Hiking to Lake Sorapis for an unforgettable view!
Hiking to Lake Sorapis is an unforgettable experience. The view from the top is simply breathtaking. The lake itself is a beautiful turquoise color and is surrounded by mountains. The hike itself is not too challenging, but it is a bit strenuous. It is worth it, though, because the view from the top is simply stunning.
The marvelous turquoise waters of Lake Sorapis (or Sorapiss or Sorapìs, originally Sorapíš in Ladin), attract thousands of tourists annually. Unfortunately, like other destinations that can boast fantastic scenery, the uncontrolled influx of crowds seriously endangers the integrity and harmony of the place.
The danger is not given only by the number of people who go to Lake of Sorapiss, but above all by the rudeness and lack of civic sense of many people, who, regardless of the beauty of the place, abandon all kinds of waste in this little corner of paradise.
Additionally, the easiest access route still has some exposed sections that can make it difficult for tourists less accustomed to mountain trails. More often, we meet along the path attractive damsels with shoes that are nothing short of inappropriate, frightened children, dogs on a leash, or varied groups that create big traffic jams and long queues.
It is clear that everyone has the right to move freely in the mountains; therefore, it is not easy to find a solution to what is becoming a real problem.
The appropriate authority has been seeking a solution for some time, beginning with the inadequate size of the parking lot at the start of the path, where an endless column of parked cars lines the state road.
The exaggerated attendance in the Sorapis Lake area creates significant problems with hygiene, cleanliness, and public decor.
Indeed, by leaving waste on-site and camping without regard for the unique nature of the place, the masses of tourists cause severe ecological damage and mar the beauty of this magnificent environment.
Although more careful surveillance of the area was put in place by the Forestry Carabinieri, in addition to what both the forest guards of the Regole d’Ampezzo and the manager of the refuge already do, it was realized that the Regole (rules), as owners of the entire area, and the Police forces, little or nothing can do to solve the problem.
I think an interesting proposal is to place a small prefabricated kiosk on the road that climbs from Passo Tre Croci towards Lake Sorapìs, where the forest road turns into a path.
The purpose of the kiosk would be to adequately inform visitors, for example, about the travel time and the necessary shoes, to sensitize them to correct behavior, to collect a couple of Euros for each hiker as a toll for the path that leads into the private property of the Regole d’Ampezzo, for the use of the car park (if and when this will be done) and to finance the cleaning and decoration of the path and the shores of the lake, including the transport of waste, by helicopter if necessary.
But the first step is up to us: is it so challenging to bring our waste downstream? Why leave your physical needs in plain sight on the shore of the lake or at the side of the path and not use the services of the refuge? And again, and I am a witness, is it necessary to go up to Lake Sorapiss with an inflatable boat?
The small lake is one of our mountains’ most beautiful hiking destinations, but the incivility of many risks forever ruins this pearl set in the Sorapìs rock.
Please reflect on what you have read so far and set out with responsibility and awareness on the path that leads from Passo Tre Croci to Sorapis Lake, a true jewel guarded by the Finger of God.
The path to the Lake Sorapis
There are numerous access routes to Sorapis Lake. Here, I describe the most straightforward approach, although it is not the most profitable from a landscape perspective.
In addition, the route I will describe presupposes the return along the same way; a much better option would be the circular route through Forcella Malquoira (or Marcoira), which is only suitable for expert hikers.
GETTING THERE
From Cortina: reach Passo Tre Croci via the SR 48, and continue for about 200 meters until you reach the well-marked start of the path that leads to Lake Sorapis.
From Auronzo: always along the SR 48. When you arrive at the junction for Misurina-Passo Tre Croci, turn left towards Cortina until you find, just before the Pass, the beginning above the path.
From Dobbiaco: via the SS 51 di Alemagna, turning left (east) in Carbonin, on the SS 48bis to Misurina, from where you continue towards Paso Tre Croci.
ITINERARY
The route is well-signposted, and it is almost impossible to get lost. Just follow the signs for Rifugio Vandelli, trail no. 215. Leave the car and walk slightly downhill on the forest road, which soon turns into a path. In its first half, the route develops in the woods with slight ups and downs at the base of the Cime di Malquoira.
After about an hour of walking, a metal ladder allows you to gain altitude.
Although a handrail, with a protective function, makes the climb safe, the artifact’s height and exposure can intimidate those who do not love heights. It is precisely here that the first hitches are created.
Continue on the path, now partly cut into the rock of the steep bastion of the Cima del Làudo Est. Another exposed stretch, equipped with a metal rope, marks the end of the “difficulties.”
Continuing slightly uphill, the path winds through sparse larches and grandiose extensions of pines, finally taking you near the Vandelli Refuge.
Just before reaching the refuge, the signs show you how to get closer to Lake Sorapis, which is less than a minute from here.
And behold, a few more meters, and without any warning, you will see the splendid turquoise lake. The small lake of Sorapìs is genuinely remarkable, and its pastel color leaves everyone speechless. As stated on the Park site, its water is clear at certain times of the year, while in others, when the melting runoff from the glacier above affects the silty horizons of the ground, the water is turbid and milky but of equal color. Coming from the glacial waters of the Sorapìs, the water has a constantly low temperature.
The body of water is in a natural amphitheater formed by majestic walls.
From the Cime di Marcoira to the Punta Nera, the Croda Marcora, the severe north face of Sorapis, the Monti di Caccia Grande, and the Tre Sorelle, where Emilio Comici and Giordano Bruno Fabjan opened in 1929, one of the first routes VI-grade in the history of mountaineering.
In the foreground, behind the lake, the Finger of God makes a fine show, an imposing rocky spire that seems to guard it.
Now it’s time to rest, enjoy the show, and contemplate beauty.
You could take advantage of the refuge’s kitchen to enjoy a meal and also consider those who work there, who are not just there to collect the waste abandoned around the lake.
Details of the ascent to Lake Sorapis
Difficulty
While the route does not present any genuine technical difficulties, it includes some exposed sections. It is unsuitable for those suffering from vertigo or discomfort when the height and exposure are fully perceived.
– The path begins at an altitude of 1791 m.
– Arrival – Lake Sorapis altitude 1923 m.
– Positive difference in height in the outward journey of about 190 m – 620 feet.
– There is a positive difference in height on the way back, about 60 m – 200 feet.
– The length of the outward journey to Lake Sorapis is 6.3 km.
– Two hours is the average time for the ascent to Lake Sorapis.
Equipment
Hiking shoes are recommended!
The route develops mainly in the sun, and the heat is felt; despite this, we know that the weather in the mountains can change quickly (beware of storms and lightning). A waterproof windbreaker should not be missing from your backpack.
A Ferrata kit is recommended for children and those who are more fearful.
Curiosity
The lake is dug into the rock and devoid of surface emissaries; its waters reach the significant rocky threshold of the glacial shelf underground, exiting in the waterfall “el Píš.” The term Píš (pronounced “pish,” derived from “piss,” meaning to urinate) is widespread in the toponymy of the Ladin area to refer to waterfalls and cascades.
This name derives from the mountain group “Sora el Píš,” which is above the El Píš waterfall. During winter, many waterfalls freeze, allowing fans to practice ice climbing.
Note
As I wrote above, the excursion to Lake Sorapis is very popular. To fully enjoy the place’s beauty, visit it in the low season, preferably not on weekends.
However, if that’s not possible, consider leaving early in the morning, even if you will still encounter many people on the way back.
If you don’t want to leave early, the parking lot near Passo Tre Croci is crowded; I recommend taking the bus from the Cortina bus station.
Support points
Vandelli Refuge – Tel. 0435 39015
Son Zuogo Restaurant at Passo Tre Croci – Tel. 327 6651191
Cartography
Tobacco Topographic Map n. 03 – Cortina d’Ampezzo and the Ampezzo Dolomites – scale 1: 25,000
Frequently asked questions about Lake Sorapis
Lake Sorapis is located in the Dolomites, in the municipality of Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Many paths lead to the Sorapis Lake. The shortest and least tiring route is along path no. 215, starting at Passo Tre Croci.
Alternatively, suppose you are afraid of emptiness and prefer a less exposed path. In that case, you can park your car at the Hotel Cristallo in Fedèra Vecia, on the road that connects Auronzo to Misurina. Here, the path n.217 takes you directly to Sorapiss Lake. The route does not present any difficulty, but it is steep and much more tiring after the first section is removed. The difference in height to overcome is over 600 meters, while from Passo Tre Croci, the meters are just over 200.
The average time (round trip) is 4 hours, starting from Passo Tre Croci.
It is not difficult, but you must be used to walking in the mountains and not fear emptiness. Some sections of the trail are very exposed.
On the most challenging stretch, a steel cable acts as a handrail, to which you can secure yourself with a lanyard if you feel afraid.
The particular color of the water is due to the minerals that dissolve in the water and to particular natural chemical and bacteriological characteristics, which are the subject of studies and analyses by the University of Trento.
To circumnavigate the lake without going too far from it, you have to overcome an exposed passage and climb a few meters of rock.
Alternatively, if you are not a climber, you must walk more and pass along the high path above the lake.
The maximum depth of Lake Sorapis is 2.60 m. Its surface measures 2.5 hectares.
NO! On August 1, 2019, the mayor of Cortina, Giampietro Ghedina, issued an ordinance banning bathing, with fines of up to 500 euros. Bathing could not only compromise the delicate natural ecosystem of the lake but also pose a danger to people. The seabed is not visible, and there is no rescue service for swimmers.
The Alfonso Vandelli refuge, located just a few steps from the lake, serves excellent dishes. Or, at the Tre Croci Pass, on the Cortina side, at the small Son Zuogo restaurant, you will find a wide variety of typical dishes from our valley, all strictly genuine and homemade.
No, it’s forbidden! And if that’s not enough for you, consider that the path is sometimes very narrow and exposed, and you would put the hikers you meet in danger.
Related posts:
A loop around the Sorapiss range.
The Müller Route, a historic climb on Sorapiss.
