Relatively short stage, easy and without major differences in height, on some of the most popular itineraries in the Dolomites.
We reach the foot of the Sesto Dolomites, under the marvelous Punta dei Tre Scarperi (3,152 m) and the mighty pillar of Cima Una (2,698 m).
We leave Rifugio Rinfreddo following the road that goes down (approximately 250 m drop) towards Passo Monte Croce di Comelico. After Malga Coltrondo, we take the path on the right side cutting into the woods. We then proceed on the road, and with some ups and downs, paying attention to the very clear signage, we reach the well-known pass (1,636 m) from which we enter (temporarily) in Trentino-Alto Adige.
We take the paved road to the right and after a few hundred meters we find the carriage road that climbs towards Prati di Croda Rossa (about 300 m height difference). The stretch is very easy and enjoyable, traveled by many.
Finally, we pass on an easy path and, after the Buco del Bracconiere, the view opens onto Punta dei Tre Scarperi (3,152 m) supported by imposing rocky balconies.
Prati di Croda Rossa are crowded with tourists. We cross the plain and descend towards Val Fiscalina (approximately 450 drop).
Once we reach the road, we turn left entering the valley. After passing some hotels, we take the forest road (not signposted and therefore with little traffic) to the bed of the semi-dry stream, from where we return to the road and continue southwards to the Fondovalle mountain hut, at the foot of the vertical Cima Una (2,698 m). The scenery is dreamlike and makes us forget about the noise of tourists.
The Fondovalle mountain hut is located in Val Fiscalina, on the border with Val Pusteria and the Tre Cime Natural Park. Above the mountain, hut stands the incredible north face of Cima Una. On the central part of the wall, next to the dark volcaniclastic stripes, a much lighter section of live rock stands out: it is the scar left by the landslide that broke away from the mountain in October 2007, bringing downstream over 60,000 cubic meters of material (the equivalent of a palace). Fortunately, all the facilities in the area had closed a few days earlier and there were no victims. A dense cloud of limestone dust invaded the valley for days and the plants looked as if they were covered in snow.
Small curiosity: at the foot of the nearby Croda Rossa there is a family of reindeer originally from Finland.
In Sesto, it is possible to visit the museum dedicated to the South Tyrolean painter Rudolf Stolz, who died in the municipality in 1960. In the ancient round chapel at the entrance to the municipal cemetery, stands out its fresco depicting a macabre dance, a very popular subject in the German medieval world.
For more info regarding timetables and tickets, visit the following LINK.
One of the specialties of Ladin cuisine is turtres, pancakes with ricotta, and (traditionally) potatoes. There are many variations: those with spinach, originally prepared only on Saturday nights, or with sauerkraut.
The circular tutres are fried and often served with a barley soup called panicia.
Rifugio Fondovalle, in Val Fiscalina. Tel. +39 0474 710606
Starting point reachable by car.
Starting point NOT reachable by bus.
The closest location reachable by bus is Moso, departing from the city of Brunico with a change in Dobbiacco.
Here is the LINK to check the timetables.
Starting point NOT reachable by train.
Va' Sentiero is a grassroot project, thanks to the spontaneous contribution oft housands of people.
Even the most complicated dream, a 7,000km uphill dream,
can be achieved... together.
Grazie!
