Expert Alta Via Delle Dolomiti Friulane

This route climbs from Calalzo di Cadore to Rifugio Padova, with 1,410 m of ascent, so it is a demanding climb despite the manageable distance. The profile rises almost continuously from the valley towards higher forest and mountain terrain, before easing near the final approach. Expect a varied route with village edges, forest tracks, steep paths and quieter high sections. Navigation on the Troi di San Vincenzo, a T3-rated section spanning just over 1 km, requires extra attention.

From the town, the route crosses the Via Piduel bridge and climbs away from the valley, entering forested paths almost immediately. The lower part gradually gains height through wooded slopes towards Monte Piduel (1,581 m). An intersection marks the start of the Troi di San Vincenzo trail, where the route becomes more demanding underfoot and less straightforward to follow.

Between kilometres 5.7 and 7, the route follows the Troi di San Vincenzo. When leaving the trail that passes by Pian de Coliniei, at around 1,250 m, the new path can be difficult to spot and the markings are poor. After roughly 200 m, just below Monte Piduel, the path may become unclear or disappear in places, with fallen trees to bypass until you rejoin the main path towards Padova hut. After this section, the track becomes easier to follow again towards Monte Vedorcia (1,852 m), near Rifugio Tita Barba, a good place for a break.

You then continue towards Rifugio Padova, following the trail before turning north below the imposing Forcella Spe pass (2,049 m). Expect narrow paths, loose rocks, forest sections and mountain streams to cross along the way. After the long climb and the final traverse through higher terrain, the mountain hut gives you a clear place to rest, eat and settle in after a route that asks for both stamina and careful navigation.

This route leads from Rifugio Padova to Rifugio Giaf, with 1,030 m of ascent and 910 m of descent in a short but serious mountain stage. The climb is demanding from the start and the terrain becomes increasingly rocky as you approach the high section. This is an expert route, especially after Forcella Monfalcon di Forni (2,250 m), where the descent is steep, rough and hands-on in places. Move carefully and do not underestimate the downhill.

From Rifugio Padova, the trail climbs past the Ancoraio del Gatto area and continues towards the junction for Forcella Monfalcon di Forni (342). The route then enters higher, rockier terrain between Cadin d'Arade (2,040 m) and Las Busas Pass (2,320 m), with Croda di Giaf (2,523 m) and the surrounding towers close by. Around the pass, expect exposed ground, loose rock and sections where the path demands full attention before the descent begins.

After the pass, the descent towards Rifugio Giaf is technical and demanding. In places, you may need to use your hands and hold onto rocks to move down safely. Take your time, keep space between hikers and avoid rushing, especially if the rock is wet or your legs are tired from the climb. The route then continues past the short T4-rated section around Forcella del Cason (2,228 m) and over lower rocky terrain towards the hut.

After zigzagging down from the higher terrain, you arrive at Rifugio Giaf after a compact but tough mountain crossing. The mountain hut is a welcome place to rest, eat and recover after a route that asks for strong legs, surefootedness and careful movement on the descent.