Ski tour to Mt Castello

We start at 7 am at a temperature of minus 15 degrees at the parking space of the Pederü mountain inn (1,540 m a.s.l.), which is accessible from San Vigilio di Marebbe. We clip on our touring skis and walk along the wide forest road towards the Fanes Alp. In numerous serpentines we reach a high plateau, the path becomes flatter and also the sun comes out. We carry on into the valley along a quite flat forest path. The area is impressive, the path is surrounded by craggy rock summits. Finally we reach the Fanes mountain hut at 2,069 m., and also Passo Limo, a ridge which is located above the hut. In some steep serpentines we reach the ridge (2,172 m) and enjoy a fantastic panoramic view on the Fanes Alp, Mt Col Becchei di Sopra, Mt Cima Dieci, Mt Cima Nove and many other mountain peaks.

Our real destination is also already visible - the little tooth-like rock between Mt Furcia Rossa and the Ciampestrin rockface. We carry on walking southwards, lightly downhill to another mountain hut. Here the rock pillar of Mt Castello and the Bivouac of Peace (Bivacco della Pace) are clearly visible and seem to be closer than they really are. We walk through the Vallon Bianco and keep permanently right. Also here the path proceeds uphill and downhill, the hilly landscape requires stamina. Mt Castello approaches slowly, finally we have to manage only few more bends. The terrain becomes lightly steeper and like this better walkable.

After more than 4 hours the time has come - we are at the foot of Mt Castello and enjoy a gorgeous view towards Cortina and the Tofane massif. After our lunch break in the ice cold bivouac we start again and wedel through the wide high valley which is filled with pressed powder. For the ascent to Passo Limo we have to put on the skins again. After a refreshment at the Fanes mountain hut we drive back to our starting point along the forest path, which is partly so flat, that we hardly get ahead (watch out for sledgers!). With 1,300 metres of altitude difference in our legs, we finally return to our starting point again.

Please note: a very scenic but very long ski tour, the Vallon Bianco occasionally is exposed to avalanches, take information about the current conditions! In bad weather not recommended, orientation is difficult. The final destination is not a summit but a ridge at the foot of the summit with a gorgeous view.

Author: BS