To the Croda da Lago

Description from ”Mountain biking in the Dolomites” book (Mauro Tumler):

A 1600 m climb in the Dolomites is definitely not for everyone. The truth is, the starting point lies at just 1000 metres, but gaining altitude in the surroundings of Cortina can be challenging. In addition, this particular route uses a large section of the bicycle path built on the embankment on the old Cortina–Calalzo railway.

DIRECTIONS

This tour is not recommended without good riding skills and a high level of physical fitness. Weather conditions are also crucial. From campo di Sotto a steep climb on pavement leads to the Malga Federa. the Rifugio croda da Lago is reached following a short section of hike-a-bike. Here a great single-track section along the Via delle Dolomiti leads to the Forcella Ambrizzola and a difficult downhill section to the Rifugio città di Fiume, which is the most challenging part of this tour. the barely visible trail makes it hard to identify an ideal line. Although it would appear that the end of the excitement is in Val Forada, there remains a very technical single-track and an extremely steep downhill along forest road, to the Intrà les Aghes bridge, which usually takes riders by surprise.

Itinerary description

From S. Vito di cadore ➊ railway station (990 m) commence with a light climb along the bicycle lane toward cortina, via the ➋ Dogana Vecchia (1117 m). In Acquabona, get onto the main road for a short time and then back onto the bicycle path, up to the crossing in ➌ zuèl. Take a left, cross the bridge over the river Boite, and in ➍ campo di Sotto (1125 m) on paved road MtB route n. 8 (signposted), start climbing toward Monte Lungo; at the car park in ➎ Pianoze take a left and continue to ➏ Malga Federa (1816 m). From here there is a steep climb and a few hiking sections in order to reach the ➐ Rifugio croda da Lago (2064 m, food available). Following waymark n. 434 along a technical single-track to get to the ➑ Forcella Ambrizzola (2277 m). From the pass follow waymark n. 436 to S.Vito (very technical single-track) to Forcella col Duro and continue descending to the abandoned ➒ Malga Prendera (2148 m). Take waymark n. 458 (green arrow) and reach the ➓ Forcella Roan (1999 m). Continue descending, this time along waymark n. 467 (sign città di Fiume) to ⓫ Rifugio città di Fiume (1918 m, food available). there is a subsequent 60 vertical metres to get to the ⓬ Forcella Foràta (1977 m), then follow waymark n. 480 (S.Vito bike 4) and start a hard and technical downhill to the Intrà les Aghes ⓭ bridge (1379 m). on forest road n. 470/S.Vito, ride the steep section, cross the bridge toward ⓮ Soraunie and the ⓯ Sèrdes farmhouse (1000 m); from here continue along the road to ⓰ the Sèrdes bridge, cross it and bear to the left to arrive at the starting point, S.Vito.

STARTING POINT

San Vito di Cadore, 990 m

TARGET POINT

San Vito di Cadore, 990 m