Ring of Mount Pena and Venezia mountain hut

A magnificent snowshoe hike between Val di Zoldo and Valle del Boite. Long but not difficult, with breathtaking views and not too crowded: a perfect combination that will make you fall in love!

Mount Pena is a rocky outcrop at the foot of the gigantic Pelmo. Its shape is typical of many other peaks of Dolomite origin: one side is vertical, contrasting with the other, which is gentle and covered with pastures and woods. It seems to have been placed there on purpose to make it easy to reach the summit and admire the spectacle of Caregon. Yet the name tells a different story: a story of hard lives, trying to squeeze out of the mountain what little it can give to man for survival. It has recently been renamed Monte Penna, because the name is 'more social', but I like to remember that place names are never random, but tell the story of the people who lived here.

The Venezia mountain hut is a popular destination, accessible in summer from several directions. It is part of two high-altitude trails and several other multi-day treks. In winter, it is highly appreciated because it is easy to reach and almost always safe. However, most people ascend and descend via the same path because they are unaware of the possibility of completing this loop. Now I will describe the route in detail.

Length: 13 km

Elevation gain: 600 m

Difficulty: medium

Estimated time: 6/7 hours

Minimum altitude: Zoppè, 1550 m

Maximum altitude: Rucurto Pass, 2000 m

Support points: none

Itinerary

The route starts from Zoppè, which can be reached from Val di Zoldo. The village is beautiful and, if you have time, it is worth taking a stroll among the old tabià (traditional barns) with their privileged view of Mount Pelmo. In the centre of the village there is a bar and a small grocery shop, but they are only open in high season. Pass through the village and continue until you pass the helicopter landing pad and Malga Livan. Where the road ends, there are free parking spaces. The malga is worth a stop at the end of your trip. They have amazing cakes, platters of cold cuts and exceptional cheeses, all of which are produced on site (if you don't have time, you can buy some cheese to take home).

Take the road above the mountain hut, which continues on flat ground for about ten minutes until you reach the first fork. Here, take the road that climbs to the left and go up the first hairpin bends. At one hairpin bend, you will find a fork, indicated by a signpost. Here, everyone continues along the forest road, but we turn right onto trail 493. Now we are no longer on a road, but on a small path in the woods, which can be difficult to spot if there is no trail. Therefore, I recommend having a GPX track. Continue climbing through a beautiful forest until you reach Forcella Cianpestrin.

Now the path descends a little, then climbs up the other side. You will then come to a stream to cross, the only point that could cause some problems in case of heavy snowfall. Once you have crossed it, you will soon come to path 475, which climbs up from Malga Ciauta. Now the view opens up, and we can admire Pelmo in front of us and Antelao behind us. The trail continues uphill with a few steep sections. We begin to feel tired, but we are not far now! In fact, one last steep climb takes us to the plateau at the foot of Pena and from here it is an easy walk to Passo di Rucurto. Now the view is truly incredible, Pelmo is very close! A few more metres and we reach the Venezia refuge, closed in winter, but offering a wonderful sunny panoramic terrace where we can enjoy our well-deserved sandwiches.

For the return journey, we go back to the Rucurto Pass and descend along the forest road in front of us. This is the best-known route to reach the Venezia mountain hut, which is quite busy on sunny weekends. The descent is easy and pleasant, alternating with flat sections, and will take you back to the junction you passed in the morning. Be careful at certain points where the slopes of Pena can cause avalanches on the road. Although this route is mostly in the woods, it is not recommended to take it when there is a risk of avalanches.

Can I do it in other seasons?

This route is magnificent in every season. In spring, you can admire the crocuses in bloom; in summer, there are horses and cows grazing on the slopes of Pena; in autumn, it is a riot of yellow and gold.

Variants

If you are very fit and the snow conditions are good (stable and hard), you can add the summit of Mount Pena. From the Rucurto Pass, allow another hour/hour and a half of climbing, with a 200-metre elevation gain. The trail crosses the plain at the foot of the mountain, then enters the woods and begins to climb again. Be careful of some "crevasses" in the rock, which may be hidden by snow in winter. The last stretch out of the woods is very steep and covered with mountain pines, so it is not always passable (you may find yourself sinking into the branches!). From the top, the view will reward all your efforts!

There are two other ways to reach the refuge: from Borca di Cadore, passing through Malga Ciauta, or from Palafavera. Neither of these routes allows you to make a loop.

Map and route

If you want a paper map, I recommend Tabacco 025, Dolomiti di Zoldo. However, I suggest a good mobile app with GPX tracking.

anello monte pena.gpx

Download GPX • 155KB

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.