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.