Alta Via N.1 – Stage 7

Description

From State Road 251, beyond the Palafavèra campsite, a small military road closed to motor traffic branches off to the west, marked 564, leading to the Casèra di Pióda. From here, follow the good mule track marked 556 that climbs the wide, meagre pastureland to reach the Rifugio "Adolfo Sonino" at Coldài, at 2,132 metres. The Rifugio Sonino al Coldài, built in 1911 and renovated in 1999, stands at the northern end of the grandiose Civetta Group, at the head of the Val de le Ziolère, near the Forcella Coldài. Owned by the Venice Section of the CAI, it is open from mid-June to mid-September and serves as a hotel with 93 beds and 8 in the winter room. Indoor toilets with hot water and shower are available. Lighting with generator and photovoltaic system. CNSAS "118" Rescue Station Mountain hut telephone number: +39 0437 78 91 60. Email: [email protected] At Rifugio Sonino al Coldài, one of the most majestic sections of the Alta Via delle Dolomiti 1, not too tiring and without too much difficulty. It allows a view of the great northern wall of the Civetta, the "Wall of Walls", the Wand der Wände of the Germans who love this mountain so much. From the mountain hut, briefly ascend to Forcella Coldài, at 2,191 m, and descend the opposite slope through the gravel basin to the shore of the pretty Coldài Lago, at 2,143 m, in which the bold walls above are reflected. Skirting the lake on the western shore, we ascend to the Forcella di Col Negro, at 2,203 m, from which there is a great view, from the Torre d'Alleghe to the Civetta peak. Now the path descends a little into the Val Civetta proper, ignoring the tracks that lead in the direction of the walls that are clearly visible from here and are as superb and vertiginous as ever. Then, from the depression at an altitude of 2,030 metres, it climbs up to the wide Forcella del Col Reàn, at 2,107 metres. Shortly before the fork, path 563 branches off to the right (north-west), leading with a short climb, to the Rifugio "Attilio Tissi", at 2,250 m, almost at the summit of Col Reàn. From here there is an incomparable view of Lago Alleghe to the north-west and the immense Civetta to the east. The Rifugio Tissi commemorates the excellent Belluno mountaineer and parliamentarian and is owned by the Belluno Section of the CAI. Built almost at the summit of Col Reàn in 1963 and extended in 1986, it is open from 15 June to 20 September with a hotel service with 49 beds, plus 20 in the winter room. Toilet and hot water with shower inside available for a fee. Wi-Fi connection available, albeit slow. It is advisable to carry cash. Lighting via generator set and photovoltaic system. CNSAS "118" Rescue Station Mountain hut telephone number: +39 0437 72 16 44. Email: [email protected] From the Rifugio Tissi, return to the Forcella del Col Reàn and take path 560 that descends first south-west, then south towards the picturesque Pian de la Lòra, passing what remains of the Casón di Col Reàn, at 1,895 m, dominated by the gigantic bastions of Cima De Gasperi, Su Alto and Terranova. A gentle climb leads to the Sella di Pelsa, at 1,914 m, with an enchanting view of the Cantoni di Pelsa, gigantic needles of twisted dolomite. Continue the beautiful walk across the Pian di Pelsa below the western wall of the Torre Venezia, then descend to the nearby green pasture plain of Case Favretti from where you enter a small road that passes below the mighty southern wall of the Torre Venezia. Finally, you’ll cross a dense forest and suddenly reach the oasis of peace where the Rifugio "Mario Vazzolèr", at 1,714 metres, is located. The Rifugio Vazzolèr, owned by the Conegliano Veneto Section of the CAI (Italian Alpine Club), built in 1929 and renovated in 1992, is open from mid-June to the beginning of October (depending on the weather), with hotel service and 80 beds plus 10 in the winter room (available when the mountain hut is closed). Electricity is available. Outdoor and indoor toilets, hot water and shower are available (for a fee). CNSAS "118" Rescue Station Mountain hut telephone number: 0437 66 00 08. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.rifugiovazzoler.com