30 (including via ferrata descent) Elevation Gain: ~600m including some ups and downs Best for: Moderate hikers, via ferrata beginners (optional descent route) Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn, early start recommended to avoid crowds Download GPS file A Panoramic Hike from Passo Giau to Nuvolau This stunning hike begins at Passo Giau (2236m) , a mountain pass between Selva di Cadore and Cortina d'Ampezzo in the heart of the Dolomites. Getting there involves a spectacular drive with 29 hairpin bends , reminiscent of the famous Passo dello Stelvio . From the pass, you’re greeted by the towering Ra Gusela , an imposing rock pillar that dominates the skyline. Behind it lies Nuvolau , the summit of this hike. Fortunately, there’s no need to climb Ra Gusela—you’ll take a scenic route around the mountain to reach the peak from the back. Tra...