The Roda di Vaèl, one of the most iconic peaks of the Catinaccio, offers a panoramic hiking route starting from the well‑known resort of Carezza in the Val d’Ega. From the valley station, the Paolina chairlift leads to the Rifugio Paolina (2120 m), a splendid viewpoint overlooking the Masarè ridge and the distinctive Roda del Diavolo. A well‑marked contour path heads south for about twenty minutes to the bronze eagle monument dedicated to Christomannos, a remarkable viewpoint over the Val di Fassa. Continuing almost level, with wide‑open views of the Catinaccio Dolomites, the route reaches the Rifugio Roda di Vaèl (approx. 2280–2300 m, 45 minutes from Paolina), an ideal place for a first break.
The hike can be extended beyond the hut along a flat trail running beneath the impressive eastern face of the Roda di Vaèl. After about twenty minutes, a junction appears: keeping left, the route climbs a short but steep gully that quickly gains altitude. The trail then turns west and leads to the Passo Vaiolon (approx. 2550–2560 m, about 1 hour from the hut), a spectacular saddle set among the rocky towers of the Catinaccio. Beyond the pass, the descent on the western side begins steeply, aided by a small metal ladder that helps overcome a rocky step, before joining the almost level Masarè Trail, which connects the Rifugio Fronza alle Coronelle with the Rifugio Roda di Vaèl.
Following the Masarè Trail southwards, the loop closes back at the Rifugio Paolina (about 1 hour from Passo Vaiolon). In this final stretch, the majestic western wall of the Roda di Vaèl dominates the landscape: a 400‑metre dolomite face rising like a fan above the Carezza basin and the Val d’Ega, offering striking photographic viewpoints. To complete the day, a visit to the nearby Lake Carezza, just a few minutes by car from the Paolina chairlift car park, is highly recommended.
