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Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths

bagi11. 10. 2021 13:19:44

Every year we explore something new and this time the Marmolada massif appealed to us. We don't like crowded accesses too much and accordingly we smoothly skipped the glacier with Punto Penino. Instead we came up with a lesser-known area between Val di Fassa and San Peregrino valleys. There really were no crowds, nor did we expect to be alone on the path. Our trip lasted three days and we met only a few locals.

At the end it all turned out as a nice circular variant. We walked all sorts of terrain, sometimes with slight doubt if these are even the Dolomites anymore. They have many faces, only the name is common. Anyway, after three days our counter stopped at 55 km and 5500m ascent. We unanimously agreed we'll return big grin

. More in photo stories ...

And how did we hike?

DAY 1 - Pozza di Fassa, Sas da le Doudesc, Sentiero Franco Gadotti, Sentiero Bruno Federspiel

We started in Pozza di Fassa village, where we returned on the last day too. On paths 636, 635 and 617 we climbed to Monzoni ridge, visited its initial summit and continued on Sentiero Franco Gadotti marked 630A. This path is a mix of attractive passages on steep slopes, several times with via ferrata sections too. Ambience is nice, you constantly feel the mighty backdrop around you. Path ends at saddle below easily accessible Punta Vallaccia peak.

From there onward along the ridge leads Sentiero Bruno Federspiel marked 616. It's extremely unusual, nothing of Dolomites look and ends at Passo delle Sella. By looks it's a combination of our Košuta and Carnic 403, full of geological features throughout. Mostly sticks to the ridge, only occasionally retreats to slopes. Some sections steep, unpleasantly exposed and poorly marked. Different rocks change like on conveyor belt. Ridge is excellent viewpoint due to location, autumn obviously also great fog magnet smile

.

First day we finished at Passo delle Selle saddle and slept in namesake hut. Rif. Passo delle Selle has only 24 beds and we were slightly worried if there'd be a bed for us too. No problem at all. In total three of us overnighted, service excellent as if hut full. Rooms on level too, not to mention caretaking team smile

. Easily recommend hut to others. That day 15 km and 2200m ascent.

Coordinates of start (Pozza di Fassa): 46.429221, 11.694835

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths The path at the very beginning follows the ski slope, caution needed at the upper station

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Further the markings are being renewed, signs not yet written. Here 635 passes

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths We already higher, at bivouac D. Zeni. Here also officially starts Sentiero Franco Gadotti

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Named after alpinist Gadotti, tragically deceased at tender 21 years

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Introduction is interesting, immediately serves with steel cables

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Some passage is more exposed, really not difficult

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Follows ascent on steep grassy slopes, then we are again in rocks

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Ascent to initial ridge summit. This is right of basic route

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Sas da le Doudesc - 2446 m

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths View from the summit to the village of Pozza di Fassa, our starting point

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths We are going left, we have just arrived from the right

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths We continue along picturesque passages, partly with the aid of wire ropes and pegs

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths View back to the just visited Sas da le Doudesc

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Intermediate peak Sas Aut

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths A more difficult section follows almost immediately

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths The safety gear is excellent. On these pegs the foot cannot slip left or right

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths We meet an overly hasty guide who has completely worn out his clients

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths The setting is grand, somewhat mysterious due to the fog

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths We must reach the saddle. The scree consists of fine material and is great to walk on

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths The fog has partially cleared. We have just emerged on the right edge

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths At the top of Punta Vallaccia, 2637 m high vantage point

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths View of the continuation. The Sentiero Bruno Federspiel runs along this ridge

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Our route is path 616A. We have another four hours to the hut

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths The start is pleasant, nothing special

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Gradually the ridge becomes ever narrower, soon it gets tricky

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths More and more rocks, the path is still well trodden

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Little stars, unofficial marker for the Sentiero Bruno Federspiel path

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Here the passages are already quite exposed, sometimes barely visible

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths This is how it looks ...

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Then grass follows again, we walk on a narrow path

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Descent to the saddle Forcela Ricoletta

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Here are also markers for the transverse path connecting one valley to another

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Black rock, another of the geological faults on this ridge

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Everything is scoured, yet the path mostly sticks to the edge

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths View back at a section of the traversed path

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Time to recharge the batteries :) First longer break today

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths The environment changes again, it looks like walking on Karnijski 403

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Some difficult passages are overcome with the aid of fixed ropes

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Some small bridges can also be found

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths path marker

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths We walk on the left side of the ridge. No fog here, nor wind

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths When we cross to the right side, wind and cold await us

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths We are back on the left, this time in a more demanding section

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths It is becoming increasingly clear to us that this is all a military path

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Punta Alochet with many markers and riddled with caverns

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths We quickly find an explanation: fierce battles took place here in WWI

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths We are approaching the final goal of this day

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths At Passo delle Selle the Sentiero Bruno Federspiel also ends

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Hut Rif. P'so delle Selle right above the saddle

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths Inside it is exceptionally beautiful and immediately gives a feeling of homeliness :)

Dolomites Marmolada - on lesser-known paths BLUE line - GPS track of the hiked path DAY 1

(+8)

bbugari111. 10. 2021 14:41:03

Excellent, as usual... smile

Passo delle Selle, Passo Sella is on the way Val di Fassa - Val Gardena... wink

bagi11. 10. 2021 15:06:18

Fixed, thx smile

bagi12. 10. 2021 12:43:15

DAY 2 - Alta via Bepi Zac, Sentiero de le Cirele, Ferrata Ombretta, Cime de Ombreta

Here it got a bit stuck, the Alta via Bepi Zac path is unfortunately under renovation (status 2021). It's the highest part of the traverse and runs along former military paths. Signs about path closure everywhere. We didn't want to look like illiterate fools, so we found a valley detour towards Passo Peregrino. Sentiero de le Cirele no. 607 would be reached via Alta via, but we joined it in this detour variant already a bit before Rif. Fuciade hut.

Continuation gets more alpine with every step. With numerous serpentines we overcame vast scree fields and after long ascent finally reached Passo Cirele. First visited nearby Palon de Jigole peak, then more distant Ombretolo. Another descent over scree and we were at Ferrata Ombretta. This one is rather short, difficulty B/C, protections flawless. Followed crossing of the plateau under Sass Vernalom, ascent to three-thousander Ombreta Orientale and slightly lower Ombreta de Mezzo.

Past bivouac Marco dal Bianco we descended to narrow Passo de Ombreta saddle. This area looks serious, with mighty walls on both sides. No wonder, this saddle divides Marmolada range into two parts. First is where we came from, second is 3343 m Punta Penina rising right above the saddle. Along path 610 we continued left into Val Rosalia valley and further to Rif. Contrin hut. We overnighted here. Hut all best, they even gave us a room with private shower and facilities. That day 20 km and 1700 m ascent.

After a good breakfast we leave the hut. A beautiful day awaits.

At the hut is the start of Alta Via Bepi Zac, unfortunately closed this time for renovation

We change our plans and descend rightwards along path 604 towards the valley.

Chairlift from the saddle Passo S. Pellegrino.

Signs for the closure of Alta Via Bepi Zac are on all accesses

The alta via runs up there. No problem, we'll get there :)

Slowly we move into the side valley Code

Pastoral / holiday settlement around the hut Rif. Fuchiade

The highest part of the ridge with the three-thousander Cima dell'Uomo in the background

Along path 607 we continue into the high alpine world

First we have to climb to the pass Pas da le Cirele

To it we have to traverse endless scree fields

The scenery is beautiful, weather nice and air cool. We don't need more :)

Even the scree is excellent for walking, completely contrary to expectations

This is how it looks from a bird's eye view

Pas da le Cirele, horizons open up to us

Rare hikers look at Palon de Jigole, our first peak

On the right follows the narrow path 612B to the pass Pas de Ombetola

Our goal is the almost three-thousander Ombretola, a completely easy peak

Across the scree we head towards the via ferrata Ombretta and that via some strange variant

View back. An official path exists, in reality it's a descent over rubble and debris

Entrance to the short via ferrata Ombretta. It overcomes approximately 70 m of steep rock steps

There are also some C sections. They are short and excellently secured.

The via ferrata leads to the upper, more rugged scree slopes.

Three-thousander Sasso Vernale. An unmarked and demanding military path leads to it.

We treat ourselves to its neighbor Ombreto Orientale, also a three-thousander.

View over the Marmolada saddle to Piz Boè in the Sella group. Hut visible on the summit.

We go to visit the nearby Ombreto Mezzo as well.

View into the narrow valley Val Rosalia with the mighty walls of Vernale and Punte Penine.

We descend towards the pass Passo de Ombreta, where there is also the bivouac Marco dal Bianco.

Interior of the bivouac with an incredible number of bunks :)

On the saddle there are again plenty of black rock formations. They remind me of solidified lava.

Passo de Ombreta, squeezed between walls.

Our goal is exactly where the sun is shining :)

We are already on the pastures of the Contrin mountain pasture.

Look back. We walked on the right side of the misty curtain.

Hut Rif. Contrin, which will host us tonight. Excellent choice :)

GREEN line - GPS track of the walked path DAY 2

(+9)

bagi13. 10. 2021 12:46:39

DAY 3 - Passo S. Nicolo, Rif. Ciampac, Ferrata dei Finanzieri, Colac, Sas de Adam, Pozza di Fassa

Already early in the morning a nice day had formed. We ascended along path 608 to the Passo S. Nicolo saddle and continued along 613 towards Colac. This area is exceptionally scenic, hiking is pure pleasure nasmeh

. To Colac we climbed via Ferrata Finanzieri, descended via easier variant.

Ferrata Finanzieri is serious stuff. One needs to consider the substantial length and C difficulty category. Pure via ferrata is good 500 m of elevation gain, some parts strenuous. Summit excellent viewpoint due to central position. We descended via not quite easy ferrata on opposite side of the mountain, attractive and well protected. Used for normal access to summit.

At the saddle we caught path 613 again and continued to grassy ridge above La Mandra valley with highest peak Sas de Adam. Here we stood right opposite the ridge of first day closing the circle around Marmolada exploration. We descended to Rif. Buffaure hut and switched to path 643. Through vast storm-damaged areas back to start in Pozza di Fassa. That day 20 km and 1600 m ascent.

To conclude ...

Hiked a lot, saw a lot and enjoyed greatly velik nasmeh

. Area little visited, hut prices very reasonable. Plenty of them and satisfied everywhere we stayed or stopped. No Covid measures, no one asks for *Green pass*, staff consistently wears masks. Except for Alta Via Bepi Zac we did all planned, but gathered ideas for at least one more such trip. Definitely coming back nasmeh

We say goodbye to the hut already early in the morning

Slowly ascending along path 608. In the background Col Ombert

Hut Rif. Passo S. Nicolo with magnificent view

Following path 613 towards Forcia Neigra

The path is exceptionally scenic, new vistas open up

In the background, Colac shyly reveals itself

Geological peculiarity. The right summit is almost black, glued together from different rocks

This time we deliberately skip Colac. Descending to the Ciampac valley

The valley has two huts, Rif. Ciampas and Rif. Tiobia del Gaigher

The path to enter the Finanzieri via ferrata is not well marked

The via ferrata is from the 80s, renovated in the latest fashion. Requires fitness and experience

The entry part is not difficult. You climb over compact rocks along steel cables

There are some exposed traverses, all well protected

After the initial warm-up, there's more steepness already

A multitude of pegs provides passage over the vertical step

This is followed by a similar challenge, only much longer and a shade more vertical.

This transitions into an exposed traverse across a smooth slab.

And it continues with straddling the rocky ridge :)

To top it off, a crossing over a deep rocky notch follows.

Exit. Surprised by the length, satisfied with the ferrata :)

Recharging batteries and enjoying the view.

We walked here yesterday. Left Punta Penina, right our ridge.

Markings at the top for the easier descent variant.

The ambience is beautiful, descent between mighty walls.

The path is quite exposed and solidly secured. Some cables are loose.

Here we zigzag. We returned to the known path.

Descending again into Ciampac valley, but this time not to the huts.

Our goal is Sela dal Brunech, passage to La Mandra valley.

Another look back at Colac. In such surroundings the Finanzieri ferrata runs.

We are already on the other side of the pass.

We continue along the ridge towards Sas de Adam. View back.

View ahead towards our summit. Sas de Adam is 2430 m high.

Below it is the ski slope with the upper station at the hut Rif. El Zedron.

From it, it descends to the lower hut Rif. Buffaure, where we search for path 643.

Laid out through areas of extensive windthrow, it is excellently cleared.

This forest giant is made from remains of windthrow. It is approx. 10 m high

Pozza di Fassa. Slowly we conclude and head to new challenges :)

YELLOW line - GPS track of the hiked path DAY 3

(+7)

bagi28. 08. 2023 15:18:10

In 2021 we explored Monzon ridge via Sentiero Franco Gadotti and Sentiero Bruno Federspiel and wanted to explore Costabel ridge via Alta Via Bepi Zac. Due to its thorough renovation we had to skip it then, but after two years they finally opened it. This was the main reason we revisited Marmolada group this year and spent some wonderful days there nasmeh

. Besides the mentioned path we explored quite a bit more within our scope and logistically sensible.

And how did we hike this time?

DAY 1 - Alba village, Rif. San Nicolo hut, Kaiserjager ferrata, Col Ombert summit, Val San Nicolo valley, Sentiero Gino Badia, Rif. Passo delle Selle hut

First day used for access to Bepi Zac start. Of course much faster from other start, but already on first visit years ago we made a wishlist with new attractions. Among them definitely worth mentioning Kaiserjager ferrata, quite demanding military access to Col Ombert summit. Ferrata little known and seen better days. Already entrance offers torn cable and free climbing. Most tricky is few-meter chimney without good holds and footholds, plus cable hangs to the right. Solid D. Otherwise than with arm strength, hauling on rope and bit of luck not easy velik nasmeh

. Higher somewhat easier and so to scenic summit.

This we crossed and on opposite side descended deep into San Nicolo valley. This is closed to traffic in summer season, which is right given massive visits. From valley of course uphill again to passage through needle's eye under Pala di Crapela summit. Such narrow passage in broad massif rarely seen nasmeh

.

On opposite side already spotted familiar Rif. Passo delle Selle hut, where we overnighted second time. Hut and keepers still all best, prices lower than at home. More details on whole path in photostory ...

Start coordinates (Alba - Ciampac parking): 46.4584836N, 11.7881242E

We park in Alba at the parking lot for the Ciampac gondola. Parking fee = 7 € / day

On path 602 we head towards Rif. Contrin hut, but we turn right just before it

Right away on the clearing a welcome as it should be :)

We are still deep in the shade, peaks bask in the morning sun

We are already on path 648 towards Passo S. Nicolo

In the distance our first goal … Col Ombert

On the left we admire the highest peaks of Marmolada range, where we will go a couple of days later

Majestic Col Ombert with modest Rif. S. Nicolo hut

The hut is modest only on the outside, inside we find tidiness and friendly staff surprisingly

After a short stop we say goodbye to the hut and tackle the steep incline

View back to S. Nicolo pass and Colac peak in the distance

View ahead on Kaiserjager ferrata. Some climbers stuck at the same spot for 15 minutes already. Hmmm???

Even the start does not inspire confidence in us. A metal ladder hangs from the wall, the entry steel cable is torn off.

The initial jump used to be protected, now everything is left to inventiveness :)

The cables haven't been renewed for a long time, but they are reliable and useful on difficult sections.

In many places it borders on high C, plus the rock is smooth with poor grips and footholds.

This is especially evident at the spot where the climbers ahead of us got stuck. The several-meter jump thoroughly tires us too.

The Kaiserjager ferrata is essentially a military route to a panoramic peak, but later it was rerouted along a different path at several points.

The wall has been vertical for a long time, difficulties are smaller than in the first part.

There are quite a few such attractive passages, so we explore a completely new route for us with pleasure.

We exit the ferrata high up, practically at the very summit.

Col Ombret is an excellent vantage point and the weather cooperates with us too :)

We have already traversed quite a bit, we will do more :)

Tomorrow the Costabele range via the Bepi Zac path is next.

We cross the range and pick up path 609 on the opposite side.

Along it we will descend substantially into the Val san Nicolo valley, which is closed to all traffic in summer.

View right to the San Nicolo pass. Behind that edge is the hut that we visited this morning.

Val San Nicolo. We will descend all the way to the road far below.

Baita alle Cascate, or colloquially a hut at really beautiful cascading waterfalls :). Our peak in the background.

A bit further ahead we pick up path 641, which delivers us back to the upper stories across steep slopes :)

It was hot below, but here a nice cool breeze and everything is nicer right away.

Especially if the view rests on such scenes :)

No doubt we are already in serious high mountains.

Over there is our passage to the other valley. The Gino Badia path marked 640A follows.

Surprisingly the rock offers good grip and the ascent is a real pleasure :)

Some passages are exposed and the safety gear comes in very handy.

Tight as a string, the cable of course :)

The most beautiful part of the path, narrow passage between vertical walls.

On the other side we spot the hut that will host us tonight.

First a steep descent from the notch follows...

View back. The passage between the valleys is in this notch.

View of the Alta Via Bruno Federspiel ridge trail, hiked a few years ago.

Friendly hut Rif. Passo delle Selle, hosting us for the second time.

In front of the hut is the marker for the start of the Alta Via Bepi Zac path. We will go there tomorrow.

We arrived just before dinner. Not many of us, day visitors have long gone.

GPS track of the first day. We walked 16 km and 2000 m of ascent.

(+11)

bagi29. 08. 2023 12:19:38

DAY 2 - Rif. Passo delle Selle hut, Alta Via Bepi Zac path (both parts), Passo da la Cirele pass, Rif. Contrin hut, return to Alba

We waited two years and finally got it. Alta Via Bepi Zac path finally renovated and we are at its start. Logical continuation of Franco Gadotti and Bruno Federspiel paths and also the most demanding. Also most military, no doubt. On these ridges Austria-Hungary and Italy faced each other and path built for needs of that time. Luckily preserved to today, as overall path par excellence nasmeh

.

Here a warning is in place. Alta Via Bepi Zac has two parts and two quite different characters. First part from Passo delle Selle saddle to Forcela del Ciadin fork. This part certainly demanding, but excellently secured and no special problem for trained mountaineer. At this fork path 637B leads to valley.

Second part continues straight ahead past Forcela Uomo and Forcela di Laghet to Passo da la Cirele pass. This part incomparably more demanding than first, less trodden, more exposed and especially less secured. Certain sections require full attention, as mistakes simply not allowed there. Path marked, though at Forcela Uomo not all clearest. Here many marks of different ages and directions, so we caught right direction only on second attempt velik nasmeh

.

Warmly recommend Alta Via Bepi Zac, but definitely first check photostory and comments under photos. Path not for everyone. We planned it as part of two-day exploration, otherwise easiest access from Passo di San Pellegrino saddle. From there doable in one day.