Alba (Ciampac) - Forcia Neigra - Rifugio Passo San Nicolò - Rifugio Contrin - Alba

<p>Historic route that connects the Ciampac basin to Val Contrin, through Passo San Nicolò. Along the route, positions, shelters, tunnels, and trenches dating back to the First World War are still clearly visible. A little-traveled route but absolutely stunning for the panorama of the Dolomite peaks. </p>

<p>From Alba take the cable car up to Ciampac and cross the homonymous basin where some shelters are located. When you get near two ski lifts, go left, circling the west face of Colac. You gradually gain altitude and, finally climbing with a steep zigzag on trail no. 613, you exit at Forcia Neigra at the south base of Colac (1:30 hours). Continue always on trail no. 613 which, slightly downhill, follows the north slope of Sas Neigher to overcome a last steep section with the help of a metal cable and exit on the saddle between Torre Dantone and Sas Neigher. You skirt the volcanic mass, descending along the trail that crosses the Ciamp de Mez pastures toward the ridge that divides Val San Nicolò from Val Contrin. Follow it east, ascending the Varosc ridge, passing near caves and war galleries. You reach a small pass, in sight of Passo San Nicolò and the homonymous shelter (3:00 hours). Then cross the plateau behind the refuge. Surrounded by a grand environment, dominated above by the south slope of Gran Vernel and the south wall of Marmolada, descend pleasantly through the Prè de la Vaces along trail no. 608 and, bringing yourself close to the rocky prominence of Lasté de Contrin, skirt it entering a coniferous forest. Thus you reach Buja de Contrin where you cross the homonymous stream coming down from Val Rosalìa, then ascend towards the knoll hosting the shelter. Return to Alba through the wide Val Contrin (trail marked no. 602), shaped by ice, and the dirt road of the last section characterized by easy hairpin bends. </p>