Rifugio Vajolet

The snowshoe hike to the Vajolet refuge is perhaps the most famous in Val di Fassa, and one of the best-known winter excursions in the Dolomites. There are various reasons for this, but certainly one of the most compelling is the view that can be enjoyed along this excursion: beautiful from start to finish, always changing and never tiresome. It is also an easy excursion, groomed by snowcat in the first half. Finally, a factor that should not be overlooked in winter is that it is always in the sun, which makes it far preferable to other snowshoe hikes in the valley that are always in the shade (Val Duron or Val San Nicolò).

This area is rightly famous for summer hiking, offering many possibilities for beginners and experts alike, and the environment is magnificent. Even in winter, it has some surprises in store for you!

Length: 12.5 km

Elevation gain: 700 m

Difficulty: medium

Estimated time: 5 hours

Minimum altitude: Muncin car park, 1600 m

Maximum altitude: Vajolet mountain hut, 2243 m

Support points: Gardeccia mountain hut

Itinerary

To reach the car park at the start of this hike, you must first reach Muncion: at a roundabout halfway between Mazzin and Pozza di Fassa, take the road that climbs steeply towards the village. Drive through the village and continue along the road until you pass a few farmhouses and a bridge, immediately after which you will find a large, free, open car park. Do not be deterred by the no entry sign at the beginning of the road: if you read it carefully, you will see that the road is only closed during the summer season.

Put on your snowshoes or crampons (the first section is well-trodden, so crampons are sufficient) and take the path that climbs into the woods. The road continues with a gentle climb, first through a beautiful fir forest, then among mountain pines, up to the Gardeccia refuge. Up to this point, there are no difficulties; the hike is pleasant and easy, so much so that it is also enjoyed by many families who have fun sledding down the hill. Once you reach the refuge in about an hour, you can enjoy a coffee or a bombardino. It is open every day from December to April.

Up to this point, the route has been easy and without any danger. Beyond this point, but especially in the last section, the risk of avalanches is high, so assess the situation carefully.

Continue behind the refuge and take trail 546. You can already see the Preuss refuge, perched on top of a rock (the Vajolet is just behind it). Now the trail climbs more steeply for a couple of hairpin bends, still offering magnificent views both ahead and behind, and passes through a grove of ancient, twisted Swiss stone pines. A gentler stretch near the river takes us to the base of the last hairpin bends. With one last effort, we overcome this final climb to reach the Preuss refuge and the Vajolet. The Torri del Vajolet now tower above us, and we can stop for a well-deserved sandwich.

The return journey is along the same route as the outward journey.

Can I do it in other seasons?

In summer, you can reach the Gardeccia mountain hut by shuttle bus. In my opinion, it is worth shortening the climb to Vajolet so that you can spend more time exploring other trails that are not accessible in winter (you can go to the Re Alberto mountain hut, Passo Principe or the Roda di Vael mountain hut, all of which are wonderful itineraries).

Variants

From the Vajolet refuge, you can continue towards the Passo Principe refuge along trail 584. Carefully assess the avalanche risk before continuing in this direction.

Map and route

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

rifugio_vajolet_ciaspe_2023-12-17.gpx

Download GPX • 288KB

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.