Av2 Europa ing corr.indd

The Passo di San Pellegrino, which can be reached by public transport
(bus) from Agordino, is very popular and frequently crowded because it represents
the shortest route between Venice and Bozen. In the past, this route
was also used for the trade of iron, coal and timber. The three dioceses of
Brixen, Trent and Belluno met in the nearby village “dei Zinghen” (the gypsies).
There was also a hospice, which served as lodgings for travellers and
was founded by Frate Gualtiero - Ordine di San Pellegrino (pilgrim ordre) in
1358. The extraordinary flora is well worth paying special attention to.
On the pass and in the surrounding areas, you can find lodging in
one of the numerous hotels (many of which are highly starred) e.g.
Costabella, Monzoni, Armira, Cristallo, Miralago and in some of the
inns situated around the pass. However, you can find good accommodation
in a rather more homely and friendly atmosphere and less
expensive in Malga San Pellegrino agricultural tourism.
Alternative Route 5
From the Castiglioni mountain hut to the Passo di
San Pellegrino (pass) via the Marmoladascharte (col)
(and via the peak of Marmolada)
This is the most interesting route that brings you on to the San
Pellegrino pass. It is therefore technically also the most difficult and
is only recommended for mountaineers and climbers with mountain
experience or those in the company of a mountain guide. Adequate
equipment (ice axe, rope, crampons) is a prerequisite for the climb.
After all, do not forget that you are going to climb the Marmolada,
the Queen of the Dolomites.
From Rifugio Castiglioni via the dam and near the cable car,
continue along path No. 606, which leads to the Pian dei Fiacconi
mountain hut (at 2,626m) within 2 _ hours. The hut offers sleeping
places for an overnight stay. You can also reach the hut by cable car
- this has to be taken into consideration when you calculate the entire
hiking time and length of the stage.
Path No. 606 goes further towards the west and steps down a little
to the residual edge of the glacier then goes flat through the rocks to a
Rock climb on the Marmolada’s west ridge
crevasse on the northern crest of the Marmolada. From here, hike down
on the glacier between Marmolada and Piccolo Vernèl and again over
the glacier up, first through scree and rocks then on ice to the secured
wall which leads to the Marmoladascharte, (col at 2,896m).
2 hours from Pian dei Fiacconi.
From the Marmoladascharte, it is possible to reach the summit
of the Marmolada in around an hour, Punta Penia at 3,343m and
over the Klettersteig (fixed rope route) on the northwestern crest.
The route is exposed, fascinating and varied but suitable only for
experienced mountaineers and climbers with good equipment. This
section should not be attempted in bad weather, particularly after
fresh snowfall. It is also dangerous because of the danger of lightning
striking the countless fittings made of forged steel.
On the summit, you find the Capanna Penìa (Penìa mountain hut) which offers
home-cooked food and limited overnight accommodation for small groups.
Descend using the same route.
96 INNSBRUCK - BRIXEN - FELTRE EUROPA HIG--ALTITUDE TRAIL 2 97