The Dolomites on foot
Some mountain days begin simply by stepping outside. From Serdes, you can wander through the meadows, climb towards Rifugio Larin and Rifugio Senes, or follow a longer route into the mountains. A little further afield lie the Antelao trails, Lake Sorapis and the open landscapes of Mondeval.
These are a few places to start: a walk before breakfast, lunch at a mountain hut, or a full day on the trails.
01 / Straight from the house
An uphill walk and lunch with a view
Our closest rifugio. Take the path behind the house down towards the Serdes bridge, then follow the signs before reaching it. The climb continues on a paved road: allow around 40 minutes at a brisk pace for this uphill stretch, or longer if you prefer to take it slowly.
The reward is an open view and somewhere to settle in for lunch. A lovely option from late spring to autumn, subject to opening.
Open meadows and time to linger
A little beyond Larin, Rifugio Senes sits among open meadows in a landscape that feels deeply rooted in Cadore. Combine the two stops for a longer outing between summer and autumn.
Traces of an older mountain life
Continue towards the Rocchette to discover old shelters associated with the hay harvest. Before tourism, summer here meant gathering and storing enough hay to feed the animals through winter.
Allow a summer half-day to explore this quieter side of Cadore. Ask us before setting out and we can explain the route and junctions.
Even before breakfast
For a short outing, the meadows and paths around the hamlet are a good place to begin, with mountain views all around. In the colder months, you may spot deer grazing nearby; enjoy watching them from a distance.
From spring to autumn, it is a gentle way to start the day, choosing your route to suit the time available and ground conditions.
02 / Starting in San Vito
The area around San Vito’s ski lifts, near the Sun Bar car park, is a starting point for longer routes that call for fitness and experience on mountain trails.
A day beneath the great rock walls
Rifugio San Marco is a classic local destination. Make the hut your turnaround point, or continue towards Forcella Grande for a more demanding day.
Reaching the hut and continuing to the saddle are different undertakings. Choose your destination according to your fitness, the weather and available daylight. Plan for summer, when the trails are clear of snow.
For a more demanding mountain day
This route leads into the rocky landscape of the Antelao massif and requires good fitness. Set aside a full day and check the route and elevation gain before setting out.
A summer option for walkers with previous mountain experience.
03 / Exploring further afield
Turquoise water, exposed trails
From Passo Tre Croci, CAI trail 215 leads towards Rifugio Vandelli and Lake Sorapis. Allow around 2–2½ hours each way, plus time for stops.
The trail begins in woodland but includes narrow, exposed sections, fixed cables and metal steps. Sure footing and confidence on this terrain are essential: this is not an easy walk for everyone.
The lake’s milky turquoise water and the Dito di Dio rising behind it make the arrival memorable. Start early and check trail conditions and hut opening before leaving. Enjoy the lake from the shore: swimming is prohibited.
Lunch below one of the Dolomites’ great landmarks
Rifugio Venezia sits below the southeastern slopes of Monte Pelmo, surrounded by pasture and great rock walls. Several routes reach the hut, and your starting point makes a significant difference to the distance and effort involved.
A lovely summer destination for a walk followed by lunch. Allow anything from half a day to a full day, depending on your chosen route.
A cooler afternoon in the woods
On warmer days, a woodland walk towards the waterfalls around Borca di Cadore makes a refreshing alternative to heading high into the mountains.
Ask us about the route and current conditions before going. With children especially, it is worth distinguishing the easier paths from steeper or slippery sections.
A day that can be as long as you choose
From Sant’Uberto, beyond Cortina, the route climbs towards Malga Ra Stua. Once there, explore the nearby pastures or continue towards Val Salata and the Sennes area for a longer hike.
A stop at the malga can be reason enough to come. In summer, check road access and any shuttle arrangements; if you walk up from the car park, include that climb in your plans.
Wide horizons in the heart of the Dolomites
From Passo Giau, the trail towards Forcella Giau leads into the pastures of Mondeval, between Monte Pelmo and Croda da Lago. Leave time to stop and take it in.
This is also where the Mesolithic burial of the Mondeval Man was discovered, adding a much older human story to the landscape.
This is a mountain hike with climbs and uneven ground. Allow half a day to a full day, depending on how far you go and your return route.
Rock towers and traces of history
Around the Cinque Torri, trails weave through a distinctive mountain landscape and the restored positions of the open-air Great War museum.
When operating, the chairlift from Bai de Dones saves much of the climb. Rifugio Scoiattoli is a natural stop beside the towers; reaching Rifugio Averau involves a further uphill walk.
A rewarding outing for families with children accustomed to walking, choosing a suitable route. Allow at least half a day.
