The track I’m describing here was done in the second day of our stay in the Dolomites. We started at 9:30 with a ride from Passo Pordoi to Rifugio Maria Sas de Pordoi and we started our walk from there. As the ride with a funicular railway is available to everybody the mountain hut was crowded.   We hurried up and followed the trail to reach another mountain hut in about 20 minutes, passing by an organized group of German pupils with a guide telling the stories on geology. Our stay in Rifugio Forcella was short. From there we saw the whole range of Gruppo del Sella and this was a bizarre feeling as you actually see it from within. This is amazing as the only thing you see are ROCKS. No trees, to green, no plants, nothing. Just rocks and snow. This year was really special because of heave and very late snow (it was snowing in May which is unusual for Italy). In fact, the deep snow along the trail made it comfortable and very chilly at the same time. I really love this feeling: the sun was shining, the temperature was around +22 but we still walked on the snow. After 1h45min from the Rifugio Maria Sas de Pordoi we reached the third mountain hut that day: Rifugio Boe. We drank warm tea and ate our own sandwiches (not to mention that each of us had a different stuffing: ham, mozarella, crudo and mortadela. 4 people= 4 tastes, obviously). Just before arriving at this hut we saw a dramatic scene: the dog run down from a very steep slope. Just for fun, I guess. We had an impression that he won’t be able to get back as the slope was covered with snow. Watching his run up was a suffering. All people around held their breath watching the scene. We started to discuss whether he’s able to run back and what happens if he didn’t but at the end he succeeded and run straight into arms of his owner. Phew! After a short brake in the hut we decided to climb Piz Boe (3152 masl) and this was an excellent decision. The weather was just perfect to proceed with the walk. This stage of our walk was most pleasant rewarding us with stunning views. The track was well prepared, including some chains and ropes in difficult parts like corners over the edge. The view from the peak was amazing. No words to describe it. Are you interested in one day hike in Germany? Well, then click here! The story to be continue… The Trail Summary ARABBA (1601 masl), PASSO PORDOI (2239 masl), RIFUGIO MARIA SAS DE PORDOI (2950 masl), RIFUGIO FORCELLA DEL PORDOI (2829 masl), RIFUGIO BOE (2871 masl), PIZ BOE (3152 masl), RIFUGIO CAPANNA FASSA (3152 masl), RIFUGIO MARIA SAS DE PORDOI (2950 masl), and back.    

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Just when we visited Ferrara and Ravenna this was a high time to start the core of our holiday: The Dolomites. We picked up a typical Alpine hotel in Arabba and began our first walk. Read the story and share. The Dolomites are exceptionally friendly to all sorts of tourists: starting with climbing experts, through walkers with dogs, families with small children, organized groups, school trips and finishing with handicap people. The main reason is related to an excellent touristic facilities, operating in winter and in summer seasons. To give you an example: we had been staying at a hotel in Arabba (1601 masl), and to start our walk we could go by car at Passo Pordoi (2239 masl), so we cut the 600m level difference before even starting our walk. The relative height of valleys and peaks is huge: often more than 1000m so the system of roads and well developed cable railways gives you an opportunity to benefit from stunning views with relatively modest climbing effort. Here is what we did the first day in the Dolomites: a very light and pleasant trail from Passo Pordoi (2239 masl) to Viel del Pan Mountain Hut (2432 masl). We picked up this trail for three reasons: as an easy beginning of our week-long adventure, as the best panoramic view of the Marmolada glacier and because of its historical value. The trail Viel del Pan has been used since medieval times by the merchants transporting salt and flour through the Alps. Walking along this tiny path I could imagine the donkeys carrying the precious cargo and their tired owners rushing them loudly. What is most beautiful in this trail is the proximity to the Marmolada range. For the whole day we were blessed with views of glacier and the green valley below. This is a popular winter destination so you have large mountain hut Baita Fedarola (2370 masl) with view to both valleys: towards Gruppo del Sella and Marmolada. On our way back we stayed in baita for our lunch. To our surprise the waitress was a Tuscan girl who told us her story and recommended excellent roast meet with vegetables. This is the true luxury of the Dolomites: at various height there is a good chance to eat well and drink good Italian cafe. Just saying here…climbing the German Alps is pretty different! Find out why the same mountains from opposite sides are so different! This is a very popular trail so in July it is crowded. If you’re looking for silence and solitude pick the different track. There is no point of writing how beautiful it was, so enjoy watching the photos taken ( don’t forget about my Flickr.com page) and plan your own trip to the Dolomites. The story to be continue… Do you wonder how is it to visit the Dolomites again? Here is a post for you! The Trail Summary ARABBA (1601 masl), PASSO PORDOI (2239 masl), BAITA FEDAROLA (2370 masl), VIEL DEL PAN, RIFUGIO VIEL DEL PAN (2432 masl), COL DE PAUSSA (2415 masl), and back.  

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