Crest Trail: Passo Pordoi - Porta Vescovo

DESCRIPTION
A fantastic loop on the Crest Trail and the Viel dal Pan.
This loop trail starts at Passo Pordoi, following the scenic Crest Trail to Porta Vescovo, and then returns to the pass via the renowned Viel dal Pan or Bread Route. Although the route does not present significant technical difficulties, it is advisable to have a steady pace and not suffer from vertigo.
From start to finish, you are surrounded by beautiful panoramas encompassing the Marmolada, Lago di Fedaia, and the Sella Group. But these are not the only mountains in view; the trail also offers splendid vistas of other Dolomite peaks, enhancing the beauty of the landscape.
The ridge section is a continuous up and down, less frequented by hikers because it is more demanding, but undoubtedly the most scenic. On the return, you descend slightly, still maintaining a spectacular view of the Marmolada and Lago di Fedaia. You walk along the old route of the Viel dal Pan, so named because it was once traveled by merchant caravans supplying goods to Val di Fassa. Despite being at altitude, it was considered safer than the valley floor.
This trail, abandoned for many years, was restored in the early 1900s by the German mountaineer Karl Bindel, and is still remembered and appreciated by hikers today as the Bindelweg.

ITINERARY
From Passo Pordoi (2230 m), follow trail marker 601. After passing Rifugio Baita Fredarola (2370 m), take trail 636 - High Crest Trail - and ascend towards Col de Cuc (2563 m). Here, there is a series of ups and downs: passing Sas da Ciapel (2521 m), Col de Pausa (2414 m), La Forfesc (2556 m), and finally Cima Belvedere (2646 m). Now descend rapidly to Porta Vescovo (2472 m) and Rifugio Gorza (2490 m). Descend further towards Lago di Fedaia and take trail 601, which first leads to Rifugio Viel Dal Pan (2432 m), then to Rifugio Baita Fredarola (2370 m), and finally back to Passo Pordoi: Bindelweg trail.

EXCURSION DATE
June 30, 2024

STARTING POINT
Passo Pordoi

REFRESHMENT POINT
Rifugio Viel dal Pan (2432 m), Rifugio Gorza (2490 m) and Rifugio Baita Fredarola (2370 m)

AUTHOR’S SUGGESTIONS
Only undertake this route if you have a steady pace and no fear of heights.

SAFETY TIPS
The viability of the proposed itinerary, like all mountain morphology, is subject to environmental changes due to natural events and weather conditions. Therefore, before leaving, consult the competent tourist offices and / or the refuges of reference.
Our GPX tracks are only indicative, that is, the route was carried out at best with the conditions of the trails and weather of that day. So always consider what to do on site.
Also remember to evaluate the route based on your physical abilities, training and the equipment you have.
You should leave someone the route you intend to do told.
Remember that the emergency number is 112.

EQUIPMENT
It is recommended to have the appropriate equipment for the route, weather conditions and season: windproof and / or rain jacket, map and / or GPS device, goggles, sunscreen, boots, first aid kit, specific clothing, gloves, backpack with food and drink.

RECOMMENDED MAPS
Tabacco 07 Alta Badia - Arabba - Marmolada

INTERESTING LINKS
https://www.fassa.com/it/scopri-la-val-di-fassa/passi-dolomitici/passo-pordoi

HOW TO ARRIVE
A22 exit Egna/Ora. Follow the SS48 delle Dolomiti to Passo Pordoi.

PARKING AREA
At Passo Pordoi GPS coordinates: 46.487133, 11.814044

Percheggio a Passo Pordoi

Si percorre il sentiero 601

Arrivati al Rifugio Fredarola

Prendiamo il Sentiero delle Creste

In cresta

In cresta

Vista verso il Gruppo del Sella

In cresta

In cresta

Ultima salita per la Cima Belvedere

Splendida vista verso la Marmolada

Porta Vescovo

Scendiamo verso il Lago di Fedaia

Vista sul lago e sulla Marmolada

Rifugio Viel dal Pan