Rifugio Scarpa

This snowshoe hike is quite famous for three reasons: it is not difficult, perhaps a little tiring for those who are not trained, but it takes place almost entirely on forest roads, which are always well-trodden, at least on the uphill sections; it is safe from avalanche risk, at least in the first half; the refuge is also open in winter and offers hot meals and a nice larin where you can sit and enjoy them. It is a very beautiful snowshoe hike, which allows you to discover an area of the Dolomites far from the tourist crowds, a hidden and wonderful corner: the Agner, the Monti del Sole, the Belluno Dolomites. The first part takes place on a former ski slope, abandoned because it is isolated from the large nearby ski areas (Civetta and Falcade).

The only drawback could be the low altitude, which in recent winters with little snowfall might make you give up on snowshoeing.

Length: 12 km

Elevation gain: 700 m

Difficulty: medium

Estimated time: 5/6 hours

Minimum altitude: Frassenè, 1100 m

Maximum altitude: Scarpa mountain hut, 1735 m

Support points: Scarpa mountain hut

Itinerary

This excursion starts from Frassenè, a small village on the road connecting Agordo to Forcella Aurine. There is a large car park below the church, which is usually cleared of snow. There is a small bar on the main road where you can stop for a coffee.

To reach the start of the trail, take Via Domadore and cross the village until the road forks. Take the road on the right. This climbs gently through a dense forest. At each bend, you will pass under the old chairlift, which has unfortunately been abandoned with the seats still hanging from it; a hideous eyesore left to disfigure the forest. Follow the main road and ignore any turn-offs, and you will arrive directly at the refuge without going wrong! Alternatively, there is a path that cuts across the bends and climbs more steeply and quickly. Choose the one you prefer based on the amount of snow and your fitness level. A word of advice: the road is often groomed by the refuge's snowcat, or there is little snow, which may tempt you to set off without snowshoes. You can do this, but bring at least some crampons with you, as the road often turns into a sheet of ice.

A little over halfway up the climb, you will reach the base of the ski slope; here too, you can choose whether to go straight up the slope or continue on the gentler road.

When you emerge from the woods, you will be greeted by an incredible view: the Agner towering imposingly above you, while behind you lie the Monti del Sole and the wild Belluno Dolomites. The refuge is a fantastic vantage point, so take a break to admire the view and enjoy a hot meal. There is also a bivouac here, Malga Losch, where you can take shelter if the refuge is closed.

For the second part of this excursion, carefully assess the risk of avalanches. While the route has been fairly safe up to this point, we now have to traverse a section that is often risky. If you decide it is not safe, descend the way you came up. It will still have been a great day!

From the refuge, go back a few metres and take trail 773, signposted for Passo col di Luna. The first part of this trail is the most dangerous, as you are in an open environment beneath the steep walls of Agner. You then enter the woods and continue along a pleasant gentle slope until you reach another fork. Here, leave the flat path and begin a steep descent on path 772. Soon you will reach the beautiful Malga Luna, another small bivouac that is always open. The path then becomes a forest road again and descends with many hairpin bends to the beautiful Domadore barns and then to Via Domadore, at the junction where you took the right-hand path in the morning.

Can I do it in other seasons?

Yes, this trail is accessible in all seasons. In summer, the refuge is open from June to September, and there are many possibilities to modify and extend the itinerary proposed here.

Variants

The best-known variation to this classic itinerary is the addition of the climb to Col di Luna. From the junction between trails 773 and 772, instead of descending towards the latter, continue straight on to the Col di Luna pass, and from here you reach the beautiful and panoramic summit of the hill. This is a beautiful trail, which adds about an hour and a half (there and back) to the hike and requires very stable and safe snow conditions.

You can also set off for the refuge from Forcella Aurine. An old path, which is not easy to find, leads to the Domadore barns, from where you rejoin path 772 to Malga Luna. Although you start at a slightly higher altitude, the long traverse on a slight incline takes some time, and in the end the hike is longer than if you start from Frassenè. Considering that it is rarely used and that it is not possible to make a loop, I do not recommend it. The path from Forcella Aurine that climbs directly to Col di Luna is very steep, and I do not recommend it when there is snow.

Map and route

If you want a paper map, I recommend Tabacco map 22, Pale di San Martino. However, I suggest a good mobile app with GPX tracking.

Rifugio_Scarpa.gpx

Download GPX • 82KB

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.