MTB Tour 7 refuges

DESCRIPTION
Between parks and refuges: an unforgettable summer e-MTB excursion.
The suggestive area of Cortina d'Ampezzo is renowned not only for its winter ski slopes, but also for offering exciting mountain bike routes during the summer season. Among the many options available, we have chosen to explore the classic tour of the 5 refuges, customizing it for the occasion in a compelling Tour of the 7 refuges.
The route, despite being technically accessible, offers a compelling experience through beautiful landscapes. The road mainly runs on wide dirt roads, almost completely avoiding asphalt. The climbs, although steep, are completely pedalable thanks to the help of e-MTBs, while the descents, apart from short more challenging stretches, are within everyone's reach.
With a length of almost 38 kilometers and a difference in altitude of approximately 1600 metres, the route offers a rewarding challenge without being prohibitive. If you decide to tackle the ride with an e-Bike, a 500W battery should guarantee peace of mind for the entire journey.
Analyzing the altimetric graph, two moments of significant climb clearly emerge: from the starting point to Rifugio Sennes and from Rifugio Pederù to the suggestive Lago Limo. These sections will certainly be the moments when you can fully appreciate the assisted power of your e-MTBs. On the other hand, the descents, except for short more technical sections, allow you to relax and enjoy the view.
The magic of this itinerary also lies in the fact that it crosses two incredible natural parks: the Ampezzo Dolomites Regional Natural Park and the Fanes - Sennes - Braies Natural Park. Immersed in the uncontaminated beauty of these parks, you will find yourself cycling through lush forests, alpine meadows, stunning waterfalls and spectacular mountain panoramas.
In conclusion, the Tour of the 7 refuges in the Cortina d'Ampezzo area offers not only an exciting e-MTB adventure, but also the opportunity to explore and appreciate the uncontaminated nature of the surrounding parks. An experience that combines sport, nature and wonderful landscapes.

ITINERARY
From the S. Uberto car park (1435 m) follow the Rifugio Malga Ra Stua trail sign. Once arrived (1688 m) continue on 6, and then 6A, arriving at the Rifugio Sennes (2135 m). Here you first descend to the Rifugio Fodara Vedla (1980 m) and then to the Rifugio Pederù (1548 m) following path 7. Now you start climbing again following the dirt road that leads to the Rifugio Lavarella (2050 m), to the Rifugio Fanes (2060 m), to Lake Limo (2159 m). From the lake you descend passing the Rifugio Gran Fanes (2105 m) and the Fanes Waterfalls. Last uphill stretch and you return to the starting point.

EXCURSION DATE
July 15, 2023

STARTING POINT
S. Uberto car park

REFRESHMENT POINT
Rifugio Malga Ra Stua (1688 m), Rifugio Sennes (2135 m), Rifugio Fodara Vedla (1980 m), Rifugio Pederù (1548 m), Rifugio Lavarella (2050 m) and Rifugio Fanes (2060 m)

AUTHOR’S SUGGESTIONS
If you have time, stop at the beautiful Fanes Waterfalls.

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 evaluate what to do on site.
Also remember to evaluate the route based on your physical abilities, the training and the equipment you have.
For e-bike owners: evaluate the kilometers and the altitude difference in relation to the battery power and the weight of the cyclist well.
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: helmet, windproof and / or rain jacket, map and / or GPS device, goggles, helmet and / or handlebar torch (an unexpected event may lengthen the travel times), sunscreen, MTB shoes, first aid kit, bike repair kit, specific clothing, whistle or signal bell, reflective bike wheels, gloves, backpack with food and drinks.

RECOMMENDED MAPS
Tabacco 03. Cortina d'Ampezzo Dolomiti Ampezzane

INTERESTING LINKS
https://www.rifugiomalgarastua.it/

HOW TO ARRIVE
From Cortina d'Ampezzo SS51 towards Dobbiaco for about 7 km on the left.

PARKING AREA
S. Uberto car park
GPS coordinates: 46.603217, 12.106007

Parcheggio S. Uberto

Rifugio Malga Ra Stua

Lasciamo il Rifugio Sennes

Si pedala in uno scenario fantastico

Rifugio Fodara Vedla

Si scende al Rifugio Pederù

Siamo arrivati al Rifugio Pederù

Ücia Pices Fanes

Rifugio Lavarella

Rifugio Fanes

Lago di Limo

Ütia de Gran Fanes

Si scende verso le Cascate di Fanes

Cascate di Fanes

Cascate di Fanes