STAGE 1 – FROM CORTINA D’AMPEZZO TO RIFUGIO SON FORCA

Start early in the morning from Piazza Angelo Dibona, at the foot of the Cortina bell tower, and follow Via del Castello – which begins at the end of the pedestrian precinct – until you reach the intersection with the road leading to the hamlet Cadin, on the left of the state road. After crossing the state road, go uphill towards Cadin, and after passing the village’s attractive little church, you will reach the last houses of the hamlet Cadin di Sopra, where you take the CAI track n° 410 which leads to Lake Ghedina. From here on, there will be no more possibilities of refreshments for 3-4 hours, and so it is a good idea to take some water with you. 

Then take track n° 409 until you reach the Posporcora Pass; then go downhill on track n° 408 until you reach the intersection with track n° 417 to Pian de Ra Spines. Here, carry on until you reach the Sant’Uberto car park, where you take the path leading to the cycle path which brings you to Rifugio Ospitale, a welcoming venue that once hosted the pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela (the lodge is closed for summer 2020). Then continue for about 7 km, with a total ascent of 700 m, on track n° 203, along the Padeon valley. Spend the night at the mountain lodge Rifugio Son Forca, on mount Cristallo.

Approximate hiking times:

From the centre of Cortina (1,224 m) to the Lago Ghedina Restaurant (1,457 m), about 2 hours

From Lago Ghedina Restaurant (1,457 m) to Rifugio Ospitale (1,470 m), about 4 hours

From Rifugio Ospitale (1,470 m) to Rifugio Son Forca (2,215 m), about 3 hours

MOUNTAIN LODGES' CONTACT INFORMATION:

Ristorante Lago Ghedina Tel. +39 0436 060462

Rifugio Ospitale Tel. 0436 4585

Rifugio Son Forca Tel. +39 0436 861822