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Stage

50

Passo Gavia > Santa Caterina di Valfurva

Lenght
19.5
Km
difficulty*
E
Altitude gain*
+
491
m
-
1375
m
*Cosa vuol dire?

Il simbolo + indica il dislivello positivo (cioè in salita) complessivo della tappa; il simbolo - quello negativo (cioè in discesa).

* What does it mean ?DOWNLOAD GPX TRACK

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50388412
Punto di partenza
Punto d'arrivo
Punto acqua
Struttura ricettiva
Punto interesse

Medium length stage, without particular differences in height. Smooth and pleasant, in the presence of the Monte Cevedale (3,769 m) and the Forni Glacier

We see for the first time the impressive bulk of the Gran Zebrù (3,857 m), one of the most coveted peaks in the Alps.

Special Notes

The section from Rifugio Stella Alpina to Santa Caterina di Valfurva is a variation of the Sentiero Italia (that continues towards the Rifugio Pizzini), chosen due to the impracticability of Passo Zebrù. 

About 1 km before Rifugio Stella Alpina there is a short cross path that is exposed and poorly maintained: be careful.

MTB: follow the 525 to go down to Rifugio Stella Alpina (without keeping on the 525.1).

Water points are absent from Rifugio Berni to Rifugio Stella Alpina.


Beauty
when to go
May - October
Suitable for
Scenery
how to get there
description of the route

Skirting the road, we proceed on the path to the nearby Rifugio Berni, from where we leave the road. We head to the right to cross the Gavia stream and skirt it northwards. After a flat stretch, we climb slightly to the eastern side of the valley, through a long and panoramic cross path.

Upon reaching Dosso di Tresero, we continue eastwards, keeping our eyes wide open: it is a popular area for eagles. Just before crossing the narrow Val Cerena, walking halfway up, we face a short, narrow, and exposed part, the only complicated part of the stage. Soon we are at Rifugio Stella Alpina, ideal for a little break.

On a path suitable for cars, we ascend (about 300 m height difference) towards Pradaccio di Sopra. After the short but intense climb, we walk along the long and sunny cross path, between beautiful flowery meadows: excellent views of the great Forni Glacier and the surrounding peaks (Cevedale, Palon de La Mare, Vioz, San Matteo ...).

Finally, from Malga Ables, we take the comfortable carriage road that descends easily to Santa Caterina di Valfurva, dominated by Pizzo Tresero (3,594 m) - named this way for the three zeros that seem to be drawn on the snowfields of the western wall.

What to know

Santa Caterina is a well-known tourist resort that has given birth to numerous sportsmen, including Olympic champion Deborah Compagnoni and the mountaineer Marco Confortola, who climbed Dhaulagiri in 2017, his tenth eight thousand.  

The Santa Caterina lifts have hosted many competitions of the ski world cup


What to see

Descending from Passo Gavia it is possible to admire the Forni Glacier, the largest Italian glacier of Hymalaian type. Since the end of the 19th-century, this glacier has been monitored by volunteers of the Italian Glaciological Committee.

what to eat

At Rifugio Stella Alpina the shepherd's coffee is a must. An original recipe of Andrea, who works at the mountain lodge and created it by experimenting with some old bottles of alcohol. Simply delicious.

where to sleep

Rifugio Stella Alpina, in Valle dei Forni. Tel. +39 0342 925272


Casa Benedicta, in Santa Caterina di Valfurva. Tel. +39 366 473 0648

How to Reach

Starting point reachable by car.


Starting point NOT reachable by public transport, only with tourist buses from July to August with departure from Ponte di Legno.

The nearest location reachable by bus is Pezzo, starting from the town of Edolo with a change at Ponte di Legno.

Here the LINK to check the timetables.


Starting point NOT reachable by train.


“Crossing Valle di Gavia halfway up we find ourselves forced to wade numerous melting streams in flood”

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