Rifugio Roda di Vael - from Ciampedie

The Tour

Nice panoramic hike from Ciapedie Hut to Roda di Vael Hut

moderate

7.6 km

3:30 h

416 m

The characteristic Rifugio Roda di Vael hut can be reached from Ciampedie with an easy and picturesque walk. Its starting point is conveniently connected with the Fassa valley floor by the fast Ciampedie cableway, allowing to quickly reach high altitudes (1997 m). That is the reason why this excursion is also suitable for families with children, provided they are trained to walk (3.00-4.00 hours). The environment you go through to reach the mountain hut is wonderful. The trail’s initial part in the wood gives way to a lovely final part, between lush green meadows lying at the foot of stunning Dolomite peaks, with the impressive "Mugoni" bulk standing out among them.

Author

visit trentino

Updated: September 05, 2019

Details

Difficulty

moderate

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Highest point

2283 m

Lowest point

1932 m

Best time of year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Safety information

1) Prepare your itinerary

2) Choose a route that is suitable for your skill level

3) Choose suitable equipment and gear

4) Consult the snow/weather bulletins

5) Heading out on your own is more risky

6) Leave information on your itinerary and on the approximate time you expect to return

7) Do not hesitate to seek the support of a professional

8) Pay attention to the information and signs that you find along the trail

9) Do not hesitate to follow your steps backwards

10) In case of an accident, sound the alarm by calling the emergency number 112.

Please note that the practicability of the itineraries in a mountain environment is strictly linked to the contingent conditions and is therefore influenced by natural phenomena, environmental changes and weather conditions. For this reason, the information contained in this page may have changed. Before leaving for a tour, make sure the path you will approach is still accessible by contacting the owner of the mountain hut, the alpine guides or the visitor centres of the nature parks, the info offices of the local tourist board.

Turn-by-turn directions

Start

Ciampedie Cableway Uphill Station - Rifugio Ciampedie (1997 m/6550 ft) (1980 m)

Coordinates:

Geographic

46.433200, 11.660842

UTM

32T 704417 5145621

Destination

Ciampedie Cableway Uphill Station - Rifugio Ciampedie (1997 m/6550 ft)

Turn-by-turn directions

You can use the cableway to reach Rifugio Ciampedie, where you will enjoy an extraordinary view on Catinaccio, Dirupi di Larsech, Marmolada e the Valacia peaks.

Walk past Rifugio Ciampedie and descend straight after to Rifugio Negritella, a few yards ahead.

O n a narrow dirt road, turn left and follow the signs to Rifugio Roda di Vael – SAT trail No. 545. Leave the road shortly after and take the path branching off on the right and entering the vegetation. Trail 545 continues, almost flat, diagonally across the mountainside, quite comfortably, were it not for a bed of stones and roots.

After crossing a ski run, the path goes into the wood, still with a comfortable slope. The climbing sections are short and never particularly challenging, and the trail allows to gain altitude slowly and steadily. At one point, the vegetation opens up and you go through a characteristic passage cut into the rock, a perfect rest point to take photographs.

L ooking up you can now catch a glimpse of the jagged towers of Roda di Vael with the mountain hut at its feet. Continue on the path, now with an increased slope. Ignoring the branch off on the left to Malga Vael, continue following trail 545 until you are out of the vegetation and reach the beautiful esplanade of "Mandra di Vael" (2105 m) at the foot of the ragged Mugoni south wall. The place is enchanting and well worth a short stop to admire it.

Keep on trail No. 545, ignoring the lane to the left leading to the cableway. The route finally takes you beneath the rocky spur which has the mountain hut perched on top, and goes up the scree with a steep slope, letting you reach the hut rather quickly. The ledge where the "Roda di Vael" lies is truly magnificent.

Return is back along the ascent route. Remember to come back in time to use the Ciampedie cableway.

Getting There

Getting there

The d eparture is set at Rifugio Ciampedie (1997 m), an extraordinary observation point on the whole of the Fassa Dolomites. Ciampedie can be reached from Vigo di Fassa with a cableway that goes up to the short plateau in just three minutes (from Vigo town centre take the escalators leading directly to board the cable car) or, alternatively, from Pera di Fassa with three successive cableway sections.

To reach the cableway departure station you must take SS48 Valli di Fiemme e Fassa national road and follow it to Pera or Vigo di Fassa, depending on which cableway you chose to go up to Ciampedie.

Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

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