Alba - Val Contrin - Passo Ombretta - Rifugio Falier - Pas de Ombretola - Val de Contrin - Alba

<p>Challenging circular hike connecting the Contrin huts (Val di Fassa) and Onorio Falier hut (Malga Ciapela/Val Pettorina), passing through Passo Ombretta. Along the route, you are dominated by the imposing south face of the Marmolada, the Queen of the Dolomites. </p>

<p>From Alba, climb along trail no. 602 to Contrin. Behind the hut, heading towards Malga Contrin, take the trail marker no. 607 to the right. After crossing a stream, diagonally cross the rocky shelf of Lastè de Contrin and reach a plateau. Here, go left (to the right begins trail marker no. 609 to Pas Pasché), ascending a rocky spine that divides two small lateral valleys. Continue skirting the scree that surrounds the base of imposing walls. Move right following the valley bottom to a slab. At this point, leave trail no. 607 to take trail no. 612 to the left. After a flat section, gain altitude with two switchbacks traced in the scree descending from Vernale and, facing a long diagonal, exit at Passo Ombrettola. If you resist shortcuts and stay on the trail, descend the scree on the opposite side without much difficulty. Then, descend easily through the lower pastures, cross a sparse alder grove, and finally reach the plain at Rifugio Falier.</p> <p>For the return, from the hut, take trail marker no. 610 leading to Passo Ombretta. The narrow initial switchbacks give way to a comfortable military road, followed by a tiring final section leading to the pass through piles of rock debris. To reach the Ombretta Summit, go left on a lava rock path, pass near the bivouac «Dal Bianco», and then follow the partly equipped ridge (Via Ferrata d’Ombretta - Vernale). Enter a debris valley that you climb with effort up to the ridge. Follow it left to the iron cross placed at the summit (add 1.45 hours for ascent and descent). From Passo d’Ombretta, descend into Val Rosalìa along a well-defined trail running along the right side of the valley. Facing a switchback, descend a rather steep slope that gradually eases and, crossing large often-flowering pastures, reach Rifugio Contrin, from where you return to Alba.</p>