At the foot of Mount Pelmo

This excursion will take you to a fairytale setting at the foot of one of the most iconic mountains in the Dolomites, Mount Pelmo. There are many famous peaks in the Dolomites, but Mount Pelmo is special because of its unique square shape, isolated from all the others and easily recognisable from every angle. With a simple snowshoe hike, you can get so close that you feel you could touch it!

Most of this excursion takes place in the woods and is generally safe from avalanche risk. It is not technically difficult, and the climb is gentle and steady. The only difficulty could be orientation if no one has passed through before you. However, the trail is often well-trodden.

I particularly love this hike, and I have done it many times. During Covid, it was my escape route, which I reached via paths through the woods, without being seen on the roads. I have also done it several times for work, especially at night. I find it perfect for a hike under the stars: seeing Pelmo at night from here is a memorable experience.

Length: 6 km

Elevation gain: 500 m

Difficulty: easy

Estimated time: 4 hours

Minimum altitude: Coi, 1500 m

Maximum altitude: I Lach, 2000 m

Support points: none

Itinerary

The starting point for this excursion is Coi, in Val di Zoldo. The village is small and has no parking, so it is advisable to stop before entering it; there are a few open spaces on the right-hand side. Walking through this village, it is easy to imagine taking a step back in time: the old tabià, some renovated and others original, are a reminder of the hard life of mountain farmers and breeders. The view is magnificent, both of Civetta and Pelmo. Some beautiful wooden fountains offer fresh, delicious water to hikers setting off.

Just before reaching the village church, you will find a road that climbs steeply to the left, next to a tabià (traditional barn) with a cow painted on it. Take this road, with Mount Pelmo in front of you. Once you have passed the houses, the road becomes a forest track (path 473) which continues to climb up to some old houses above the village. Here, at a house that is larger than the others and a fountain, take the path on the right, following the signs for the Venezia mountain hut.

The road continues to climb through the woods, with some slightly steeper sections, until it reaches another house, which is considerably larger than the previous ones. Just before reaching the house, you will find a path on the left, again marked by a signpost. Just a little more effort, and all your sweat will be rewarded: at a certain point, the woods thin out, and Pelmo appears before you in all its majesty. You continue walking in open terrain, and you can also see the other peaks: Civetta, on the opposite side of the valley, Marmolada and Sella, tiny in the distance.

We cross path 472, which connects the Staulanza Pass to the Venezia mountain hut, and continue towards the latter. In summer, this section of the path is a corridor between walls of mountain pine. In winter, if there is a lot of snow, the mountain pines are crushed under a white blanket, on which you can walk comfortably. If, on the other hand, there is little snow, you will have to be very careful not to get stuck between the branches!

The path continues to climb gently, bringing you closer and closer to the mountain. After passing a final hairpin bend and a small copse, you will emerge onto a beautiful open plain, the perfect place for a lunch break and some great photos.

Now you will have to leave trail 472 and cross the plain to take trail 526. The last few metres uphill will take you to a wide saddle, from where you will begin the descent. You will have to cross a steep grove, followed by a first clearing, a second grove and a second clearing. If the path is not well trodden (there are often many tracks left by downhill skiers, who enjoy making lots of turns but do not help you find the best route), pay close attention to the trail markers painted on the trees, especially in the second clearing. When the path is covered with snow, it is easy to make a mistake.

A final steep stretch through the woods will take you back to the forest road you took on the way there, just above the farmhouse with the fountain, and in about ten minutes you will be back in Coi.

Can I do it in other seasons?

Yes, this trail is accessible in all seasons. In summer, it can be extended and combined with other trails, such as Sass de Formedal and Monte Punta.

Autumn here is magical, the expanses of dew-covered larch trees will take your breath away.

Variants

From the plain at the end of the climb, you can continue on to the Venezia mountain hut. It is a magnificent route, but very long and prone to avalanches, which I recommend for experienced snowshoers. You will also have to return along the same path. If you want a better alternative to reach the Venezia mountain hut, I recommend the Monte Pena loop.

Map and route

If you want a paper map, I recommend Tabacco 25, Val di Zoldo. However, I suggest a good mobile app with GPX tracking.

anello ai piedi del Pelmo.

Download • 27KB

With the guide

Why take this guided tour if you already have all the information? First of all, if you are not familiar with snowy environments, if you do not know how to assess avalanche risk, if you do not know the area and if you have never worn snowshoes, I do not recommend venturing out into the snow alone. The mountains in winter are dangerous and a mistake can be fatal. During the winter season, there are many mountain rescues, knowledge of the environment and respect for one's limits are increasingly neglected, so even thinking 'I'll follow the others' does not keep you safe. A guide, on the other hand, is an expert on the area and will guide you safely on this or other routes according to the conditions at the time and your level of preparation. If they consider this route dangerous, they will suggest an alternative one, so you don't waste your day!

In addition, the guide will accompany you beyond simply admiring the landscape: they will show you, teach you and explain what surrounds us. What mountain is that? What animals live in the forest? Why are the Dolomites special? The guide will answer your questions and help you discover the history and unique features of the place. This way, your day in the Dolomites will not just be a walk in the snow but a real experience that you will remember forever.

The guide will help you choose the right equipment and can hire you snowshoes and poles, as well as advise you on where to hire hiking boots and clothing. For certain locations, I offer a transport service from your hotel. This means you don't have to worry about driving, the route or equipment, and you can enjoy the day without any worries!

To book this or other excursions with me, visit the TAILOR-MADE EXCURSIONS page.

Disclaimer

This post was written based on my personal experience in the mountains.

You can use the information provided and the GPX track at your own risk; I accept no responsibility. Remember that the mountains are unforgiving.

Before setting off on your own, study the route carefully, check the weather and snow conditions, and make sure you have the appropriate equipment and clothing. If you are not an expert, do not go alone, but contact a guide.