tofane - Recent messages

Second day of wandering in the Friulian Dolomites, we head from rifugio Padova to Cima Cadin degli Elmi.

A road from Domegge di Cadore leads to rifugio Padova. In the village, signs for the rifugio (hut) lead us to the start of a narrow, steep, and a few km damaged road. Later the road becomes nicer and after 10 km we park at the end of the road and 5 min walk to the hut.

From the hut right on path no. 352, which leads to Forcello Spe and to bivacco Gervasutti. After a good half hour we climb to small meadow Col (1451 m), from there we descend to the stream (1350 m). Beyond the stream left and a bit higher left again along the stream with beautiful pools and small waterfalls. Soon the path turns away from the stream and we continue through the forest to the cirque and foot of our peak. From there to Forcello Spe (2049 m), where on the right we spot the highest peak of the Friulian Dolomites, Cima dei Preti. From the pass left on the path to bivacco Gervasutti (1940 m - 15 min). At the bivacco left again up the grass, where we already spot the first cairn and further steeply up into the far right gully and to Forcellino Santa Maria. Here we spot red marks that lead us to the summit in one hour (from hut 4 h). Path difficulty I to II. At the top incredible views. Krn, Triglav, Montaž, Bivera, Dolomiti di Sesto, Antelao, Pelmo, Civetta.... Descent to Forcellino via ascent path, from there variant right down scree to cirque and back to rifugio Padova.

In my opinion the route I did on Gamskofel is the easiest variant. When we come out of the red gully we continue traverse or a bit down following old marks and cairns. We'll reach the part where the path is secured with wire rope. All the way follow the signs and when we reach the scree traverse to the gully between two slabs. Climb to the grassy shoulder right up the broken ridge until we reach the upper scree. Across scree up to wall, where behind the edge we spot the gully. Up it to summit (at top of gully peg with prusik). Along ledge a few meters turn right around big rock and stand on summit with cross

Thanks Igor for the tour suggestion via Canale della Trincea to Forcella Alta di Riobianco.

Best regards

The path start from junction to Forcello Cimoliano not as Igor described or was different then. 100m from junction towards bivak Grazzotto right after crossing stream turn left (large red dot on larch visible) continue up along stream to scree where arrow and red dot on stone, left over gravel then right up to wall where visible trail (Igor mentioned) leading to steep grass. Over steep grass slightly right but always up to stone with arrow right (rare cairns). Then per Igor's desc. At descent from summit (ca 15m) and over Coassa chimney recommend belay. Peter Pasar