Alta Via n.1 - Day 1

Difficulty
Medium
Time
4 h
Start
Lago di Braies
Arrival
Rifugio Biella

Take the little road that follows the western shore of the romantic Lake Bràies to the first inlet, then take the pleasant trail marked with the n. 1 that follows the shore to its extreme southern tip. Here, the ascent starts and gradually becomes steeper and strenuous, along the valley overlooked by the first foothills of Croda del Becco. After going up a basin dense of pine trees, you will reach a narrow passage created by two rocks, from where you go round the leap passing to the left and then reaching the upper furrow.

 

After crossing a wood, you will reach a concave clearing and then an area scattered with boulders where, if you look carefully, you will see a small spring. Zigzagging, you will finally reach the passage called Porta sora ‘l Forn (or Forcella sora Forno-Ofenscharte), 2,388 m, near a votive chapel.

 

Going down a little you come to the Rifugio Biella at the Croda del Becco, 2327 m, dominated by the huge sheer rock face of the peculiar Croda del Becco, 2810m. From the hut, the peak can be reached in about 1hr15 mins on a comfortable rock trail. Superb view from the top.

 

The Biella Refuge, a solid three-storey masonry construction, standing all alone in a lunar-like landscape. Built in 1906 and renovated in 1926, it offers the same services as a small hotel and is normally open from mid-June to mid-September; it is equipped with 46 beds, plus another 6 in the winter hut. Lighting with generator, running water and toilets are available inside. CNSAS Rescue Station "118"; Hut phone number +39 0436 866991.

Rest points

Rifugio Biella

Info

Length
6 km
Positive elevation gain
900 m
Negative elevation gain
60 m