Touch the Dolomites

Nuvolau – only flying is better!

touchthedolomites — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:13:34 +0000

Last Thursday, the 25th August me, Silvia Kostner and 10 guests from the Posta Zirm Hotel took off for the magnificent hike on the Nuvolau.
This hike started at the Passo Falzarego that we reached by minibus from the Posta Zirm Hotel, taking first the path number 440.
Between all the high peaks in the Dolomites, the Nuvolau could be considered a dwarf but it is highly underestimated as it offers some of the best views ever! From the top, the scenery was simply breathtaking. As the eye wandered to the famous Cinque Torri and beyond to the Tofana di Rozes, a giant massif that we were observing during the whole hike from different angles. We saw the Tofana di Mezzo, the unusual Croda Rossa, the Cristallo, the Sorapis and the Antelao.
On the other side, our eye caught the Queen of the Dolomites, the Marmolada as well as the lonely giant the Pelmo and the Civetta over Alleghe. What a spectacular sight!
The path we followed before yes, getting lost, was quite narrow and the elevation was not to be underestimated.
The regular path is at times difficult and strenous and a really steep bus short pass needs to be crossed. Let’s say that taking the detour added some spices to the hike but all the guest managed bravely!
We enjoyed our picnic around the Cinque Torri before heading back along the path number 441 to the Pian dei Menís where the minibus was standing. But as in many other hikes, there is always time to take a Kneipp dip to our feet before getting in the car. What a bliss after 5 hour hiking in our hot boots!

Lenght: approx. 5 hours
Difficulty level: about 600 meters elevation, good physical condition required

Hiking Puez-Odle National Park

Touch the Dolomites — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 12:59:21 +0000

Dear friends,
Yesterday, the 16th August, me Silvia Kostner and 10 brave guests from the Posta Zirm Hotel, decided to take the challenge to explore the unique lunar landscape of the Puez National Park.
Starting point of the hike was the Passo Gardena that lies just over Corvara. Immediately we started our climb to the top of the Passo Cir. We had to take some breaks during this climb in order to admire the scenery behind us: the terraces of the Sella were a spectacula sight as you can tell from the images below! This first part is characterized by incredibly delicate looking pinnacles. From the top of the Pass we can see the Val Chedúl below us. We had to be a little careful on our short descent around the corner as the path is really narrow and slippery, besides that, there are no iron cables to hold on to. From below we could already see the next steep ascent leading to the highest point of the day: the Passo Crespeina (2529 m.). This is a zigzag up loose stones that ends at the top with a crucifix. The view over the Sassolungo in Val Gardena from here is amazing.
As we continued our hike we made a short stop at the Crespeina Lake, peaceful and crystal clear. From the pictures you can see how beautifully the surrounding peaks and clouds reflected themselves in the water.
We could not rest for too long as the hike is really long and we had to reach the other side of the Valley for our pic-nic.
All guest could not believe that all this wonder was just lying behind the Ciampac and Sassongher, mountains so well known by everyone who has ever been to Alta Badia.
As our pic-nic spot we choose to sit on the grass on one of the exposed natural terraces overlooking the canyon and the Val Lunga in between.
After one hour rest we tackled to 2 hour descent back to the village of Colfosco where we were picked up by Jakov, the porter of the Posta Zirm Hotel. All guests were more than happy after such an inspirational hike but said they will now need a couple of days to recover before the next long tour!

Length: approximately 6 hours
Difficulty level: advanced hiking, steep ascents and descents

Posta Zirm Happy Pic-Nic

touchthedolomites — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 12:56:45 +0000

Dear friends,
Last Thursday, on the 11th of August the Posta Zirm Hotel invited all dear guests to a gourmet pic-nic with all sorts of delicacies:
from the antipasto to a wonderful mushroom risotto to polenta, grilled sausages and cutlets. There was even dessert under the blue sky and grappa without fail!
We all had a really good time! Enjoy!

Lagazuoi Lake Pass

touchthedolomites — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 12:39:00 +0000

Dear friends,
Last Saturday, on the 13th of August me, Silvia Kostner and 12 guests from the Posta Zirm Hotel left for a hike that is defined for its unusual biodiversity, the Lagazuoi Lake Pass.
This is a hike that stats already with a visual highlight: the views from the Rifugio Lagazuoi are famous and have been photographed by
many adventure and mountain magazines over the past years.
The Lagazuoi is in fact one of the highest Rifugios in the Dolomites and with its proud 2742 m it offers views over many celebrity peaks of the Dolomites! We started walking downhill along the path number 401. The scenery was breathtaking, we were surrounded by steep walls
and silence on an unreal lunar landscape until we reached the Lake Lagazuoi. Deep grey clouds obscuring some peaks gave a real dramatic, gothic effect and incredible depht to it all, of course they also meant rain approaching. The deep blue colour of the Lake Lagazuoi offered our eyes a pleasant relief from the sun reflection on the white, pale rocks. From the lake we could already see what was expecting us next: an incredibly steep ascent through a narrow gorge that from here seemed impenetrable.
But as we started facing it, a well built zig-zag helped us getting to the top without too much hassle (2486 m.).
From here the view was astonishing: we could admire the Lagazuoi on the side we came from and catch a glimpe of the beautiful Fanes Valley on the other side. Slowly we started our descent heading for the Fanes Valley with its peaceful meadows and rivers. As we were all hungry at this point, we started looking for a pic-nic spot where we had time to soak in the atmosphere. Further on we crossed the Fanes Valley where we started our way back.
Once at the Col d’Locia, a heavy descent put our stamina to the test once more.
At the bottom, the minivan took us right back to the Posta Zirm Hotel on time for the afternoon tea!

Lenght: approx. 5 hours
Difficulty level: quite strenuous, some exposed parts

Approximate lenght: 6 hours of walking
Difficulty level: medium, steep ascent at the beginning

Sorapis Lake

touchthedolomites — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 08:53:35 +0000

Dear friends,
Last Wednesday, on the 10th of August me, Silvia Kostner and 20 (!) guests from the Posta Zirm Hotel left for the spectacular, unique scenery and challenging path that was going to take us to on of the hidden jewels of the Dolomites, the Sorapis Lake.
We had to leave the Posta Zirm Hotel fairly early in the morning for this stunning hike as the Passo Tre Croci, where the hike starts, lies about 10 km after Cortina d’Ampezzo. I would say it took us abour
one hour by car to reach the starting point. The number 215 took us initially through a forest on a comfortable path that becomes more narrow and exposed as the time goes by. As we gained elevation,
we could admire the majestic and awe-inspiring vertical walls of the gigantic Sorapis in front of us while the symbol of the Dolomites, the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo were lying placidly behind us.
As we moved on, the path became more and more rocky and exposed putting our absence of vertigo to the test.
We encountered very convenient iron ladders that helped us over steep rocks and some very exposted streches were secured by iron cables. But our mental and physical efforts were all paid off as we reached the real highlight of the day: the Sorapis Lake that peacefully lies in the middle of the Sorapis amphitheatre.
We walked around the shore in order to reach the probably most panoramic pic-nic spot in the world.
Vertical walls falling into the emerald water while the “God’s Finger” reigns above us.
It is a scenery of unparalleled beauty and harmony.
After a mandatory coffee at the Rifugio Vandelli we headed back to the Passo Tre Croci along the same path.

Approximate lenght: 5 hours of walking
Difficulty level: medium, necessary to be free of vertigo, very exposed parts

Fanes National Park

touchthedolomites — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 15:32:34 +0000

Dear friends,
Last Tuesday, on the 2nd of August me, Silvia Kostner and 4 guests from the Posta Zirm Hotel left for the Fanes National Park.
Four guests are not exactly a huge number but the heavy rainfalls of the previous night and the low clouds in the morning scared most of the guests off. And how right we were to give the day a chance!
Our trip started at the Capanna Alpina,
just about 15 km from the Posta Zirm Hotel.
By the time we started climbing the first ascent up to the Col d’Locia (2069 m.), it had already cleared up and a really typical July summer day was ahead of us! Once at the top of the first ascent, the view made up for all the effort! Saying we found ourselves submerged in a fairy tale scenery is an understatement. Peaks as far as the eye can go, clear mountain rivers and romantic, peaceful alpine lakes.
As we then continued through the Fanes Grande pasture, we found ourselves surrounded by imposing sharp walls, grazing cows, free horses and whistling marmots!
Eventually the view opened up leaving us in front of a wide natural amphitheatre surrounded by alpine dwarf pines, and woods of spruce. Instead of having lunch at the Rifugio Fanes, we decided to have our pic-nic on the shores of the beautiful Limo Lake. It’s waters were shining in the sun like a jewel and we just felt like enjoying this view as long as possible before starting our way back on the same route from where we came from.
Just before leaving the last river behind us, I was able to convince all guests to take their hiking boots off and submerge their tired and hot feet in the freezing water! The Kneipp treatment in the middle of the National Park, this is what I call luxury!

Approximate lenght: 6 hours of walking
Difficulty level: medium, steep ascent at the beginning

Pütia – A circuit around a lonely giant

touchthedolomites — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 11:30:05 +0000

Dear friends,
On July 21 2011, 9 guests and me, left the Posta Zirm Hotel with the minibus at 09.00 for our drive to the Passo delle Erbe where our hike started. Passo delle Erbe lies beautifully in a peaceful setting further down in the Badia Valley and takes you through some of the most remote parts of the valley itself. We passed Antermöia, a village where time seems to have stopped in time.
All this area of Val Badia is totally off the beaten track and it is amazing to abserve farmers cutting the grass on incredibly steep fields without any help from machines!
After about one hour drive, we are ready to start our circuit. From Ütia de Börz we get closer to the mountain until we reach the point of turning to the east or to the west.
I always choose to turn to the west first because I prefer tackling the challenging part at the beginning.
And here it is, a very steep ascend on a very narrow path that crosses various detritus slopes. We always take this part very slowly and often stop for a drink in the middle. Thank God we did not have a hot day as the sun would have merciless beamed down on us.
After about one hour and a half we reached the top of the Forcela de Pütia as the rocky path stopped opening up a stunning and comfortable gravel path through beautifully manicured alpine meadows. For someone beeing up here for the first time, it is really difficult to orientate themselves. The perspective of the mountains that we see is totally different and we are seeing the Santa Croce, the village of San Cassiano and the Passo Falzarego at the far back.
As we walked around the Pütia we decided to stop for a quick lunch at the Rifugio Vaciara that lies romantically above the tree line opening up a fantastic scenery!
As a few raindrops were falling into our plates, we decided to pick up our hike soon and we were lucky enough not to get more rain during the day. As we crossed the east side of the mountain our scenery changed again, pine forests and rocky paths with interesting grottos caught our attention.
After about 5 hours we were back at the parking spot ready for our return to the Posta Zirm Hotel.
…all my fellow hikers fell asleep during the return…

Approximate lenght: 5 hours of walking
Difficulty level: medium, steep ascent at the beginning

Viel del Pan – Face to face with the Marmolada

touchthedolomites — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 12:27:43 +0000

Dear friends,
On July 12 2011, 9 guests and me, Silvia Kostner, were forunate enough to hike along the Viel del Pan, a narrow, exposed but fairly comfortable walk that takes you from the Passo Pordoi (2239 meters) to the top of Portavescovo (2478 meters).
This extremely popular hike exposes the probably unbeatable and best views of the Queen of the Dolomites, the only glacier, the Marmolada.
Along the traverse there are also some spots where we could admire the Sella in all it’s splendour.
But the highlight of the day was definitely the Marmolada and the Fedaia Lake that peacefully lies at it’s feet. The weather was so clear that we could actually see people gracefully descending the snow covered flank of the glacier. Skiing is currently not allowed in the summer as the crevasses are dangerously close to the surface but if someone takes the challenge and hires an expert mountain guide, it is possible to ski down after having climbed all the way up.
And believe me, it is a hard way up!
The interesting history of the Viel del Pan is that it was used in the past as a caravan trail for the transportation of goods between the Isarco Valley and the Agordino Valleys. Someone might think why would people use such a narrow, exposed path for transporting heavy goods. The reason was that the roads along the valleys followed the rivers and forests and were exposed to assoults and muggers.

Approximate lenght: 4 hours of walking
Difficulty level: easy, some exposed parts

Settsass to Pralongiá

touchthedolomites — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 08:55:03 +0000

Dear friends,
Last Saturday me and the brave guests from the Posta Zirm Hotel left the Hotel in the early morning heading by local bus towards the Passo Falzarego, the scenery where the front used to be during World War 1.
I say brave because we had to defeat strong winds and temperatures like 3 degrees celsius! The sky was perfectly blue and the air was so clear that we could have seen to Venice had we been high enough!
Our hike started on the top of Passo Valparola along a really narrow path that winds up along the ridge of the mountain Settsass.
The views are breathtaking, the Lagazuoi, the Sella and the Fanes Valley cought our eye straight away.
During this time of the year it was amazing to see a large number of lazy and fat marmots lying on the rocks in order to get warmed up by the morning sun.
There were also some parts where the trail is on rocks and where we really had to watch out not to get frightened by the exposure. At the end of the ridge we climbed a pass and before our eyes the scenery changed completely!
Around the corner of the Settsass we see now the glacier, the Marmolada, the emerald green pastures of Pralongià and Störes and the Col di Lana.
We walked on a completely different terrain now, narrow paths on soft, grassy ground until we reached the Rifugio Pralongià where we had a good plate of pasta before heading down towards the Posta Zirm Hotel for the afternoon tea!

Approximate lenght: 5 hours of walking
Difficulty level: medium, some exposed parts

Santa Croce flower explosion

touchthedolomites — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:12:17 +0000

Should you have read the previous posts, you might think that there are only pastures in the Dolomites as all the posts talk about the enchanting blossoming meadows.
As a matter of fact, this is the only time of the year where it is possible to see all this variety and colours that decorate our mountains.
This is the reason why we are currently staying at lower altitude.
The blooming time will be over all too soon!
Our hike started at the Santa Croce once again and we were lucky enough to spot a marriage at 2000 meters altitude. It was really interesting to see all the invited guests going to the mess by chair-lift! Something not even I had never seen before!
After a nice coffee, we started walking along the trail number 16 that took us right along the Santa Croce walls. Unfortunately we are not yet able to walk into the famous snow cave as the weather has been too cold and the cave has not formed yet.
I recommend this hike as it takes you over the tree line, into the thick forests and onto blossoming meadows.
It has got something for everyone, our guests would agree on this!
For lunch we stopped at the Ranch d’Andrè which has been restored beautifully! The view onto the Sass de Pütia is breath-taking and the lunch yummy! At the ranch you can as usual play with goats, horses and rabbits, an ideal place where to go with children.
Soon enough after lunch, we started walking back to civilization as I could say that we have not met more than 10 hikers during the whole day! On the way down to San Leonardo even more colours spoil our eyes, the more we descend, the more variety of flowers we see, an orgy of colours and shapes, emotions and vibrations.
An ideal setting for the few lucky ones that visit the Dolomites during this time of the year!

Hours of walking: approx. 5
Difficulty level: medium