The Croda da Lago ring, walking thru the lunar Val de Formin
The Dolomites offer an exceptional variety of treks, ranging from leisurely walks in the valleys to challenging traverses at high altitudes.
The Croda da Lago ring close to Cortina is certainly one of the most rewarding outings due to its interesting geology and stunning landscapes; it begins in a magnificent fir forest, ascends the lunar Val de Formin, coasts the splendid Mondeval alpine meadows to reach the shores of beautiful Lake Fedéra before heading back down into the forest and starting point at Ponte di Rocurto.
ITINERARY
ACCESS
From Cortina d’Ampezzo, take the road S.S.48 to Pocol (6 km), then continue on the S.P. 638 towards Passo Giau. Continue another 4 km to Ponte de Rucurto (1708m) and park in the long layby.
ROUTE
Path No. 437 starts close to the layby and is signposted for Rifugio Palmieri at Croda da Lago and Val di Formin. Cross the Rio Costeana using the bridge immediately below the road, then continue along the path. It is flat at first, but then rises through the forest and a steep hillock.
Cross the stream Rio dell’Alpe de Formin using another small bridge and reach a fork at 1880 close to Cason de Formin. Our trek heads right (south) following path No. 435 while path No. 434 on the left leads to Rifugio Palmieri, better known as Rifugio Croda da Lago.
Continue upwards and quickly reach where the vegetation stops growing, then ascend the rocky Val de Formin to the saddle Forcella Rossa del Formin (2462m). As you climb, you can admire the magnificent Croda da Lago towers and, with a bit of luck, you may catch sight of some chamois deer as they run daintily over the scree.
Note: The summit of Monte Formin (2657m) can easily be reached from the saddle by following the obvious track to the top, where you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama.
The path descends now, and the views sweep onto the green Mondeval alpine meadows and the imposing Monte Pelmo bastion.
In 1987, at an elevation of 2,150 meters in Mondeval de Sora, archaeologists uncovered a remarkably well-preserved Mesolithic burial site. Beneath a massive rock shelter, excavations led to the unexpected discovery of a hunter’s skeleton dating back approximately 7,500 years, accompanied by an impressive collection of grave goods.
The find gained worldwide scientific attention due to the exceptional preservation of organic materials and the unusual high-altitude location of the burial.
These remains, along with numerous other artifacts that bear witness to early human presence in this breathtaking valley, are now on display at the Vittorino Cazzetta Museum in Selva di Cadore, located in Val Fiorentina.
At the end of the descent, a flat section is followed by a quick ascent to Forcella Ambrizzola (2277m), located between Croda da Lago and Becco di Mezzodì. From here, you can see Lago Federa (also known as Lago da Lago) for the first time and the mountain hut down below. The view of Cortina and the ring of mountains surrounding the basin is truly magnificent from this vantage point.
Take the obvious track No. 434 down to the hut and savour the typical Italian mountain dishes. In summer, this is a highly popular walking destination, and the Rifugio lies strategically for mountaineers climbing high on Croda da Lago and Becco di Mezzodì. Furthermore, the hut is also a stop-off on the Alta Via #1 walk, the most famous trek in the Dolomites.
GETTING THERE: reach Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Italian Dolomites.
PERIOD: June – October.
TIME: 6 hours ca (2.30 hours Ponte de Rocurto- Forcella Rossa del Formin; 2 hours Forcella Rossa – Rifugio Croda da Lago; 1.30 hours Ponte de Rocurto).
DIFFICULTY: easy.
LENGTH: 8 miles
ASCENT HEIGHT DIFFERENCE: 780m
DESCENT HEIGHT DIFFERENCE: 830m
DEPARTURE: Ponte de Rocurto.
ARRIVAL: Ponte de Rocurto.
BUY THE MAP: map of Cortina d’Ampezzo e Dolomiti Ampezzane – Scale 1:25.000 – Tabacco Map Tabacco n° 03.
DOWNLOAD MAP (file .PDF)
DOWNLOAD TRACK GPS (file .gpx)
