Col Margherita

A beautiful snowshoe hike between Passo Valles and Passo San Pellegrino. This excursion will treat you to wonderful landscapes in a lesser-known area of the Dolomites, a 360-degree view from a beautiful peak and (why not?) the chance to enjoy a delicious lunch in a mountain refuge.

The excursion takes place entirely above the tree line, which allows for magnificent views at all times, but also requires you to pay close attention to the danger of avalanches. This is not an excursion to be undertaken with medium-high risk.

Length: 10.5 km

Elevation gain: 500 m

Difficulty: medium

Estimated time: 5/6 hours

Minimum altitude: Passo Valles, 2000 m

Maximum altitude: Col Margherita, 2550 m

Support points: Laresei mountain hut, Col Margherita mountain hut

Itinerary

The route starts from Passo Valles, which can be reached from Falcade or Predazzo. There is a small but free car park here. There is also a bar-restaurant where you can have a coffee before setting off.

Take trail 658, which begins to climb gently. The view is already fantastic, with the Pale di San Martino looking very close behind us. The road continues uphill and after a hairpin bend you reach the first pass. The ski slope passes in front of us, and on our left we can already see our destination: the metal silhouette of the refuge just below the summit of Col Margherita. If you want to extend your walk a little, or simply fancy a coffee, turn right and in a few minutes you will reach the Laresei refuge (open when the ski slopes are open). Then retrace your steps back to the pass. From here, head towards the refuge above you, following trail 695. At a certain point, the summer road takes you onto the ski slope. To avoid this, you can leave the path and stay close to the rocks at the base of Col Margherita, climbing up a sort of gully. In some places it is a bit steep, but there is enough space to make a few small hairpin bends. Don't forget to turn around every now and then to admire the Pale di San Martino behind you! The refuge is always clearly visible in front of you, gradually getting bigger.

When you finally reach it, don't let fatigue get the better of you! Climb a little further behind it, and you will reach the actual summit. From here, there is a 360-degree view, and at your feet lies a dizzying precipice that ends at Passo San Pellegrino! If you don't want to take advantage of the refuge restaurant, this is the perfect place to enjoy a sandwich away from the chaos of skiers.

To return, follow the same route you took on the way up.

Can I do it in other seasons?

You can also reach Col Margherita in summer. It will be a pleasant hike away from the crowds, among grazing cows and sheep! Avoid the thaw period (May and early June) due to the risk of avalanches.

Variants

In summer, you can also reach the summit from Passo San Pellegrino, but in winter this is not possible, so this is the only option.

Map and route

If you want a paper map, I recommend Tabacco map 06, Val di Fassa. However, I suggest a good mobile app with GPX tracking.

col_Margherita.gpx

Download GPX • 108KB

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.