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authorSebastiano Tronto <sebastiano@tronto.net>2026-01-15 22:01:47 +0100
committerSebastiano Tronto <sebastiano@tronto.net>2026-01-15 22:03:42 +0100
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sebastiano.tronto.net-c8bc1513f9e459dc0c6761fc42f1ea77fce2654d.zip
av2 singlepage + stuff
- Added single-page version of the Alta Via 2 pages, optimized for printing in A4 format. - Added .noheadermd extension to build.sh (treated like .md, but without header and footer). - Added versioning for css file. - Resized some Alta Via 2 pictures for fitting in pdf page.
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1# Alta Via 2
2
3![A picture of me walking on the Farangole trail](../img/25-1033-farangole.jpg)
4
5[Alta Via 2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alta_Via_2) is high mountain
6route in the [Dolomites](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolomites). It goes
7from [Brixen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brixen), in South Tyrol, to
8[Feltre](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feltre), the city where I was born.
9With its 180km of lenght and around 10000 meters of altitude gain, it
10requires multiple days to complete, with most guides suggesting a 12-
11or 13-day itinerary.
12
13In August 2025, my father and I completed this route, walking for
149 consecutive days. In these pages I am going to tell you about
15this adventure, and share some of the pictures that we took.
16If you are interested in hiking similar routes, you may find
17some useful information here, but I am not aiming at writing a
18technical description of the hike.
19
20* [Preparation](../preparation)
21* [Day 1 - The Odles in the rain](../day1)
22* [Day 2 - Trail 666](../day2)
23* [Day 3 - A knee-breaking descent](../day3)
24* [Day 4 - The forest and the pastures](../day4)
25* [Day 5 - Entering the Pala group](../day5)
26* [Day 6 - The Farangole trail](../day6)
27* [Day 7 - The longest day](../day7)
28* [Day 8 - The Troi dei Caserin](../day8)
29* [Day 9 - Cutting it short](../day9)
30* [After the hike](../after)
31
32You can view these pages at
33[https://sebastiano.tronto.net/av2](https://sebastiano.tronto.net/av2).
34
35<div class="page-break"></div>
36
37# Day 1 - The Odles in the rain
38
39<p align="center"><em>August 20, 2025</em></p>
40
41<img src="../img/20-0000-map.png">
42<div class="page-break"></div>
43
44## The road to Kreutztal
45
46Our first day starts quite early, as we wake up at 5:15. My uncle is
47giving us a car ride to Kreutztal, which will take a little more than
483 hours. We leave at 5:55.
49
50We drive up the Cordevole valley, a road that reminds me of the
51many hikes I used to do in the Dolomites, usually starting from the
52[Falzarego pass](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falzarego_Pass),
53hiking around the [Tofane](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tofane),
54the [Cinque Torri](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinque_Torri),
55[Averau](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Averau) and others.
56But we are not going there this time.
57
58The road itself is quite scenic. Sorry, I did not
59take any pictures pictures. Going North, we drive
60through popular touristic destinations like Arabba and
61[Corvara](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corvara%2C_South_Tyrol).
62But these small towns leave a weird impression on me, as they are made
63up mostly of hotels and a few restaurants and bars - all closed because
64it is too early for turists to wake up. Are these places just holiday
65resorts now?
66
67Just before we reach Kreutztal, our starting point, it starts raining.
68
69<div class="page-break"></div>
70
71## The hike begins
72
73![My dad and I, ready to start hiking](../img/20-0924-kreutztal.jpg)
74
75<p align="center"><em>My dad and I, ready to start hiking.</em></p>
76
77By the time we reach Kreutztal (2000 meters on sea level), park the car
78and put on our rain clothes, it is already 9:30. And this is going to
79be one of the longest days, at least according to our estimates.
80
81The [Plosehütte](https://www.plosehuette.com/en/) (2447m) is not
82far, and we reach it pretty quickly. Unfortunately, it is closed for
83renovations, and we can't even get close enough to take a picture of
84our first checkpoint.
85
86At least the view from up there is... something.
87
88![The Odles, surrounded by clouds](../img/20-1033-odles-clouds.jpg)
89
90<p align="center"><em>The <a
91href="https://www.val-gardena.com/en/dolomites/geisler-mountain-group">Odles</a>
92surrounded by clouds.</em></p>
93
94The clouds came and went, but this is pretty much the clearest the
95skies have been the whole morning. Besides the cold and the rain being
96unpleasant, the low visibility gave us some technical difficulties:
97right after passing by the hut, we found ourselves on a grassy slope and
98we lost the track. In normal conditions we would have been able to look
99out for the next trail marking, but with this thick fog we were forced
100to double check our GPS and our maps.
101
102## Down through the forest, then up again
103
104Luckily, it did not take us long to find the right way, and we kept
105descending in a [larch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larch) forest.
106
107![Trail in the forest](../img/20-1150-forest.jpg)
108
109<p align="center"><em>A trail in a forest between Plosehütte and
110Schlüterhütte - Rifugio Genova.</em></p>
111
112The descent is pleasant. We even manage to catch some break from the
113heavy rain, and take a few more pictures of the Odles.
114
115![Another picture of the Odles](../img/20-1211-odles.jpg)
116
117We reach the Rodella Pass (1867m) at around 13:00,
118and from there we walk up to [Schlüterhutte - Rifugio
119Genova](https://www.schlueterhuette.com/en/) (2297m). I did not take
120many notes of this part of the journey, there was too much rain for me
121to take out my journal and write.
122
123As the trail is crossed by a stream of water, we have to pass a short
124challenging section, where we are forced to climb on the wet rock.
125The climb itself is not hard, but the trail is not clearly marked at
126that point, which left us wondering if we were doing the right thing.
127
128We are then blocked by a more difficult trail feature: cows.
129
130![Cows blocking the road](../img/20-1324-cows.jpg)
131
132<p align="center"><em>Cows are blocking the road. Yes, that little gap is
133the only way forward.</em></p>
134
135After overcoming this zoological obstacle, we reached the
136Schlüterhütte - Rifugio Genova at 16:00 and we stop for a slice of
137[*Apfelstrudel*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_strudel).
138
139![Rifugio Genova in the fog](../img/20-1603-schluterhutte.jpg)
140
141<p align="center"><em>Rifugio Genova - Schlüterhütte in the fog.</em></p>
142
143<div class="page-break"></div>
144
145## The long descent to the village
146
147At 6 hours and 30 minutes of hiking, this would have been a good first
148day. But unfortunately we cannot stop here. At 16:30 we begin the long
149descent towards Lungiarü (1398m).
150
151![Me pointing down towards the fog](../img/20-1703-descent.jpg)
152
153<p align="center"><em>Down there, that's where we have to go. Do you see
154it? Me neither.</em></p>
155
156We walk for two hours in the rain and the fog before reaching the
157village. Two hours may not sound like much, but it felt like an eternity.
158
159Just before the village, we pass by a place called
160[*Val di Morins*](https://www.alta-badia.org/en/highlights/sights/val-di-morins-mill-valley/),
161which means "Mill Valley" in Ladin.
162
163![A watermill](../img/20-1816-mill.jpg)
164<p align="center"><em>
165A watermill. In this area it was common to build half-pipes
166with larch trunks to lead the water to the mill.
167</em></p>
168
169The village of Lungiarü, in [Val
170Badia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Val_Badia), is quite nice, but we
171have no energy left for sightseeing. All we can do before falling asleep
172is a shower, dinner, and trying to dry our clothes for the next day.
173
174<div class="page-break"></div>
175
176# Day 2 - Trail 666
177
178<p align="center"><em>August 21, 2025</em></p>
179
180<img src="../img/21-0000-map.png">
181<div class="page-break"></div>
182
183## The beginning of a long day
184
185According to our plan, this second day is going to be the toughest.
186Our planned route consists of more than 1700m of altitude gain, which
187would already be quite a long hike for a single day, leave alone for one
188out of 9 consecutive days of walking. Moreover, the weather forecasts
189for the day are not good - there is a chance of thunderstorms in the
190afternoon.
191
192Luckily we find someone willing to give us a car ride from our B&B to
193the edge of the village, saving us about one hour of walk. We start
194walking at around 8:30.
195
196The first part of the trail is not very steep, and the weather is
197not too bad either. We even manage to see some mountains!
198
199![Some mountains](../img/21-0900-up.jpg)
200
201<p align="center"><em>The Puez-Odle group.</em></p>
202
203In about an hour we reach *malga Antersasc* (2084m on sea
204level). Around this small abandoned building we see a few
205[chamois](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamois) and some very fat
206[marmots](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marmot) - seriously, those
207things were huge! Unfortunately all the pictures I took were terrible,
208you need some pretty good camera to catch them from a distance.
209
210![Me looking a tree](../img/21-0923-tree.jpg)
211
212<p align="center"><em>
213Sorry for the lack of marmot pictures. Here
214is a shot of myself staring at a tree growing on top of a rock instead.
215</em></p>
216
217After a short break, we get back on the trail and start walking towards
218the [Puez hut](https://www.rifugiopuez.it/en/). We could already tell
219from the map that the trail up to *forcella Puez* (2500m), before the
220hut, was going to be very steep. However, we found it to be very well
221maintained, which made it easier than we expected.
222
223![The trail to forcella Puez](../img/21-1103-forcella-puez.jpg)
224
225<p align="center"><em>
226The trail up to forcella Puez is reinforced with some trunks that
227turn it almost into a staircase.</em></p>
228
229Unfortunately, as we walked up, the weather got much worse.
230We were forced to wear all our rain clothes again, including gloves.
231
232We reach the Puez hut (2447m) at 11:20, earlier than planned. We take
233some time to rest and try to dry up from the rain; I change my socks
234and t-shirt, which definitely helps.
235
236## The forgotten Forcellas
237
238(*Forcella* is an Italian term that denotes a tight mountain pass, usually
239only reachable via a steep trail. I will sometimes use the Italian word
240because I don't know an exact equivalent in English. For proper nouns I
241may also use the equivalent word in the local language: *Furcella* or
242*Jeuf* in [Ladin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ladin_language),
243*Joch* in German, *Foržela* in
244[Venetian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venetian_language).)
245
246We start walking again around 12:00, and it is immediately clear that we
247have made a small miscalculation in planning the route. We thought
248that the trail to [Gardena Pass](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gardena_Pass)
249would be straight downhill, but actually we'll have to climb up and then
250down a couple of tight passes: *Furcella de Ciampei* (2366m) and *Jeuf de
251Crespëina* (2528m). This is easily going to cancel out the time we gained
252in the morning. Fortunately, this part of the trail is quite pleasant to
253walk, if at times steep; the weather is also not too bad, as we only have
254to bear some light rain.
255
256![Part of the road to Gardena Pass](../img/21-1347-puez-to-gardena.jpg)
257
258As we are about to reach Gardena Pass (2136m), a strong storm begins.
259I speed up to take shelter in a hut down at the pass, leaving my dad
260a few minutes behind. I reach the pass at 14:35.
261
262## One hell of a trail
263
264The outlook for the last part of the day is bleak, to say the least.
265Thunderstorms are forecast until late in the evening. There is likely
266going to be a small windows of good weatehr between 16:00 and 17:00, but
267it is not going to last long enough to reach the Pisciadù hut, where we
268are going to sleep. We have to choose between leaving immediately under
269the heavy rain hoping it stops while we are on the way, or waiting for
270the first wave of the storm to pass but risking it starting again
271before we reach our destination.
272
273We choose the former, because it was our best chance to arrive at the
274hut before it gets dark. Moreover, despite the forecast of thunder and
275lightning, so far it is just raining heavily, which although unpleasant
276is not dangerous.
277
278We leave the pass at around 15:00, under the storm. The ascent is not
279steep at first. Luckily, as predicted, after about one hour the rain
280stops.
281
282![A view of the Odles from the Gardena Pass
283side](../img/21-1559-gardena.jpg)
284
285<p align="center"><em>Our last view of Gardena Pass and the Odle group,
286on the way up to the Pisciadù hut.</em></p>
287
288But then we reach the infamous trail 666.
289
290![The beginning of trail 666](../img/21-1600-666.jpg)
291
292<p align="center"><em>
293The beginning of trail 666. This is not a nickname, it is
294the actual number that the <a href="https://www.cai.it">
295Italian Alpine Club</a> gave to this trail.
296</em></p>
297
298Actually, this is the easiest of two
299possible ways to the Pisciadù, the other being the [Ferrata
300Tridentina](https://www.alta-badia.org/en/leisure-activities/climbing-and-mountaineering/brigata-tridentina-route/).
301The booklet I am following describes it as "[...] reserved for
302well-equipped experts. Don't do it with heavy backpacks; don't do it if
303the weather is not good." We get at 0 out 3, the thought of taking the
304[via ferrata](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Via_ferrata) does not not
305even cross our minds.
306
307So trail 666 it is. This trail is also known as *Setus trail*, or somewhat
308improperly *Setus via ferrata*. It is extremely steep and it is more a
309climb than a walk, but it is not a via ferrata. Most maps describe it
310as *sentiero attrezzato* (equipped trail), as it does have some fixed
311steel rope and handles where climbers can hang a safety rope.
312
313We have some simple ropes equipped with a
314[Carabiner](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carabiner), and we decide to
315use them. In the following days we would talk with other people who
316took the same route, and some of them would claim that a rope is not
317necessary on this trail. I don't care, I was relieved to have my trusty
318rope, especially considering the bad weather and how tired I was after
319more than 8 hours of hiking (plus the 9 hours of the previous day). And
320a safety rope is certainly of no use if kept in the backpack.
321
322![Trail 666](../img/21-1654-trail666.jpg)
323
324<p align="center"><em>Trail 666 is really steep.</em></p>
325
326Overall, the steel rope and the handles are of great help, and although
327a couple of times I was unsure where to put my feet and I almost slept,
328I would not consider this trail dangerous, if one is properly equipped.
329
330The reason I found this trail hard was its *length*. I seriously had some
331difficulties caused by how tired I was and how sore my muscles were,
332after two full days of hike. Sometimes I could not complete a step or
333an arm movement on the first try because I just did not have the enough
334strength to push or pull up. And the trail just kept going!
335
336But at 17:30, exhausted but satisfied, we finally reach the top of this
337climb. The Pisciadù hut (2587m) is just around the corner.
338
339![My dad at the end of trail 666](../img/21-1734-pisciadu.jpg)
340
341<p align="center"><em>My dad at the end of trail 666.</em></p>
342
343We, our clothes and our boots are still wet from all the rain we caught
344earlier in the day. Let's hope everything dries up during the night.
345
346<div class="page-break"></div>
347
348# Day 3 - A knee-breaking descent
349
350<p align="center"><em>August 22, 2025</em></p>
351
352<img src="../img/22-0000-map.png">
353<div class="page-break"></div>
354
355## The lunar path to Rifugio Boè
356
357Our clothes are still wet by the time we wake up. The summer nights
358in the Alps are just too humid. But at least we can finally see some
359sun. The weather is going to be much better for the next few days.
360
361![View from the Pisciadù hut](../img/22-0702-pisciadu.jpg)
362
363<p align="center"><em>A beatiful view from the Pisciadù hut at dawn.</em></p>
364
365The beds in the hut were comfortable and we slept well. After a comical
366incident with my dad's boots - he put on someone else's pair, not knowing
367that I had brought his into our room, and spent a good 15 minutes
368searching for them - we are ready to leave the hut at 8:20.
369
370![The Pisciadù the lake and Piz Pisciadù](../img/22-0756-pisciadu-lake.jpg)
371
372<p align="center"><em>The Pisciadù lake and Piz Pisciadù (peak Pisciadù).</em></p>
373
374The day starts with a short but somewhat steep section of the trail.
375There are some steel ropes and we use our simple harness once again,
376although this time we felt we could have done without.
377
378At 9:45 we reach what is likely the highest point of our route,
379an anonymous plateau at 2960 meters on sea level. There are higher
380points on some variations of the route, for example *Punta Penia* in the
381[Marmolada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marmolada) massif, but in that
382section we are going to take a lower trail, which is the more classical
383one according to my guide book.
384
385At this point, we are completely immersed in a sea of fog. It is quite
386cold, probably only a couple of degrees above 0°C, and there is some
387unpleasantly cold breeze.
388
389![My dad resting on a rock](../img/22-0946-fog.jpg)
390
391<p align="center"><em>My dad resting on a rock, trying to keep warm.</em></p>
392
393The fog comes and goes, letting us see the beautiful panorama for a few
394brief moments.
395
396![Panorama](../img/22-1006-panorama.jpg)
397
398As we walk down from the plateau, my left knee starts hurting. It is
399not unbearable, and it only hurts when I walk downhill. But it does
400not bode well for the rest of the day: our next stop is 900m below us,
401so we are going to walk downhill for most of the day.
402
403At 10:30 we are on top of the *Antersass* (2906m), a minor peak next to
404the more prominent [Piz Boè](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piz_Bo%C3%A8)
405(3152m). We could have walked around the Antersass, but the trail to
406climb up to the top and then down is actually easier. Going to the top
407of Piz Boè would have been an interesting detour, but not quite feasible
408for our 9-day plan.
409
410We reach [Rifugio Boè](https://www.rifugioboe.it), a recently renovated
411hut at 2873m, before 11:00.
412
413<div class="page-break"></div>
414
415![Piz Boè](../img/22-1145-piz-boe.jpg)
416
417<p align="center"><em> A view of Piz Boè (peak Boè) from Rifugio Boè (Boè
418hut). The hut on the top of Piz Boè is, perhaps confusingly, called <a
419href="https://www.rifugiocapannapizfassa.com/en">Capanna Piz Fassa</a>.
420</em></p>
421
422We have now left Sout Tyrol. The rest of the Alta Via 2 route roughly
423follows the border between the provinces of Trento and Belluno.
424
425We leave the hut at 11:20. The fog has returned, but it is not as cold
426as before.
427
428The trail to *Foržela Pordoi* (2848m) is mostly flat, and very crowded,
429because of a cable car that makes it accessible even to families with
430kids. I am not sure I like this kind of over-turism in places that
431would otherwise be hard to reach.
432
433## A painful descent
434
435As we reach the foržela, the view opens up on a more diverse landscape
436of grass, rock and forests. After a very short break, we start walking
437down to the Pordoi Pass.
438
439The descent is on a long and steep
440[scree](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scree). I have never liked walking
441down this kind of trail, but now that my knee is screaming for mercy I am
442really hating it. I would have rather walked it up twice than down once.
443
444![The steep descent to the Pordoi Pass](../img/22-1236-pordoi-descent.jpg)
445
446<p align="center"><em>The steep descent to the Pordoi Pass.</em></p>
447
448We reach the [Pordoi Pass](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pordoi_Pass)
449at 13:30. I need a long break before continuing, so we decide to lay
450down next to a tiny church just after the pass. Luckily the weather
451is nice - or not terrible, at least - and we can enjoy a nice view of
452the surroundings.
453
454![View from the Pordoi Pass](../img/22-1358-pordoi-pass.jpg)
455
456<p align="center"><em>
457The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sella_group">Sella group</a>
458from the Pordoi Pass.</em></p>
459
460![View towards Canazei](../img/22-1431-canazei.jpg)
461
462<p align="center"><em>The view in the direction of <a
463href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canazei">Cianacei</a>.</em></p>
464
465<div class="page-break"></div>
466
467## Her majesty, the Marmolada
468
469At 14:10, after about 40 minutes of relax, we are ready to get up.
470
471We walk up an easy trail among ski paths. Here too there are plenty of
472turists, and I can't blame them for choosing to walk in such a beautiful
473place. This is a very common touristic destination both in the Summer
474and in the Winter.
475
476We walk past a strange place called [Rifugio
477Fredarola](https://www.fredarola.it/) (2370m), which looks more like
478a night club you could find the center of Milan rather than a mountain
479hut. They are even playing some electronic lounge music. It's hard to
480describe, but it feels oddly out of place here. But maybe for people
481coming from a big city this is just what they expect to find here;
482I guess it is a matter of points of view.
483
484We continue on a wide, mostly flat trail. For now my knee is is doing
485fine, but I am a bit scared for the descent that awaits us later today.
486And finally we have a good view on the Marmolada, the Queen of the
487Dolomites.
488
489![Me in front of the Marmolada](../img/22-1510-marmolada.jpg)
490
491<p align="center"><em>
492The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marmolada">Marmolada</a>,
493the highest mountain in the
494Dolomites, and its glacier. At the feet of the massif you can
495see the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fedaia_Lake">Fedaia
496lake</a>, around which there are a couple of huts, including the one
497where we are staying tonight. In the distance you can see the <a
498href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monte_Pelmo">Pelmo</a> and the <a
499href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monte_Civetta">Civetta</a>.
500</em></p>
501
502We stop at [Rifugio Viel Dal Pan](https://www.rifugiovieldalpan.com/)
503(2432m) for a short break at 15:30. From there, the steep descent towards
504the Fedaia Pass (2054m) begins. My knee forces me to walk slowly, so by
505the time we reach the pass it is already 17:30.
506
507The day is almost concluded, but we have to walk to the opposite side of
508the lake to [Rifugio Fedaia](https://www.rifugiofedaia.com/). The closer
509[Rifugio Castiglioni](https://www.rifugiomarmolada.it/), where we stop
510for a beer, was fully booked when we planned our trip.
511
512![Fedaia lake](../img/22-1730-fedaia.jpg)
513
514We walk fast on the old road next to the lake, chatting with a local
515resident who helps us keep up the pace. We arrive at our hotel at 18:05,
516after almost 10 hours of hike (including breaks), and we are very happy
517to find a comfortable room with private bathroom waiting for us.
518
519This day was longer than we planned, partly because of my knee. But the
520scenery was beautiful.
521
522<div class="page-break"></div>
523
524# Day 4 - The forest and the pastures
525
526<p align="center"><em>August 23, 2025</em></p>
527
528<img src="../img/23-0000-map.png">
529<div class="page-break"></div>
530
531## To Malga Ciapèla and Forca Rossa
532
533Our fourth day starts at 8:20, with a steep descent on a ski path.
534My knee stil hurts, and this points I am afraid I may have to
535deal with it for the rest of the trip.
536
537At 9:30 we pass Malga Ciapela (1450 meters on sea level) and we start
538walking up again. Soon we find an enigmatic sign which is apparently
539trying to communicate that going left or right leads to the same places.
540
541![The confusing sign](../img/23-1012-sign.jpg)
542
543<p align="center"><em>The confusing sign.</em></p>
544
545We spend like 5 minutes figuring this out, and we choose to go left.
546
547The path is not steep and walking in the forest is enojyable. Since we
548are at a lower altitude than we have been for most of the other days,
549it is also much warmer than what we got used to.
550
551![A view from the trail in the forest](../img/23-1115-view.jpg)
552
553<p align="center"><em>
554A view from the forest, on the way up from Malga Ciapèla to Forca Rossa.
555</em></p>
556
557The forest soon leaves space to grassy slopes and naked rock. The way
558up is still pleasant, and we have met almost no other hiker so far -
559in stark contrast with the previous day.
560
561![Grassy slops up to Forca Rossa](../img/23-1220-forca-rossa.jpg)
562
563<p align="center"><em>
564The lower clay-red peak on the center-left of the picture is Forca Rossa,
565where we are headed. "Rossa" in Italian means "red" - it's nice when things
566are what their name says they are, isn't it?
567</em></p>
568
569We arrive at *Forca Rossa* (2500m) at 13:05. Only in the last few minutes
570my knee gave me some problems, but it is not so bad that it makes me
571want to stop.
572
573Here at the top of this trail there are all the hikers that we did not
574meet on the way up; they probably came from the other side. There must
575be some kind of force field blocking tourists from entering the province
576of Belluno.
577
578![View from Forca Rossa to the Belluno side](../img/23-1325-forca-rossa-bl.jpg)
579
580<p align="center"><em>View from Forca Rossa to the Belluno side.</em></p>
581
582![My dad and I chilling](../img/23-1333-chilling.jpg)
583
584<p align="center"><em>My dad and I chilling - quite literally, because of the wind.</em></p>
585
586![View from Forca Rossa to the Trentino side](../img/23-1338-forca-rossa-tn.jpg)
587
588<p align="center"><em>View from Forca Rossa to the Trentino side.</em></p>
589
590<div class="page-break"></div>
591
592## Walking down green pastures
593
594There is a great view on both sides of this pass, but the wind is cold
595and strong and we are not keen on staying long. After eating a couple
596of protein bars and taking many pictures, we start walking down towards
597Fuciade at 13:40.
598
599![The path to Fuciade](../img/23-1420-pastures.jpg)
600
601<p align="center"><em>Walking down to Fuciade.</em></p>
602
603The way down is quite relaxing. We walk among green pastures, where
604cows and horses grazed freely. That is, until they are less romantically
605slaughtered to make [Bresaola](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bresaola).
606But until then they can enjoy the green grass.
607
608At 15:00 we reach Fuciade (1982m), a location where many families with
609kids were relaxing after a meal at [the hut](https://www.fuciade.it/en/).
610If one wants a more quiet place, a short walk up the trail that we were
611descending quickly leads away from the crowd. This place gave a sense
612of tranquillity.
613
614![Me relaxing in Fuciade](../img/23-1512-fuciade.jpg)
615
616<p align="center"><em>Me relaxing in Fuciade while I enjoy a glass of
617<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shandy#Radler">radler</a>
618- don't be fooled by the Coca-Cola can.</em></p>
619
620After a short short break, we move to
621[Rifugio Flora Alpina](https://floralpina.it) (1800m), that we reach
622quickly at around 16:00. The place is surrounded by the forest,
623and the only visible peaks are the
624[Mulaz](https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulaz) and the
625[Focobón group](https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gruppo_del_Focobon).
626
627<div class="page-break"></div>
628
629![The Mulaz and the Focobon group](../img/23-1818-focobon.jpg)
630
631<p align="center"><em>
632A spectacular view of the Mulaz and the Focobón group. As the light
633changed and the clouds moved, the colors changed as well. I spent quite
634some time just sitting outside the hut, admiring these mountains.
635</em></p>
636
637Now, for the first time since we started our journey, we have some time
638to relax before dinner. We enjoy a sauna and a hot tub.
639
640<div class="page-break"></div>
641
642# Day 5 - Entering the Pala group
643
644<p align="center"><em>August 24, 2025</em></p>
645
646<img src="../img/24-0000-map.png">
647<div class="page-break"></div>
648
649## Back on track
650
651![The Focobon group at dawn](../img/24-0648-focobon.jpg)
652
653<p align="center"><em>
654This photo is the same at the last one of the previous day,
655but it is one of my best shots. It is also quite fascinating how the light
656at dawn mixes up all the colors compared to previous day's picture.
657</em></p>
658
659After a long sleep, we are ready to leave Flora Alpina at 8:20. Our
660first checkpoint is the
661[San Pellegrino Pass](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Pellegrino_Pass),
662(1918 meters on sea level) which is unfortunately a bit farther away than
663it would have been if we slept in Fuciade.
664
665It takes us about one hour to reach the pass. On the way we saw a cow
666breastfeeding her calf, which was cute. We cross the main road on the pass,
667and from here we have to walk up on grassy slopes and ski paths. The
668signs point to a path that is not the one we planned, but the two tracks
669join shortly afterwards. The ski paths are extremely steep, but wide,
670so we can easily zig-zag all the way up.
671
672At 10:30 we reach the *Pale di Gargol* (2218m), a plane that I am not
673sure why deserves a name. Perhaps the name refers to the whole area
674which I guess could be described as a rocky meadow.
675
676![The rocky meadow](../img/24-1027-pale-di-gargol.jpg)
677
678<p align="center"><em>
679The Pale di Gargol. The term "pala" means "shovel" in Italian,
680but according to the
681<a href="https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pale_di_San_Martino#Il_toponimo">
682Italian Wikipedia page</a> about the
683<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pala_group">Pale di San Martino</a>
684mountains, in the local language it once denoted a grassy slope at the
685feet of a mountain range.
686</em></p>
687
688Once again, the landscape has changed to show us something completely
689different from that we have seen so far. The constant shifting from rocks,
690to forest, to grass, to yet other types of rock and any combination of
691those features is in my opinion one of the most fascinating aspects of
692Alta Via 2.
693
694![Walking down to Passo Valles](../img/24-1129-panorama.jpg)
695
696<p align="center"><em>Walking down to Passo Valles.
697In the background, the Pale di San Martino.</em></p>
698
699The trail continues almost flat in this unusual scenery until we
700descend to [Passo Valles](https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passo_Valles) (2032m)
701at around 11:50. We are now entering the fascinating section of
702the *Pale di San Martino*, also known in English as the
703[Pala group](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pala_group), of which
704the Mulaz and the Focobón group are the northernmost peaks.
705
706But first we need a break. We stop at a bar on the pass for a coffee
707and a slice of strüdel.
708
709<div class="page-break"></div>
710
711## Veneggia, Venegiotta and Pass dei Fochet
712
713We leave the pass at 12:20, and in half an hour we reach Forcella
714Veneggia (2217m). The view opens up to the wild valley in the south.
715
716![The view from Forcella Veneggia](../img/24-1252-forcella-veneggia.jpg)
717
718<p align="center"><em>The view from Forcella Veneggia.</em></p>
719
720So far, the day has not been particularly challenging. Later on
721we'll have to pass some difficult sections, but for now we continue
722on some easy, if narrow, trails.
723
724Despite the beauty of the place, we don't meet many other hikers.
725In fact, I think we saw more marmots than people in this part of
726the route.
727
728![More mountains](../img/24-1400-venegiotta.jpg)
729
730At around 14:00 we reach *Passo Venegiotta* (2300m), and about 30 minutes
731later *Passo dei Fochet* (2291m). The weather has been good today so far,
732but here a strong cold wind starts blowing, and we can feel a few drops
733of rain.
734
735<div class="page-break"></div>
736
737## Through the rocks, to Rifugio Mulaz
738
739The landscape changes once again. We are now walking on rocks and gravel.
740
741![Another scree](../img/24-1447-rocks-to-mulaz.jpg)
742
743We walk down a scree to around 2175m, before starting to climb up again.
744It's cold and cloudy, and this part of the trail is a fair bit more
745difficult than the previous. Nothing particularly hard or dangerous,
746but we have to pay more attention to where we put our feet.
747
748The trail abruptly becomes extremely steep, and very demanding on my
749muscles, which so far had been enjoying a more relaxing day.
750
751![The climb to Rifugio Mulaz](../img/24-1552-climb-to-mulaz.jpg)
752
753<p align="center"><em>
754Some steel ropes help make the climb to Rifugio Mulaz less dangerous.
755</em></p>
756
757We reach Rifugio Mulaz (2570m) at 16:40, after a little more
758than 8 hours from when we left Flora Alpina. Somehow, despite the
759long walk between them, both these places are in the territory of
760[Falcade](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falcade).
761
762![Reaching Rifugio Mulaz](../img/24-1638-mulaz.jpg)
763
764<p align="center"><em>Reaching Rifugio Mulaz</em></p>
765
766From this hut, the only landscape you can see, in any direction, is naked
767rock. There is a tiny window from where you can see a valley, but the
768sight is cut out and the only visible thing is more rocks. Definitely
769fascinating, although I personally prefer more varied landscapes.
770
771I'll add a picture on the next day's page, the early morning light
772was much better.
773
774Oh and by the way, up here every resource is very scarce. There is
775no drinkable tap water, and showers cost 8€ for 5 minutes. But I
776really need one today.
777
778<div class="page-break"></div>
779
780# Day 6 - The Farangole trail
781
782<p align="center"><em>August 25, 2025</em></p>
783
784<img src="../img/25-0000-map.png">
785<div class="page-break"></div>
786
787## The starry night
788
789During the night I woke up and managed to catch a glimpse of a wonderful
790starry night, the likes of which I had never seen before.
791
792If you live in a place with a lot of light pollution, like every medium
793to large city in the World, seeing *a few* stars may already be an unusual
794experience. At the moment I live in a fairly small city, and we literally
795never see stars over here. We are lucky if we see Venus once in a while.
796
797But I grew up in a small village in a sparsely populated area, I *was*
798used to seeing skies full of stars at night. But this time, at 2500
799metres above sea level, in the middle of literally nowhere, the sky was
800soething else.
801
802I did not manage to take a good picture, sorry. I did not feel like
803going out in the freezing cold, and my phone's camera is probably not
804good enough anyway.
805
806## The Farangole pass
807
808At Rifugio Mulaz, the sun rises at 6:40 and sets at around 7:05.
809In the morning. Luckily for you, I got up early enough to catch
810the *sunset*.
811
812![The morning sunset](../img/25-0707-sunset.jpg)
813
814<p align="center"><em>
815Rifugio Mulaz is closely surrounded by high mountains. This is the
816only spot where you could see something in the distance. This time
817of the year, the sun rises from the peaks on the left of this picture,
818only to hide away behind those on the right a few minutes later.
819</em></p>
820
821It's a beautiful day, if only a bit cold. This time we get up earlier than
822usual and we are ready to leave at 7:15. The main challenge of the day
823is going to be the *Passo delle Farangole* (2932 meters on sea level),
824a high mountain pass not far from the hut. Our guide book even suggests
825a possible alternative route for less confident hikers, but we deemed
826it within our capabilities.
827
828After steep, but short, climb to *Forcella Margherita* (2655m) we reach a
829section of the trail that would not be particularly challenging, if
830not for the fact that the track is not well marked.
831
832![The trail after Forcella Margherita](../img/25-0740-after-forcella-margherita.jpg)
833
834<p align="center"><em>
835The trail after Forcella Margherita, right before the Farangole pass.
836</em></p>
837
838In fact, the traces of the hikers who missed the path are *more* visible
839than the actual trail, likely because said hikers made them more clear
840by backtracking their steps when they realized they were out of the
841trail. We do the same a couple of times.
842
843We soon reach the start of the equipped trail that leads to the pass,
844but it looks sketchy, so I decide to try climbing up the scree next to
845it. This was probably a mistake, so we soon turn left and attach our
846trusty ropes to the steel supports.
847
848![Me, climbing up to the Farangole Pass](../img/25-0830-up-to-farangole-pass.jpg)
849
850<p align="center"><em>Climbing up to the Farangole Pass.</em></p>
851
852The track is very steep, and at times
853[exposed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exposure_%28heights%29), but the
854steel ropes and the other supporting material is in a good state.
855Overall, this famous Farangole Pass is easier than we expected.
856
857![My dad climbing down from the Farangole pass](../img/25-0851-down-from-farangole.jpg)
858
859<p align="center"><em>
860And down we go. The steel ladder looks like it ends in the void,
861but actually there is an extra steel beam protruding from the
862rock, and after that there is only a 60cm drop.
863</em></p>
864
865After clearing the pass at around 9:00, we feel satisfied and proud of
866ourselves. My knee does not even hurt anymore.
867
868Little did we now that the truly difficult part is the Farangole *trail*,
869which we'll have to go through later this morning. But for now, in our
870blissful ignorance, we enjoy the beautiful weather and we take plenty
871of pictures as we walk down from the pass.
872
873![North view, towards the pass](../img/25-0910-blue-sky.jpg)
874
875<p align="center"><em>
876The view North, towards the mountains we have just passed.
877</em></p>
878
879![A rocky plateau](../img/25-1009-rocky-plateau.jpg)
880
881<p align="center"><em>An imposing rocky plateau on the South.</em></p>
882
883![The view to the North-East](../img/25-1019-north-east.jpg)
884
885<p align="center"><em>The view to the North-East.</em></p>
886
887## The Farangole trail
888
889As the trail gets tight and very exposed, we realize that maybe
890*this* is the section the guide book was warning us about. We
891proceed carefully, attaching our home-made harness when a steel rope
892is available. Unfortunately, most of the trail is on a narrow ledge
893surrounded by grass and soft soil, where no piece of supporting material
894can be fixed. At least it is not wet today.
895
896![My dad walking on the Farangole trail](../img/25-1109-dad-farangole.jpg)
897
898<p align="center"><em>
899My dad walking on a narrow section of the Farangole trail.
900</em></p>
901
902![Anoher hiker](../img/25-1141-hiker.jpg)
903
904<p align="center"><em>Another hiker following us on the same trail.</em></p>
905
906Since this trail is challenging and dangerous, we have to keep
907constant focus on our steps and the way ahead of us. We have little
908time to relax and enjoy the beautiful view, and we take much fewer
909pictures than we did earlier.
910
911![View from the Farangole trail](../img/25-1158-view.jpg)
912
913<p align="center"><em>
914The view from the last part of the Farangole trail, towards
915the East. Soon we'll have to walk down to the dry bed of the
916river you can see at the bottom of this picture. The tiny line
917on the hill on the left is the Farangole trail.
918</em></p>
919
920At 12:30 we reach the bottom of *Valgrande* (*Pian dei Cantoni*, 2310m).
921
922## To Rifugio Rosetta and beyond
923
924The way up to Rifugio Rosetta is steep, but short. The previous
925part was not physically demanding, but it was dangerous and
926technically fairly challenging. I am relieved that now I can just
927let my legs bring me up, and I reach the hut at 13:05.
928
929![Rifugio Rosetta](../img/25-1321-rosetta.jpg)
930
931<p align="center"><em>Rifugio Rosetta</em></p>
932
933[Rifugio Rosetta](https://www.rifugiorosetta.it) (2581m) is easily
934reachable with a cable car, and because of this it is very crowded,
935similarly to the area around Piz Boè that we passed through on
936[day 3](../day3).
937
938This is a good time for a break, so we decide to sit down, drink
939a glass of [skiwasser](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skiwasser), and
940eat another slice of strüdel. Yes, we ate a lot of those. The one
941they serve in this hut is particularly good, with plenty of fresh
942fruit and pine nuts.
943
944We get up and leave the hut at 14:05. The weather gets cold and foggy,
945but luckily for us it won't last long. Our plan is to walk down until
946*Col de le Fede* (2200m) and then up again to *Pass dei Ball* (2433m).
947
948The way down is slow and tedious, and my knee starts hurting again.
949
950![Down from Rifugio Rosetta](../img/25-1519-down-from-rosetta.jpg)
951
952<p align="center"><em>Walking down from Rifugio Rosetta.</em></p>
953
954The way up to the pass is steep, and there is a long section equipped
955with a steel rope. But the equipped part is actually very easy compared
956to other similar trails that we have walked this morning and in the
957previous days.
958
959![My dad walking on the equipped trail](../img/25-1606-rope.jpg)
960
961<p align="center"><em>My dad walking on this equipped section.</em></p>
962
963After reaching Pass dei Ball, we walk down slowly to
964[Rifugio Pradidali](https://www.rifugiopradidali.com/eng/Home.html)
965(2278m), which we reach at 17:05.
966
967Later we would discover that there is an alternative route to
968go from Rosetta to Pradidali, which starts by walking up to the
969East and skips both the slow and tedious descent and the
970more steep section before Pass dei Ball. This alternative path was
971probably slightly easier, but it would not have saved us that much
972time and effort.
973
974The Pradidali is a nice hut, but there is no phone signal nor WiFi.
975The showers are still expensive, and when it is my turn the water boiler
976has run out of gas, and I can either wait for it to be replaced or do a
977freezing cold shower. I don't want to wait, so arctic shower here I come!
978
979<div class="page-break"></div>
980
981# Day 7 - The longest day
982
983<p align="center"><em>August 26, 2025</em></p>
984
985<img src="../img/26-0000-map.png">
986<div class="page-break"></div>
987
988## A relaxing stroll in Val Canali
989
990Last night we had to check our maps, because we were not sure which route
991we would be going, according to our plan. We did not remember that the
992guide book suggested two possible alternatives to reach the next hut,
993Rifugio Treviso: a higher mountain trail, with some challenging sections,
994and an easier one that starts by walking down the *Val Canali*, a valley
995that leads out of the Pala group and into the *Vette Feltrine* mountain
996range. Our plan was to follow the easier route, and we decided to stick
997to it.
998
999We leave the Pradidali at 7:30.
1000
1001![Rifugio Pradidali](../img/26-0735-pradidali.jpg)
1002
1003<p align="center"><em>
1004Rifugio Pradidali and a mountain behind it, in a beautiful sunny morning.
1005Maybe I should have taken notes of the names of the peaks I photographed.
1006Oh well, too late now.
1007</em></p>
1008
1009![Val Canali](../img/26-0801-val-canali.jpg)
1010
1011<p align="center"><em>Val Canali.</em></p>
1012
1013The descent is quite diverse, alternating between rocks, gravel, grass
1014and forest. There are some steel ropes that seem oddly placed in a very
1015simple section, but they would probably be useful in a rainy day.
1016
1017![Walking down](../img/26-0814-walking-down.jpg)
1018
1019<p align="center"><em>
1020Walking down an easy trail, in a typical Dolomite landscape.
1021</em></p>
1022
1023At 9:50 we reach the ruins of *malga Pradidali* (1428 meters on sea level).
1024So far it has been a nice sunny day, and the walk has been easy. But the
1025end of the day will be very different.
1026
1027![The ruins of malga Pradidali](../img/26-0954-malga-pradidali.jpg)
1028
1029<p align="center"><em>
1030The ruins of malga Pradidali. A "malga" is a building where people
1031temporarily lived in the Summer while their livestock grazed the high
1032mountain pastures that surround it. Malga Antersasc, that we passed by on
1033<a href="../day1">day one</a>, is another example. Many malgas are still
1034in use nowadays, and they often sell locally-produced dairy products,
1035but unfortunately for us we only found ruins so far.
1036</em></p>
1037
1038The trail continues in the forest, and at 10:35 we pass by *malga
1039Canali* (1307m). This one *was* in use, and we could have stopped to
1040eat something if we wanted, but we did not.
1041
1042![The pastures behind malga Canali](../img/26-1040-from-malga-canali.jpg)
1043
1044<p align="center"><em>The pastures behind malga Canali.</em></p>
1045
1046We now have to walk up to reach Rifugio Treviso (1631m). The trail in
1047the forest becomes steep, but it does not last long. We reach the hut
1048at 11:40, and it is time for a break.
1049
1050![From Rifugio Treviso](../img/26-1206-treviso.jpg)
1051
1052<div class="page-break"></div>
1053
1054## The return of the clouds
1055
1056After taking a few pictures and a slice of a typical alpine dessert (I'll
1057let you guess which one), we are ready to start walking again at 12:30.
1058
1059Our next checkpoint is *forcella d'Oltro* (2094m). My knee has been
1060good so far, but I still try not to put too much weight on it. The road
1061up to the forcella is steep, and we are tired. We have done nothing but
1062walking steep trails for more than a week at this point. We walk slowly,
1063but steadily.
1064
1065![Forested mountains to the North-West](../img/26-1354-forested-slopes.jpg)
1066
1067<p align="center"><em>The forested slopes on the North-West.</em></p>
1068
1069On our way up, we meet a couple walking down from the forcella. They
1070tell us that they could see nothing at all on the other side, because
1071of the fog and the clouds. We are not sure if we should take them
1072literally, because it is such a sunny day on this side. But indeed,
1073when we reach the tight pass at 14:30, we can see it with out own eyes.
1074
1075![The fog oon the other side](../img/26-1432-fog.jpg)
1076
1077<p align="center"><em>The fog on the other side of forcella d'Oltro.</em></p>
1078
1079![The sunny side where we came from](../img/26-1439-not-fog.jpg)
1080
1081<p align="center"><em>
1082The side where we came from, in contrast, is perfectly sunny.
1083</em></p>
1084
1085We need another short break, but we don't want to stay here for
1086too long. As often happens in these high passes,
1087the wind is strong and chilling.
1088
1089We thought this would be the last place above 2000 meters of the whole
1090trip. Or at the very least for the day, considering that all that was
1091left was walking down to the
1092[Cereda Pass](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cereda_Pass).
1093But we were not exactly right.
1094
1095## Down? Not so fast, cowboy
1096
1097The descent to the Cereda Pass starts very steep, and we quickly loose
1098about 200 meters of altitude. But then the trail starts going up again,
1099and slowly but surely we walk up, and up, and up. The road is not steep,
1100but we are walking on a tight ledge on a grassy slope that requires us
1101to focus.
1102
1103![Me on the tight ledge](../img/26-1603-tight-ledge.jpg)
1104
1105<p align="center"><em>
1106Me on this tight path that, for whatever reason, is leading back
1107up instead of down to Pass Cereda. As you can see, I am not amused.
1108</em></p>
1109
1110Only after we reach the altitude of 2150m do we start going down,
1111but this time very slowly. We cannot see very far due to the fog,
1112and in any case we would still be hyper-focused on our steps.
1113But at least there are some interesting rock formations close to
1114us that are worth admiring.
1115
1116![Some curious rock formations](../img/26-1619-rocks.jpg)
1117
1118<p align="center"><em>Some interesting rock formations close to the trail.</em></p>
1119
1120![A tree growing on a rock](../img/26-1644-tree.jpg)
1121
1122<p align="center"><em>A tree growing on top of a naked rock.</em></p>
1123
1124The trail gradually becomes less exposed, but more steep. My knee starts
1125hurting once again, but I am not surprised, considering how long we have
1126been walking since this morning.
1127
1128After what feels like an eternity of wandering through the fog,
1129we reach the hotel at the Cereda Pass (1361m) at 18:15. After
1130almost 11 hours of walk, my feet and my knees are begging for mercy.
1131
1132![Pastures around the Cereda Pass](../img/26-1758-cereda.jpg)
1133
1134<p align="center"><em>The pastures around the Cereda Pass.</em></p>
1135
1136We have a private room at [Rifugio
1137Cereda](https://www.rifugiocereda.com/en/), where
1138we can have a shower, and we rest well. The food is
1139also amazing: I have what is one of the best plates of
1140[*käsespätzle*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C3%A4sesp%C3%A4tzle)
1141of my life. By the way, over here the spätzle are prepared with spinach
1142and they are green, not white; I think they do the same in Tyrol, but
1143definitely not in Germany.
1144
1145Unfortunately, the weather forecasts for the next day are not as good
1146as our dinner.
1147
1148<div class="page-break"></div>
1149
1150# Day 8 - The Troi dei Caserin
1151
1152<p align="center"><em>August 27, 2025</em></p>
1153
1154<img src="../img/27-0000-map.png">
1155<div class="page-break"></div>
1156
1157## A damp morning
1158
1159Today the final part of Alta Via 2 begins. We are entering the *Vette
1160Feltrine*, a part that is perhaps less well-known by tourists, but no
1161less beautiful. The trails we'll have to walk are going to be narrow,
1162often steep.
1163
1164The weather forecasts for the day are not great, but we
1165should reach [Rifugio Boz](https://www.rifugioboz.it/) (1718 meters
1166on sea level) before it starts raining. For now there is just a thick fog,
1167and the weather is unpleasantly hot and humid.
1168
1169![Rifugio Cereda, with the Pala Group in the background](../img/27-0740-cereda.jpg)
1170
1171<p align="center"><em>Our last sight of Rifugio Cereda and the Pala Group.</em></p>
1172
1173We leave at 7:45. At first we walk on a secondary paved road, then on
1174a dirt road. Both my guide booklet and the signs try to make us walk
1175downhill towards the nearby villages of Matiuz and Padreterno, but there
1176is a clearly faster road that stays in the forest and leads to the
1177start of the actual trail.
1178
1179![Some signs, none pointing to where we are going](../img/27-0833-sign.jpg)
1180
1181<p align="center"><em>
1182The top sign is marked as "AV2", for Alta Via 2. There is a gap that
1183was probably filled by a sign pointing left, which is the way we took.
1184I suspect someone - perhaps the local forest authorities - removed
1185the sign because they did not want people to go that way, but I
1186can't imagine why. Or perhaps the sign simply fell off.
1187</em></p>
1188
1189After about one hour of walk in the forest, the actual trail begins.
1190The humidity is very intense, still unpleasant. Unfortunately this also
1191means that the pictures of the day are very... foggy.
1192
1193![The valley in the fog](../img/27-0945-fog.jpg)
1194
1195<p align="center"><em>The valley behind us, in the fog.</em></p>
1196
1197<div class="page-break"></div>
1198
1199## L'Intaiàda
1200
1201The trail becomes steep, and then extremely steep. We walk along
1202a vertical wall of granite, where a narrow passage is carved out.
1203Indeed, this part of the trail is called *L'Intaiàda*, which
1204can be roughly translated as *The Carved-Out*.
1205
1206![L'Intaiàda](../img/27-1022-intaiada.jpg)
1207
1208<p align="center"><em>Admittedly not the best picture of L'Intaiàda.</em></p>
1209
1210The trail continues, narrow and exposed, but well equipped with some
1211sturdy metal ropes where needed. It requires some attention, but I don't
1212find it scary or particularly difficult; there is always some rock or
1213support piece I can hang on to rest while I think about the next steps.
1214
1215![Another section of L'Intaiàda](../img/27-1107-intaiada-2.jpg)
1216
1217<p align="center"><em>Another section of L'Intaiàda.</em></p>
1218
1219![The steep trail](../img/27-1145-comedon.jpg)
1220
1221The trail continues very steep, and at 12:05 we reach the *Pass del
1222Comedon* (2130m).
1223
1224![View from the pass](../img/27-1209-comedon-2.jpg)
1225
1226<p align="center"><em>View from the pass.</em></p>
1227
1228<div class="page-break"></div>
1229
1230## A quick break at Bivacco Feltre
1231
1232From the pass we walk down an extremely steep trail, initially very
1233exposed, then less scary.
1234
1235My left knee has been doing well so far, but suddently I feel an acute
1236sting of pain that almost makes loose my balance. This is not good. It
1237is also very different from the constant, mild to moderate pain that I
1238have felt when walking downhill in the past few days. But I push through,
1239slowly and steadily.
1240
1241The fog becomes even thicker, at times we can't see much farther than
124220-30 meters.
1243
1244![We are close to Bivacco Feltre](../img/27-1254-fog.jpg)
1245
1246<p align="center"><em>We are close to Bivacco Feltre, but we can't see it.</em></p>
1247
1248For a brief moment I catch a glimpse of *Bivacco Feltre* (1930m), a
1249[sheet metal shelter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bivouac_shelter)
1250where hikers can wait for the bad weather to subside, or spend the night
1251in case of need.
1252
1253![Bivacco Feltre](../img/27-1303-bivacco-feltre.jpg)
1254
1255<p align="center"><em>Bivacco Feltre.</em></p>
1256
1257We reach the bivouac at 13:05, and we decide to take a break. We eat
1258a protein bar and refill our water bottles. Unfortunately, we can see
1259literally nothing besides the meadow around us, and the fog.
1260
1261![The view from Bivacco Feltre](../img/27-1319-fog-view.jpg)
1262
1263<p align="center"><em>
1264Our view from Bivacco Feltre. The guide book describes the place
1265as "pleasant and majestic". I guess I'll have to trust them on this one.
1266</em></p>
1267
1268We need some rest, but we don't want to wait for too long. The journey
1269is still long, and if we don't reach our destination before 17:00 we
1270will probably be caught by the forecasted thunderstorm. We leave the
1271bivouac at 13:30.
1272
1273## The Troi dei Caserin
1274
1275From the shelter we walk down, loosing about 200 or 300 meters of
1276altitude. We quickly gain them back, as the trail continues upwards.
1277The fog is still very thick, we can't see further than 10m.
1278
1279The trail so far is not particuarly hard, but there are some interesting
1280passages where we have to cross some waterfalls and some small water
1281streams. Or maybe I found them interesting only because my bad knee
1282prevented me from pushing with my left leg and I had to make some complex
1283alternative manouvers.
1284
1285![A waterfall with a small pond](../img/27-1350-waterfall.jpg)
1286
1287At 14:50 we reach *Col dei Bech* (1960m), which means *Ibex' hill*.
1288And in fact, just after Cold dei Bech, in one of the rare moments when
1289the fog let us see at more than 15 meters, we did see a small family
1290of chamois. Ok, not quite ibex, but close enough. Judging from the
1291quantity of warm shit that we saw on the trail, they had probably walked
1292right ahead of us for a while.
1293
1294We continue on this trail that becomes increasingly narrow and exposed,
1295difficult in some sections. We are on the *Troi dei Caserin* ("the
1296Caserins' trail").
1297
1298![Troi dei Caserin](../img/27-1545-caserin.jpg)
1299
1300There are some steel ropes in the most dangerous parts, but not for
1301long: soon we reach a grassy section, and the trail becomes ever
1302more narrow. On our left, the emptiness of a hundred-meters free fall is
1303hidden by the fog. My aching knee makes everything even more challenging.
1304
1305We did not take many pictures of this part of the journey, mainly because
1306we were focusing on keeping our feet on the ground. Apparently, my dad
1307and I walked this same trail some 15 years ago, when it was covered in
1308half a meter of snow. And I say apparently because, even though we both
1309remember that trip quite well, we have no recollection of taking such a
1310dangerous path in those conditions. But there is no alternative road,
1311so we must have done it... somehow.
1312
1313At 16:45 we reach *Pass de Mura* (1867m). The view opens up, but we
1314can't quite see our destination yet.
1315
1316![Malga Neva (not where we are going)](../img/27-1644-pass-de-mura.jpg)
1317
1318<p align="center"><em>
1319You see the tiny building down there? It is not Rifugio
1320Boz, but Malga Neva. Luckily for us, the Rifugio is closer than that.
1321</em></p>
1322
1323We walk down from the pass and we reach [Rifugio
1324Boz](https://www.rifugioboz.it/) (1718m) at 17:05. Just as we walk
1325through the door, a strong storm begins.
1326
1327<div class="page-break"></div>
1328
1329## At Rifugio Boz
1330
1331We are tired, hungry and our muscles are sore. As we check in, the hut
1332manager asks us if we are walking the Alta Via. We respond that yes,
1333we are, and tomorrow we will be going all the way to [Rifugio Dal
1334Piaz](https://www.rifugiodalpiaz.com), and we'll finally walk down
1335victorious to Croce d'Aune in the evening.
1336
1337"Are you sure about that?" - she says.
1338
1339"Why?" - we ask, not sure if she was joking or not.
1340
1341"Have you seen the weather forecast?"
1342
1343<div class="page-break"></div>
1344
1345# Day 9 - Cutting it short
1346
1347<p align="center"><em>August 28, 2025</em></p>
1348
1349<img src="../img/28-0000-map.png">
1350<div class="page-break"></div>
1351
1352## An inevitable decision
1353
1354The last leg of the Alta Via 2 is long, challenging and dangerous.
1355Most of the trail is on top of a ridge, exposed on both sides, and strong
1356winds are frequent.
1357
1358And in the afternoon of August 28, the last day of our Alta Via 2, there
1359are going to be strong thunderstorms. The manager at Rifugio Boz told
1360us "I have walked this trail many times, but with a weather like this,
1361I would never dare".
1362
1363We are prepared and experienced, but we are powerless against the forces
1364of nature. We give up. On August 28, the last day of our Alta Via 2,
1365we are not going to Rifugio Dal Piaz, or to Croce d'Aune. We are going
1366down a safer trail, in the forest of the
1367[*Val Canzoi*](https://www.dolomitipark.it/en/visiting-the-park/itineraries/on-foot/nature-trails/val-di-canzoi/),
1368and we are going to conclude our adventure half a day earlier.
1369
1370<div class="page-break"></div>
1371
1372## From Rifugio Boz to Malga Alvis
1373
1374![Rifugio Boz with the Sass de Mura on the background](../img/28-0730-boz-sass-de-mura.jpg)
1375
1376<p align="center"><em>Rifugio Boz with the
1377<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sass_de_Mura">Sass de Mura</a>
1378in the background.</em></p>
1379
1380We leave the hut at 7:35. The are two ways to walk down to Val Canzoi:
1381either we climb up to *Passo Alvis*, or to *Passo Finestra*. We
1382choose the former, as the trail that comes down from Passo Alvis
1383ends close to a bar where we can wait for someone to pick us up.
1384
1385![Walking to Passo Alvis](../img/28-0740-walk.jpg)
1386
1387<p align="center"><em>We walk together with other 3 hikers to Passo Alvis.
1388We are not the only ones who decided to cut the Alta Via short.</em></p>
1389
1390The weather is not bad for now. There are clouds, but it is not raining.
1391But the afternoon storm is going to be massive.
1392
1393At 7:55 we are up to Passo Alvis (1880 meters on sea level). From there,
1394we only need to go down another 1000 meters. We can't quite see the
1395bottom of the valley, but we do see the back of the main mountains that
1396are also visible from our home.
1397
1398![The view from Passo Alvis](../img/28-0755-pizoc.jpg)
1399
1400<p align="center"><em>The view from Passo Alvis. In the back, partly hidden by the
1401clouds, you can see the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pizzocco">
1402Pizzocco</a>,
1403the main mountain that rises above our home town. We are coming home!</em></p>
1404
1405We walk down from the pass. The descent starts steep, but the trail is
1406not difficult. We see one last family of chamoix, running away from us.
1407
1408At 8:40 we reach Malga Alvis (1573m).
1409
1410![Malga Alvis](../img/28-0850-malga-alvis.jpg)
1411
1412<p align="center"><em>Malga Alvis.</em></p>
1413
1414It starts raining. We take shelter inside the malga. The building
1415is not used for its original purpose anymore, but it is maintained
1416by the local natural park administration as a bivouac for hikers.
1417Some 15 years ago, in a cold late April, my dad and I spent the night
1418here before continuing our hike the following day.
1419
1420<div class="page-break"></div>
1421
1422## Down to the valley, one last time
1423
1424Luckily the rain stops soon, and the five of us can continue our march.
1425The *Lago della Stua* is now visible.
1426
1427![Lago della Stua](../img/28-0928-lago-della-stua.jpg)
1428
1429<p align="center"><em>Lago della Stua in Val Canzoi.</em></p>
1430
1431We keep going down. My knee starts hurting again, but we are almost there.
1432Overall I enjoyed this last part of the journey. The trail in this
1433mid-mountain forest is exactly the kind of road that I used to walk a
1434lot years ago, when I frequently hiked around these mountains.
1435
1436Our adventure ends at 10:40, on the dam of the lake.
1437
1438![The end](../img/28-1040-end.jpg)
1439
1440We reach the nearby bar, we sit down, we drink a
1441[spritz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spritz_(cocktail)).
1442
1443<div class="page-break"></div>
1444
1445# After the hike
1446
1447## Back home
1448
1449*August 28, 2025*
1450
1451My dad's cousin came to pick us up. As we got into the car, the
1452storm started. From there, it kept raining the whole afternoon. Not
1453coninuously, it came and went, but when it was there it was
1454very strong. The bad weather continued for a couple of days.
1455
1456We made a good call ending our trip early.
1457
1458<div class="page-break"></div>
1459
1460## Celebration
1461
1462*August 29, 2025*
1463
1464Some of the people we met along the way arrived in Feltre on the next
1465day. Like use, they could not properly finish the Alta Via, as the bad
1466weather caught them when they arrived at Passo Cereda.
1467
1468We decided to meet for a dinner all together at [Birreria
1469Pedavena](https://www.labirreriapedavena.it/), the largest brewery in
1470Italy, which is conveniently located between Croce d'Aune and Feltre. In
1471fact, if you walk Alta Via 2 all the way to Feltre, you pass right in
1472front of the Birreria.
1473
1474![Dinner at Birreria Pedavena](../img/29-pedavena.jpg)
1475
1476<div class="page-break"></div>
1477
1478## Award
1479
1480*September 2, 2025*
1481
1482Upon completing Alta Via 2, hikers can receive an official pin. It is
1483awarded by the tourist office in Feltre, where they can also
1484add their name to the book of "finishers".
1485
1486As you know, we did not complete the full Alta Via. But since Feltre is
1487just around the corner, we thought why not go there and ask? In the end,
1488the exact route of Alta Via 2 is not set in stone.
1489
1490It turns out that, according to the guidelines laid out by the Italian
1491Alpine Club, reaching Rifugio Boz is enough to officially complete Alta
1492Via 2 and be called a finisher!
1493
1494![The Alta Via 2 pin](../img/99-02-pin.jpg)
1495
1496Indeed, they know that the last leg of the hike is often skipped due to
1497bad weather. Ending the journey at Passo Cereda, however, is not enough.
1498
1499So now we also have some official recognition for our effort. Cool!
1500
1501<div class="page-break"></div>
1502
1503## Farewell to the mountains
1504
1505*September 3, 2025*
1506
1507After the hike I spent a few days at home with my family. But now it is
1508time to go back to the flat lands, where I have been living for the past
1509few years.
1510
1511My flight back to Amsterdam, as it sometimes does, flew right over the
1512Dolomites. I was able to recognize not only my home town, but also many of
1513the mountains and valleys my dad and I walked through just a week earlier.
1514
1515![The Dolomites from the plane](../img/99-03-farewell.jpg)

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