Mondeval loop

Mondeval is a large plateau at the foot of the imposing walls of Lastoi di Formin. From Val Fiorentina, you can see the high peaks of Cima Mondeval and Piz del Corvo, but who would expect that these are topped by green meadows, which in turn are overlooked by the steep walls of Lastoi? This is a magical place that leaves both those who see it for the first time and those like me who have been visiting it for years speechless, but never tired of it. I love Mondeval in every season: in spring when it is a Garden of Eden, in summer crowded with grazing cows and horses, in autumn coloured yellow and orange, and in winter when it is covered with a white blanket of snow. This place is an open book on the geology of the Dolomites and, to those who know how to read it, clearly explains the origin of these unique mountains. But man has also left pieces of history up here: the Mondeval Man, a 7,500-year-old skeleton, was found here!

This snowshoe hike is not the only way to reach it in the cold season, but it is the only way to make a loop.

A very long but highly rewarding hike, offering magnificent views of Pelmo, Civetta and Lastoi, as well as a glimpse of the Ampezzo side, with Croda da Lago and Antelao. Requires excellent fitness and stable weather and snow conditions.

Length: 15.3 km

Elevation gain: 900 m

Difficulty: difficult

Estimated time: 7/8 hours

Minimum altitude: car park, 1500 m

Maximum altitude: Ambrizzola pass, 2277 m

Support points: Città di Fiume mountain hut if you choose the long route, otherwise none

Itinerary

We start this excursion from the Paliu car park, near the picnic area. For those arriving from Val Forentina, after passing Pescul, continue towards Passo Staulanza, and shortly afterwards you will find a large car park on the left, before the picnic area. Coming down from Zoldo and the pass, you will have to drive along the entire last straight stretch and you will find the car park on your right. The area is almost always cleared of snow and parking is free.

Here begins a wide forest road, which we start to climb. With gentle hairpin bends, it takes us up to a higher altitude, crossing a beautiful fir forest. After about an hour, we reach Piera de l'Auta and, immediately after crossing a bridge, we find signs indicating a path that climbs steeply to the right. We follow trail 466, which soon takes us out of the forest: we can finally admire Pelmo and Civetta!

We pass a small wooden ruin, evidence of centuries of sheep farming in this area, and continue until we come to another signpost. We ignore the path on the left (which can be taken in summer, a beautiful, almost abandoned path that passes between Piz del Corvo and Monte Mondeval) and continue to the right. Immediately after a small bridge, a very steep climb begins, which should be tackled by making small hairpin bends. Be very careful at this point: we are exposed to the south and the risk of avalanches could be very high. The effort here takes its toll, and if there are no tracks, you may find it more difficult to know exactly where to go. But at the end of the climb, all your efforts will be rewarded: after one last stretch, you will suddenly find yourself on the plateau! In front of you are gentle snow drifts, and in the background, the impressive walls of the Lastoi di Formin.

After a mandatory break, head straight for the obvious pass in front of you. In this section, it is difficult to see where the path is, but it is so beautiful and easy going that you can have fun playing in the snow 'waves', keeping your eyes on the pass in front of you.

A final steep climb finally takes you to the Ambrizzola pass, the highest point of our hike. From here, the view opens up onto the Ampezzo valley: to our left stands the imposing Croda da Lago, and you can see Cortina and the peaks surrounding it, from Croda Rossa to Antelao, including the Tre Cime!

From the Ambrizzola pass to the Col Duro pass, you have to tackle a traverse that cuts across the scree slopes of Becco di Mezzodì. It is assumed that if you have reached this point, the snow is stable and the risk of avalanches is low, but please be careful on this stretch. Furthermore, if there are no tracks, it could be really tiring! However, this is also the last real effort: once you reach the pass, a fun descent begins to Malga Prendera.

The route continues on a gentler descent to Forcella Roan. At this point, there are two options:

1. Follow the well-trodden forest road number 458, which after a short climb leads to Forcella de la Puina and then to the Città di Fiume mountain hut (open at weekends in winter). From here, continue along the beaten track to Malga Fiorentina.

2. Alternatively, you can take the more direct path, which cuts across the refuge and leads directly to the Fiorentina mountain hut. In summer, this path is very difficult to find, as it is now submerged by vegetation and trampled by cows. Furthermore, the last part is a nasty marsh. In winter, however, anyone with a little intuition and a GPX track can follow it. I recommend it because it is very beautiful, rarely used, and allows you to shorten the route a little.

Once you reach the mountain hut, ignore the road that continues towards the car park and the main road and, walking between the two buildings, take the path that descends steeply into the woods. In winters with little snow, I recommend carrying a pair of crampons in your rucksack. There is often not enough snow here to use snowshoes (which are also awkward to manoeuvre through branches and bushes), but a thick layer of ice forms.

This final descent takes us to the Aquileia refuge, where the cross-country ski trails begin. We are now back on the road, and a short stretch of asphalt takes us back to the starting point and the cars.

Can I do it in other seasons?

Of course, this loop is fantastic in every season! Just avoid it during the thaw period. There are lots of other excursions I like to do in this area, both in summer and winter.

For example, other snowshoe hikes in the area include:

Rifugio Città di Fiume and Malga Prendera

Cima Mondeval

Croda da Lago loop

In summer, however:

Mount Mondeval summit and loop

Mondeval traverse

Croda da Lago loop and Lastoi summit

Piz del Corvo summit and loop

Map and route

If you want a paper map, I recommend Tabacco 015, Marmolada Pelmo e Civetta. However, I suggest a good mobile app with GPX tracking.

Anello di Mondeval ciaspe.gpx

Download GPX • 453KB

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.