How to reach the beautiful mountain hut Velo della Madonna (rifugio) in the Dolomites of San Martino. A wonderful place to enjoy the majestic views of the pale mountains. It is built on a rocky outcrop with a 180° view on the valley below and the surrounding peaks.
For another beautiful destination in the Dolomites click here: https://6bpump.com/best-full-guide-to-tre-cime-di-lavaredo-dolomites/
Mountain hut at 2358mt
This rifugio is the starting point for many astonishing hikes and alpine routes. It has 54 beds and it serves delicious food. Visit their website for more information and opening times. https://www.rifugiovelodellamadonna.it/il-rifugio/
Staying at the hut is a great experience whatever you are planning to do in the Dolomites. Many climbers stay here before climbing one of the most famous routes of the area, called Spigolo del Velo.
If you are interested in hiking you will find all the signposts with details of the surrounding area, and you can also ask the managers of the rifugio for more information. There are also many via ferrata in the area so if that’s what you’re looking for this will be a great place to start from.
The hike up to Rifugio Velo della Madonna itself is a great way to enjoy the views of the dolomitic peaks. We parked in a large parking space by Malga Civertaghe, and walked up path number 713. Following the signs you will reach the hut in a couple of hours.
Be aware that the final part of the path includes a steep slippery part with a small ferrata. You can also use your ferrata kit on this part but it is easy enough to walk, holding on to the lines. The hike is easy but the difficulty also depends on your experience, so never underestimate it if it’s your first time.
Things to do
Rifugio Velo della Madonna is part of a wonderful dolomitic tour called Palaronda Trek https://palarondatrek.com/. Palaronda Trek is becoming very popular so make sure you book your place in the rifugio in advance.
Ferrate
There are 4 main ferrates in the area:
- Ferrata del Porton
- Ferrata del Velo
- Sentiero attrezzato Dino Buzzati
- Sentiero attrezzato Nico Gusella
Hikes
Here are some ideas for hiking. You can search for more information on each one; some hikes are round trips, others take you to other rifugi
- Anello del Cimerlo
- Rifugio Pradidali
- Rifugio Rosetta
- Anello della cima di Ball
Climbing
If you’re interested in climbing in the area of Pale di San Martino you will find hundreds of incredible routes here.
We will soon write an article about the ascent to Cima della Madonna, which starts behind the rifugio.
You can also read our article about another climb in Pale di San Martino following this link: https://6bpump.com/fessura-buhl-sulle-pale-di-san-martino-dolomiti/
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