Civetta - Val di Zoldo

Round the Pelmo

• Departure points: resorts in Val Fiorentina (Selva di Cadore), Zoldo Valley (Pecòl, Zoppè di Cadore) and Boite Valley (San Vito, Borca).
• Refuges: Città di Fiume Refuge (m 1918), tel. 0437/720268; Venezia De Luca Refuge (m 1946), tel. 0436/9684; at Forcella Staulanza (m 1766). Road connection between the Zoldo area and the Val Fiorentina: S.S. 251.
• Differences in height: ascent, about 530 m; descent, about 530 m, with some ups and downs.
• Time: 6,15 hrs in all.
• Trail signs: no. 480-472, red-and-white-striped. Two brief sections are equipped with fixed wire ropes.
• Equipment: ice axe and high-altitude equipment for the Flaibani Trail; normal trekking equipment for the Triòl dei Cavài.

Itinerary description

Starting from the Città di Fiume Refuge, the mule-track no.480 takes you quickly to the Forcella Forada (1972 m), which is not far. After that, the mule-track turns into a southward trail on the right that enters and goes up a stony gully, finally coming out on a grassy hillock on the left (fixed rope) - in view of the impending Pelmo.
Walking round some rocks, you get to the great gravel bed of the Val d’Arcia: on the left, you can admire the remains of a small homonymous glacier. The Forcella Val d’Arcia opens out at the north-eastern tip of this cold gravel cirque. Once you have got there, descend the opposite slope, going down a steep reddish scree. Keep on the right, under the colourful rocks of the Cime di Forca Rossa.
The trail turns right where the gully widens (one fixed rope), then it traverses a small pass and goes on obliquely towards the well-visible Venezia Refuge (3 – 3.30 hrs). Returning to the Città di Fiume Refuge will take you 2.45 hrs. Following the trail sign no.472 – from the Città di Fiume Refuge – you will get to the Sella di Rutort in three minutes. Here starts the Triòl dei Cavai. Turn right, along the rocks of the Pelmo: note the characteristic tower called "La Dambra", as it looks like the wooden clog commonly worn by valley-dwellers (similar to those of the Dutch). The trail is characterised by long ups and downs, but it also offers beautiful views.
Further on, there appears the Pelmetto (2993 m), the "younger brother" – but only figuratively! Along the route, you will find an alternation of marshlands, mugo pines and dry meadows, while you can enjoy the view of the Civetta all the time. The arrival point is situated above Forcella Staulanza. Now you can either descend to the Forcella or go straight on along the trail no. 472. In this case, go round the western screes of the Pelmetto and up to the opening of the great gravel bed of the Val d’Arcia. Once you have traversed this and a dell, you are not far from the Città di Fiume Refuge.