We start from rifugio Pederü at 1,540 m a.s.l. which is accessible from San Vigilio di Marebbe at 7 am with a temperature of -15°C. With our skis on we take the large forest road to the Alpe Fanes which runs along in hairpin bends to a high plateau where the path gets flatter. The sun is rising between the mountain summits. We enter the valley along a rather flat path and admire the fantastic landscape of the area which is characterised by the rock walls of the surrounding mountains. We proceed to the Alpe Fanes (Faneshütte, 2,060 m a.s.l.). Our next destination will be the nearby Passo Limo (2,172 m a.s.l.) above the mountain hut which we reach after some more steep hairpin bends. From here we can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the Alpe Fanes with the Cima Dieci, the Cima Nove and many other summits.

In the distance we can already recognise our final destination: the small saw-toothed rock between Furcia Rossa and Ciampestrin. We descend southwards and after having tackled 100 metres of drop we reach another mountain hut (we recommend taking off your ski skins). The characteristic rock and the Bivacco della Pace (Peace hut) are already well-visible even if they are still more distant than they appear. Now the terrain is getting steeper and more easily walkable. After more than four hours of walking we arrive at the foot of Monte Castello from where we can see towards Cortina and the Tofane group far over its ridge. After a lunch break at the mountain hut (freezing cold) we descend along the large alpine valley covered with powder snow. We try to tackle the hilly section with the right amount of speed but unfortunately we need to attach the ski skins before the ascent to Passo Limo. After a delicious lunch at the Alpe Fanes hut we take the forest path towards our starting point. The path is so flat in some sections that we have a hard time skiing (Watch out for sledders!). Fortunately we gain some speed during the final stretch and arrive at our starting point after covering 1,300 metres of difference in altitude.

Note: this excursion is truly impressive for its stunning panoramic views, however, its length should not be underestimated. Please check the current conditions of the itinerary beforehand as the Vallon Bianco is an area at risk for avalanches! We discourage you from undertaking this tour in case of bad weather as you could get lost very easily. This time the final destination is not a peak but a ridge at the foot of the peak which still offers an unforgettable panoramic view. This long excursion is particularly beautiful when the Vallon Bianco is covered with powder snow.

Author: BS

Date of the excursion: 19 February 2009
Reviewed in: 2025