Monte Specie
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
A beautiful, long and thoroughly rewarding route. In summer, Monte Specie is very popular, renowned for its views of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the ease of the trail. In winter, it is much quieter; the broad ‘hills’ leading up to the main peak become white waves that serve as a playground for snowshoers and ski mountaineers.
Generally, those wishing to reach this peak take the shorter route: from Villabassa in Val Pusteria, you drive up to Prato Piazza, and from there the climb to the summit is much shorter. The route suggested here, however, starts from Carbonin, just past the Cimabanche Pass, on the road linking Cortina to Dobbiaco. It is certainly a longer route, but less frequented, and suitable for those coming from Cortina.
The hike does not present any technical difficulties or a high risk of avalanches; however, its length and elevation gain should not be underestimated.
Length: 17 km
Elevation gain: 900 m
Difficulty: moderate
Estimated time: 6 hours
Lowest point: Carbonin, 1480 m
Highest point: Monte Specie, 2309 m
Refreshment points: Vallandro mountain hut
Itinerary
After the Cimabanche Pass, and just before you reach the hotel in Carbonin, you’ll find a car park on the right and the start of the path on the left. If you fancy a coffee before setting off, head to Carbonin, where you’ll find the hotel bar.
Cross the road and take the wide forest track number 37, which, with its long, gentle bends, will take you from just under 1,500 metres up to the Vallandro mountain hut at 2,000 metres. It has to be said that the first part of this route is a bit monotonous. The woodland isn’t particularly interesting and blocks the view. If the snow allows, you can take the path that cuts across the bends.
However, towards the end, your efforts will be rewarded by the magnificent view of the snow-capped Cristallo. As you climb towards the refuge, the Croda Rossa also comes into view, with its unmistakable colour. Once you reach the refuge, you can treat yourself to a well-deserved break; it is open throughout the winter, from December to the end of March. Directly opposite the refuge stands an ancient fort, Fort Plätzwiese, built between 1888 and 1895 by the Austro-Hungarian Empire and used during the First World War.
After the break, take path 34, behind the mountain hut, and head uphill towards Picco di Vallandro until you reach a signpost. Here, turn left and, after another steep climb, you’ll reach a lovely flat stretch. The view here is magnificent, and the numerous small terraces and hills offer the perfect backdrop for stunning photos.
By now, you should already be able to see the large summit cross ahead of you. After the Sella di Monte Specie, where there are further military posts, just one final push remains before you reach the long-awaited summit. From here, you’ll finally be able to enjoy the view of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, though the surrounding mountains are also stunning.
The return journey follows the same route as the outward journey.
Can I do this at other times of the year?
Yes, this route can be tackled in summer and autumn. I wouldn’t recommend it in spring, when the thaw makes the climb to the summit dangerous (you can still climb as far as the refuge, though).
In summer, you can follow a circular route, so that you descend via a different path. Simply continue on to the Prato Piazza refuge and then take path 18 to Passo Cimabanche.
Variants
If there is little snow, you can take the shortcut linking the Vallandro mountain hut to the Sella di Monte Specie on either the outward or return journey. If there are large drifts of snow, do not attempt this section.
Map and route
If you’d like a paper map, I recommend the Tabacco 31 map, ‘Dolomiti di Braies’, number 03, ‘Dolomiti Ampezzane’, or number 10, ‘Dolomiti di Sesto’. However, I’d suggest using a good mobile app with GPX tracks.
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.
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