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In this section we present a chapter from the book
Per Alpes, Discovering the Alps in 20 circular walks.
Read the tour description below or download
the book here.
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The enchanting Dolomites
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Civetta’s eastern face stretches up for over a thousand meters. Foto: M. Morandini |
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The Dolomites are amongst the most magnifi cent mountain ranges of the alpine area. Thanks to their beauty, unique landscapes, geological and geomorphic signifi cance, in June 2009 the Dolomites became a UNESCO World Heritage site. None of the Dolomites peaks are alike: dizzying rock overhangs, rocks of many different colours and sharp pointed stones which seemingly defy gravity, deep, populated valleys surrounded by lush pastures, and a thriving alpine fl ora. Only if you have crossed the Dolomites in their entirety and appreciated their beauty and diversity to the full, can you claim to know them well. One particular mountain stands out of the entire range: the Civetta, reaching 3,220 m, a gigantic monolith with steep cliffs towering over one thousand meters. If you think this mountain to be a playground for climbers only, you are mistaken. Believe it or not, amongst this labyrinth of rocks hides an incredible amount of trails that can be tackled by trekkers without major diffi culties.
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Unlike many of the ascents to the main peaks in the Dolomites, which are usually high and sharp, the tour of Civetta does not require great climbing skills. However, you must never underestimate the Dolomites, since they are never short of sharp crests and sometimes friable and/or unstable rocks. Needless to say, careful footwork, head for heights, and confi dence are really important. This tour, however, is also suitable for those who are fairly new to trekking, because you do not need to use any equipment and the length is not too demanding.
Click on map for larger image.
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Rif. Palafavera/Rif. Monte Pelmo – Casera di Pioda – Val de le Ziolere – Rif. Sonino al Coldai – Forc. Coldai – Lago Coldai – Forc. del Col Negro – Rif. A. Tissi – Cason di Col Reàn – Sella di Pelsa – Casa Favretti – Rif. M. Vazzoler |
At the extreme southern end of the large car park (1,525 m) follow the path 564 till you reach approximately 1,735 m altitude and instead of going up col Alleghe, head south as far as Casera di Pioda. Below the north face of the Torrioni delle Ziolere the path takes you across the Valle de le Ziolere (valley) all the way to the Sonino al Coldai (2,132 m) hut. After a short ascent to the Coldai saddle (2,191 m), follow the Alta Via delle Dolomiti route leading you directly to Lake Coldai (2,143 m). From here, a new path gains about 60m to the Col Negro saddle (2,203 m). As you walk along the Alta Via, you will surely notice the incredible size of the Civetta’s face, rising over a thousand meters. Once you are on the highland of Val Civetta you can either choose to go directly to the Col Reàn saddle (2,107 m) or opt for a longer, but more interesting route stopping by the Tissi hut (2,260 m) for a short break. Leave the Tissi hut and get back on the Alta Via delle Dolomiti leading you to Sella di Pelsa (1,954 m) and the M. Vazzoler hut (1,714 m). |
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Accommodation
Rif. M. Pelmo (1,525 m): Tel. +39-0437-789359, open all year, private.
Rif. Palafavera (1,525 m): Tel. +39-0437-789472, e-mail: info@palafavera.com, www.palafavera.com, open all year, private.
Rif. A. Sonino al Coldai (2,132 m): Tel. +39-0417-16900 or +39-0437-789160, open from mid June to the end of September, CAI. Rif. A. Tissi (2,260 m): Tel. +39-0437-931655 or +39-0437-721644, open from the end of June till the end of September, CAI.
Rif. M. Vazzoler (1,714 m): Tel. +39-0438-24041 or +39-0437-660008, open from mid June to mid September, CAI.
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Rif. M. Vazzoler – Covol delle Sasse – Van delle Sasse – Forc. delle Sasse – Anello Zoldano n. 557 – Rif. A. Sonino al Coldai – Rif. Palafavera/Rif. M. Pelmo |
Today you are going to pass right below the track of the very popular and demanding “Via Ferrata degli Alleghesi”, which runs on the eastern crest for 900 m and goes all the way to the peak of Civetta (3,220 m). Every year many climbers try to tackle this mountain, often underestimating the challenge it presents. From the M. Vazzoler hut (1,714 m) steadily walk up to Covol delle Sasse (2,061 m). Follow trail 558, to reach the stunning “Van delle Sasse” basin that lies between the Civetta and Cima delle Sasse. Go ahead on the same trail to the Forcella delle Sasse col (2,476 m), the highest point in the tour. The path leads you to the north-eastern crags of Cima di Tomb and the massive eastern face of the Civetta. Here the via ferrata begins, running along the Anello Zoldano 557 and leading you directly to the Sonino al Coldai hut. After a short break you can start descending back to the trailhead and either the Palafavera or M. Pelmo hut. |
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Accommodation
Rif. A. Sonino al Coldai (2,132 m): check Day 1.
Rif. M. Pelmo (1,525 m): check Day 1.
Rif. Palafavera (1,525 m): check Day 1.
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Useful information |
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Tourist information
Dolomiti Turismo S.r.l.: Tel. +39-0437-940084 e-mail: mail@infodolomiti.it, http://www.infodolomiti.it.
Ufficio Turistico di Zoldo Alto: Tel. +39-0437-789145, e-mail: zoldoalto@infodolomiti.it http://www.infodolomiti.it
Consorzio Val Zoldana: Tel. +39-0437-788907 e-mail: civetta@dolomiti.it,
www.val-zoldana.com
Parks
Parco Nazionale delle Dolomiti Bellunesi: Tel. +39-0439-3328, Fax +39-0439-332999 e-mail: info@dolomitipark.it, www.dolomitipark.it
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Alpine Guides
Guide Alpine Val di Zoldo: Tel +39-328-2170815 or +39-347-2990255 e-mail info@guidealpinevaldizoldo.it www.guidealpinevaldizoldo.it
Guide alpine Agordine: Tel. +39-0437-592144
Guide alpine Val Fiorentina: Tel. +39-0437-720248 e-mail: ruggerovallazza@genie.it
http://www.valfiorentina.it/selva/
at/estate/oltre/guide.htm
Zero8mila: Tel. +39-339-2201656 e-mail: guidealpine@zero8mila.it www.zero8mila.it
Weather
Arpav – Dolomiti Meteo:
Tel. +39-0436-755711, http://www.arpa.veneto.it
/bollettini/htm/dolomitimeteo.asp
Meteo audio:
Tel. +39-0436-780007
Italy:
www.meteo.it,
www.meteoitalia.it
www.meteoam.it
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Alpine Clubs
Club Alpino Italiano (CAI), Sezione Val di Zoldo: Tel +39-0437-78100, e-mail vallezoldana@cai.it
Public Transport
Dolomitibus: www.dolomitibus.it
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Maps
Map Tabacco, Sheet 015 Marmolada – Pelmo – Civetta – Moiazza: 1:25.000 Map Tabacco, Sheet 025 Dolomiti di Zoldo, Cadorine e Agordine: 1:25.000
Map Meridiani Montagne: Civetta – carta: 1:25.000 and detailed map 1:10.000
Websites
www.alparc.org
www.dolomiti.org
whc.unesco.org/en/list/1237
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Here is an excellent link on how to get there. Wherever you are going.
Michelin
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