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Hiking Tips:

More hiking tours:

  • Col de Lasta (m 2297) 0,30 h
  • Monte Sella de Senes (m 2787) 2,00 h (with a very wide view over a big part of the Fanes-Senes-Braies National Park)
  • Riciogogn (m 2654) 2,00 h
  • Senneser Kar-peak (m 2659) 2,00 h
  • Seekofel (m 2810) 2,30 h
  • Kleine Geisel (m 2859) 4,00
  • Lavinores (m 2460) 2,30 h
  • Fosses-lake ( m 2160) 1,00h

Near refuges:

  • Munt de Sennes (m 2176), 0,20
  • Biella (m 2327) 1,00 h
  • Ra Stua Alm (m 1668), 1,30 h
  • Fodara (m 1980) 0,40 h
  • Fanes (m. 2060)
  • Lavarella (m 2050), 3,30
  • Pederü (m 1545), 1,30h
 

 

Reachable from:
St. Vigil: by car or bus to the Hotel Pederü, 12 km. From Pederü (pathmark Nr. 7 or Dolomites Highway n. 1) turn left, 2 h walk, 5,5 km.
St. Vigil: by car to the Chalks Lake, 3 km, on the path Nr. 25-24 up to Ciastlins- Sennes-gap, then down to the refuge Sennes (4-5 hours).
Cortina d’Ampezzo: by Auto or Taxi to alpine pasture Ra Stua, from there on the path nr. 6 to the Salata Valley, 2 h walk, 5,5 km
Braies Lake: Path nr. 23 or Dolomites Highway n. 1, approx. 4,5 h walk

 Ski mountaineering itinerary from the Rifugio Sennes to Col de Riciogogn (2652 m)

For Col de Riciogogn: from Rifugio Sennes you proceed northward uphill on the cleared winter trail, past the body of water and making an arc slightly to the left, continue until you almost reach the pathway to Rifugio Munt de Sennes. Here you turn off the winter trail and go north-northwest uphill through a wide valley (Val Falciara), where the altitude varies only slightly, almost as far as the Seitenbach fork. 
Before beginning the climb that leads to the fork, on the left, another climb leads directly to Col de Riciogogn along the narrow but prominent south-eastern ridge. Proceed along the narrow hairpin bends until you come to the foresummit first, then after a short stretch, the actual peak, which is unmarked.

Descent: From the rear peak, the steep southern slope descends towards the broad Sennes plateau, but in this case head partly in the direction of Rifugio Munt de Sennes. From the summit, a steep beautiful slope facing south-west descends to the fork, Forcella Seitenbach, while those who want to arrive at as many destinations as possible can continue the itinerary towards the Cima Cadin di Sennes.

FEATURES: The Col de Riciogogn is located in the Braies Dolomites, in the hiking and skiing area of Rifugio Sennes. This very interesting ski mountaineering route can be completed in a short time and takes you towards a very well-marked summit starting from the lake, Lago di Braies. Locals willingly take a detour, going up to the Val di Sennes through the Forcella di Sennes and returning through Val Foresta. This mountain has stunning views and a beautiful steep slope on the south-eastern side up to the Seitenbach fork. Like all mountains with ski resorts, it also has a splendid panorama and fantastic view of the surrounding peaks.

 

Excursion: from Rifugio Sennes to Lago de Fosses and back to Rifugio Biella
Accesses at Rifugio Sennes:

To Lago de Fosses: From Rifugio Sennes, go a short distance on the vehicle track in the direction of Ra Stua (south-east) and at the crossroads continue left uphill towards Seekofelhütte (Rifugio Biella). When the stretch becomes level, leave the vehicle track and continue to the right following the “Lago di Fosses” sign. Descend into the wide depression south of the lake until you reach the “Cason de Foses” (shepherd’s hut) and then the Fosses lake (2140 m).
Return to Rifugio Sennes via Rifugio Biella:
After passing the small hut, continue on trail no. 26 (marked Seekofelhütte/Rifugio Biella), along the lake and then on rocky terrain, go uphill towards Rifugio Biella. From the hut along the vehicle track, go downhill to the first crossroads at a large group of boulders, then turn right and immediately afterwards, turn left on trail no. 6 (marked Seekofelhütte/Rifugio Biella). Proceed briefly uphill along a small ridge, then along a stretch of slight ups and downs, and finally continue downhill on the vehicle track to Rifugio Sennes.

Author’s tip: For experienced hikers in excellent form, we also recommend the climb to the Croda del Becco. Go uphill from Rifugio Biella to the fork, Forcella Porta del Forno, and going from here along the eastern ridge by way of some reinforced passages, you reach the Croda del Becco (2810m), round trip about 2 hours.
FEATURES: A wonderful circular route that loops around from this fantastic refuge on the Sennes Plateau, with grandiose and diverse panoramas: to the south towards the Tofane, to the west downhill towards Cortina and the Gruppo del Cristallo, to the northeast towards Croda Rossa d’Ampezzo and the impressive rocky massif of the Croda del Becco. The return route also offers wonderful views onto the mountains surrounding the Malga Fanes, also equipped with trails.

 

Ski mountaineering itinerary Rifugio Sennes – Croda Rossa Piccola-Croda Rossa Pizora (2859 m)

This ski mountaineering itinerary begins at Rifugio Sennes, and touches on the lake, Lago Gran de Fosses and the Croda Rossa di Anterselva up to the Croda Rossa Piccola.
Route: From Rifugio Sennes, proceed slightly downhill in an easterly direction along the beaten winter trail and after 500 metres continue left, slightly uphill, along the summer trail which meanders towards the east (barely visible trail; marked Seekofelhütte/Rifugio Biella – Parco naturale). After about 20 minutes, turn left around a ridge, slightly downhill, then cross a valley in a north-easterly direction and go uphill to the west of Lago Gran de Fosses (2122 m).
After crossing a short escarpment, go downhill into a large basin with a small wooden hut and proceed eastwards towards a short slope, which is to the right of the steep reddish rock walls. When conditions are safe, you can climb the slope towards a prominent ridge and continue to follow it uphill. Alternatively, you can proceed for a short distance towards the south-east, entering a gap, and from here on the left start to climb along the clearly visible ridge. At this point, the trail intersects with the run from Rifugio Malga Ra Stua (route used when coming from Cortina).
Proceed along the final steeper metres on the northern slope, until you reach the vast plateau of the Croda Rossa di Anterselva and then proceed diagonally eastwards to the Croda Rossa di Anterselva (flat summit), 2605 m.
Proceed downhill for a few metres, crossing a narrow passageway and then proceed in a south-easterly direction, climbing directly along the ridge; after a series of bends you reach the top of the Piccola Croda Rossa, marked by a small summit cross.

Descent: Identical to the ascent route. From Lago Gran de Fosses it still takes about 50-60 minutes to return to the refuge.
Note: It is highly recommended that this route only be taken in stable weather conditions and with good visibility. Locating the route to Lago de Fosses can be difficult due to undulating terrain, and a GPS navigator can be very useful.
Tip: Those who have gone from Lago de Braies to Rifugio Sennes and spend a few days in the refuge, the last day, can also go from Lago Gran de Fosses northward to the Forcella Cocodain, then through the Buco del Giovo and down to Lago di Braies – a further vertical descent of about 200 metres.
FEATURES: The Croda Rossa Piccola is definitely the most interesting destination for a ski mountaineering itinerary in the Rifugio Sennes area, although for the return journey from Lago Gran de Fosses, ski skins are needed again. Starting from the lake, the trail to the Croda Rossa di Anterselva is wonderful and fast, and from the top you can enjoy a breath-taking view. The summit is reached primarily from Cortina via the Ra Stua refuge. Other routes for reaching the top are from Lago di Braies via the Forcella Cocodain.

 

Ski mountaineering itinerary from Rifugio Sennes to the Piccola Croda del Becco (2750 m)

Route: From Rifugio Sennes, follow a short uphill stretch along the beaten winter trail northwards until you reach the body of water with signs. Here, follow the sign “Seekofel” and proceed to the right along a small escarpment. From here keep going in a north-northeast direction through the wide system of basins of the Sennes plateau and, with relatively little increase in altitude, you reach the beautiful slopes of the Piccola Croda del Becco, great for skiing. Go back up the first slope keeping to the right and proceeding uphill along narrow hairpin bends, until the steepness decreases a little. The trail then becomes more level for a short stretch, up to a narrow passage before the summit. To get past the steep slope that leads to the summit, keep to the right – on the left, the rock walls drop steeply to the west. When you reach the top, be careful not to go beyond: in the Lago di Braies direction, the snow is normally very deep.

Descent: Almost identical to the ascent route – in suitable conditions, after the narrow passage, you can proceed keeping a little to the right – are beautiful slopes as far as the Sennes plateau. Along the return stretch you must go uphill for a short distance along some mounds.

FEATURES: The Piccola Croda del Becco is located in the Braies Dolomites, in the hiking and skiing area of Rifugio Sennes. From the ski mountaineering point of view, it is certainly the most beautiful and rewarding peak of this area. After passing through the valley system of the Sennes plateau, you will find wonderful slopes with the ideal incline. In the upper part of the structure of the summit, you need to have good visibility: both to the west and to the north, the rock walls have a vertical drop! So you need to be extremely cautious when taking this route, and the snow there is often deep. There is a wonderful panorama, exactly as there is in all these mountains with ski mountaineering trails in the area. On the return route, there are short uphill stretches.

 

From Rifugio Sennes to Monte Sella di Sennes (2787 m)

FEATURES: Monte Sella di Sennes is located north-west of Rifugio Sennes on the Sennes plateau. It is the most popular and most visited peak in the Rifugio Sennes hiking and skiing area, although it has some flat stretches in the lower part and a short ascent on the return trip near Rifugio Munt de Senes. The ascent already offers a splendid view of the surrounding mountains with their uphill trails and ski mountaineering itineraries; the peak is the start of a gigantic and unique ski mountaineering route from Rifugio Sennes to Monte Sella de Senes.

Route: North of Rifugio Sennes, climb uphill along the beaten winter trail heading north-west until you reach a mountain pass, then follow a short downhill stretch towards Rifugio Munt de Senes, which is located in a large basin (closed in winter). From the refuge, proceed briefly westwards, then in a north-western direction through some mounds and dips, up to the rocky slopes of Monte Sella de Senes. Cross it by keeping to the left of the rocks, passing through a large basin below the steep side of the mountain, then at the shortest (lowest) point, go uphill along narrow hairpin bends on the ridge that descends from the top toward the south. Along this ridge (mostly very snowy) proceed north, first uphill, then on a level course towards the wide plateau of the summit with the summit cross.

Descent: The safest route is along the ascent path; in optimal conditions, just below the summit you can go down the steep southern slope until you reach the wide basin.

 

Ski mountaineering itinerary from Rifugio Sennes to Fodara Vedla and Sas dla Para (Lavinores, 2462 m)

Route: Descend along the winter trail (toboggan run) until you almost reach the large basin where the Rifugio Fodara Vedla is located and numerous huts. Keep to the left here, continue walking above the huts and after the refuge stay left, crossing the wide valley towards the north side of the huge massif. Then continue south-east along a ramp, at a good distance from the northern slopes, and cross to reach the east ridge (route almost identical to that of the summer trail). Continue along the wide eastern ridge, with its continuous slope, and you should have no difficulty reaching the summit with the small summit cross (in winter mostly covered by snow).

Descent: When conditions are favourable, it is possible to ski directly from the top towards the very steep northern slopes. Otherwise follow the same route, in reverse, as the outbound itinerary.
Tip: An ideal destination for the first or last day of a series of ski mountaineering excursions, staying at Rifugio Sennes, which is an ideal base for tours in this area.

FEATURES: The Sas dla Para is situated in the Croda Ciamin group, in the hiking and skiing area of Rifugio Sennes. A beautiful destination in the Rifugio Sennes area, on the Sennes plateau. The north face is exceptional, but can only be climbed when conditions are safe. It is the ideal mountaintop for the first or last day of a series of ski mountaineering itineraries, staying at Rifugio Sennes, which is an ideal base for tours in this area. Alternatively, a further ascent of about 200 m in altitude must be taken into account.

 

Hiking itinerary from Rifugio Sennes to Rifugio Biella and from the Forcella Porta Sora al Forno to the Croda del Becco

To Rifugio Biella: From Rifugio Sennes, proceed straight along the vehicle track in a northerly direction up to a body of water (5 min.). Turn right here, following the “Seekofel” sign. You proceed through hillside, with some slight ups and downs, and after a brief downhill stretch, you reach the vehicle track that goes up to Rifugio Biella (2372). Proceed along a slight slope, moving diagonally until you reach the already visible Rifugio Biella (2327 m), which is located in a beautiful panoramic spot, just below the fork, Forcella Porta Sora al Forno.

Through the Forcella Porta Sora al Forno to the Croda del Becco:
From Rifugio Biella, proceed uphill north-west to the Porta Sora al Forno fork (2388 m). Once you reach the small shrine at the fork, proceed west, and once past the initially steep east ridge, reinforced with a steel chain in the lower part, continue uphill until the ground becomes level again. Proceed along the somewhat level southern slope towards the west, and then after a slight climb you reach the summit of the Croda del Becco (2810 m), marked by a simple cross.
Descent: Same route as the ascent
Author’s tip:
The return route through Lago di Fosses is also very beautiful. From Rifugio Biella, head south to the lake, Lago di Fosses (2140 m), situated in a splendid spot. At the small wooden hut, follow the sign “Senneshütte/Rifugio Sennes” and follow a short uphill stretch towards a small plateau; continue west to the vehicle track that leads to Rifugio Biella, then follow the slightly downhill vehicle track to Rifugio Sennes.
FEATURES:
The Croda del Becco is an impressive and very panoramic mountain, which rises on the Sennes plateau and has a beautiful view towards the south. The panoramic view of the mountains from the Malga Fanes hiking and skiing area is also particularly beautiful. The northern view is also impressive, towards Lago di Braies and up to the main Alpine mountain range, as well as to the east, towards Tre Cime and the Croda Rossa.

 

Ski mountaineering itinerary from Rifugio Sennes to the Cima Cadin di Sennes
(2659)

Route: from Rifugio Sennes, proceed northwards uphill along the winter trail, pass the body of water and, making a slight arc to the left, continue until you are almost at the pathway to Rifugio Munt de Sennes (refuge). Here you turn off the winter trail and go north-northwest uphill through a wide valley (Val Falciara), where the altitude varies only slightly, almost as far as the Seitenbach fork.
The uphill slope is steeper up to the fork (2331 m), and when you reach the peak, stay to the right and continue east crossing through broad slopes, until you reach a prominent ridge. Follow it uphill along wide hairpin bends and finally, coming from the southeast, you reach the summit, which is not marked.
Descent: The wide beautiful slopes of the southern side offer various possible options for the return route.

FEATURES:
The Cima Cadin di Sennes is located in the Braies Dolomites, in the hiking and skiing area of Rifugio Sennes. This is quite a popular destination. From the top to the Sennes plateau, the lovely even slopes ensure really great skiing. The locals tend to generally go to the summit from Lake Braies via the Seitenbach fork. Some cross the ridge towards the Piccola Croda del Becco, arriving at the top then descending again along the steep valley that divides Piccola Croda del Becco and the Cima Cadin di Sennes, then returning directly to Malga Val Foresta (very steep access, should only be undertaken when conditions are optimal!)