Col dei Bos

This is perhaps my favourite snowshoe hike! A fabulous circular route with magnificent and ever-changing views, little (or almost no) traffic, and not too long. It is almost entirely above the forest, with wonderful views of the most famous Dolomite peaks. The moment you reach the first pass is magical: the view that opens up before you seems unreal.

Overall, it is a short route, but that does not mean it is easy. Depending on how much snow has accumulated, it can be trivial or very challenging. It is also an area prone to avalanches, so you need to know the snow very well and be able to recognise whether it is safe to continue or not (obviously after consulting the avalanche bulletin, needless to say, right?).

I therefore recommend this excursion to experienced snowshoers. If you are not experienced but still want to enjoy this experience, contact me to organise a tailor-made excursion!

Length: 7.5 km

Elevation gain: 650 m

Difficulty: difficult

Estimated time: 4/5 hours

Minimum altitude: car park, 2050 m

Maximum altitude: Travenanzes pass, 2500 m

Support points: none

Itinerary

For this excursion, we depart from the Col Gallina car park, opposite the Da Strobel restaurant. If you are travelling from Cortina, take the road that climbs up to Passo Falzarego, a few hairpin bends before reaching the top. Parking is free but the car park is not very large, so it is best to arrive early in the morning.

We cross the restaurant car park, leaving the ski slopes behind us, and take the path opposite. There are trail markers and a large sign announcing that we are in the Ampezzo Dolomites Natural Park. We are now on trail 423 and, after crossing a small bridge, we immediately begin to climb. This very first section is a bit tiring, just enough to warm up, and with a few hairpin bends nestled among larch and Swiss pine trees, it leads to the forest road above us. The entire first section of our trip is exposed to the south, so in winters with little snowfall, you may find a lot of variation in snow accumulation: there may be none here, but then a lot further on. So if it looks like there is little snow from the car park, put your snowshoes in your rucksack anyway!

We are now on the forest road that passes just below Col dei Bos and Cima Falzarego. We have passed the last trees, and the view stretches from Sorapiss to Marmolada. Continue along the forest road and you will soon reach the ospedaletti. These ruins are nothing more than hospitals built by the Italians during the First World War, in an area close to the front but sufficiently sheltered from enemy fire. Continue along the forest road, with a couple of hairpin bends downhill, until you come to a new forest road, number 412, which climbs up from a car park below. Now we start climbing again, and shortly afterwards we pass through a tunnel, also built during the war. Now the road climbs with long, gentle hairpin bends, and the view is always stunning. Be careful in this area, because on hot days it is not uncommon for avalanches to come down from the pass and hit the forest road. But also look carefully at the rocks around you: many chamois live here, and it is not uncommon to see one or even whole herds, searching for sunshine and the little dry grass that emerges from the snow.

When the road reaches the base of Tofana, we may encounter the first obstacle: this stretch, which is easy in summer, sometimes accumulates so much snow that it becomes impassable. You may be able to pass comfortably, you may have to walk on a narrow exposed path, you may have to use crampons on frozen snow, or you may simply have to give up. It all depends on the amount and type of snow you encounter.

Continuing on, you will have to overcome one last steep climb before finally reaching Forcella Col dei Bos. Take one last look at Croda da Lago and Pelmo behind you before turning your attention to the marvellous peaks of Fanis and Fanes, which stand out like red towers in front of you. These peaks witnessed fierce battles between Italians and Austrians during the First World War, and still bear the scars: there are trenches, barracks and shelters here, but unfortunately they are now covered with snow and cannot be seen.

Up to this point, you may have encountered some people (as well as chamois!) and found the beaten track, but beyond this point, you will often find nothing else! The path you need to follow is now 402/401, but it is very difficult to spot as it is covered in snow. From the pass, turn sharply left and head towards the Lagazuoi refuge, now clearly visible in the distance on top of a rock. If you are unfamiliar with the area and there are no tracks, it could be easy to make a mistake and find yourself wandering among rocks and snowdrifts. However, if the weather is good and you continue in the direction of the refuge, you cannot really get lost. This stretch is fascinating, so do not forget to turn around every now and then to admire the impressive pyramid of Tofana di Rozes and its sister, Tofana di Dentro.

The last traverse before reaching the second pass could again cause some difficulty: narrow and exposed even in summer, in winter it is always in the shade, so it can turn into an icy slide. But this time it is not a big problem, if it is not possible to tackle the traverse, just descend a few metres and climb up the other side. Once you reach the Travenanzes pass, you will find yourself back at the view of the peaks you saw in the morning.

Below us, we can now see the ski slope that descends from Lagazuoi, which we must reach. Once again, we are faced with a (final) difficulty. The first section of the descent from the pass is very steep. You can try zigzagging by cutting into the snow with your snowshoes, or let yourself slide down a few metres.

The last part of our day is the least enjoyable: we will have to walk along the ski slope until we get back to the car. Please remember that walking on the slopes is prohibited, so be very careful if you have to cross them, and for the descent, try to stay on the outside, where the snow cannons are. If all goes well, you will be back at the car park.

As you will have understood, this excursion is not trivial. It requires knowledge of snow, the ability to assess the situation, and familiarity with the use of snowshoes. Equipment is also important: I recommend having snowshoes with large crampons to facilitate progress on challenging sections.

Can I do it in other seasons?

Of course! This hike is also wonderful in summer. Far from the large tourist crowds, it combines incredible views, history and different environments. Furthermore, in the absence of snow, it can be extended to reach Lagazuoi.

It can also be done in autumn, although it is not the best place to admire the foliage.

However, it is not recommended in spring.

Variants

If the car park at Col Gallina is full, or if it has snowed recently, you can start from the water magistrate's office, a little further down. From here, you climb through a beautiful forest, then rejoin the forest road that climbs to the Col dei Bos pass. To return to your car, you can simply descend to Col Gallina and walk for 10 minutes on the asphalt road, or rejoin the forest road that passes through Ospedaletti. However, this option is not easy to find: it is an almost abandoned path, difficult to find even in summer. From the ski slope, after passing the last wall and reaching the last almost flat section, you have to leave the slope and 'dive' into the mountain pines. This is certainly easier if there is enough snow to cover the pines, otherwise it could be a tough struggle! However, it is not a long stretch, and you will soon find yourself back on the forest road. GPX track recommendation.

Map and route

If you want a paper map, I recommend Tabacco 003, Cortina. However, I suggest a good mobile app with GPX track.

col dei bos da col gallina.gpx

Download GPX • 45KB

Col dei bos da magistrato delle acque.gpx

Download GPX • 105KB

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.