Discover what to do in Cibiana di Cadore: Monte Rite, Rifugio Dolomites, the Museum of Clouds. Want to know more? First of all…
Where is Cibiana di Cadore?
The municipality of Cibiana di Cadore borders to the north and east with Valle di Cadore, to the southeast with Ospitale di Cadore, to the southwest with Val di Zoldo, and to the west with Vodo di Cadore and Val di Zoldo.
Rifugio Dolomites
Passo Cibiana and Parking
The starting point of the hike is Passo Cibiana (1530 m above sea level), an alpine pass dominated to the north by Monte Rite, rising to 2,183 meters, and to the south by the rocky peaks of Sfornioi Nord and Sassolungo di Cibiana, towering at 2,410 meters and 2,413 meters above sea level respectively.
Enclosed by majestic slopes clad in coniferous forests, the pass is an ideal destination for hikers and those eager to discover some of the most fascinating panoramic views of the Belluno and Friuli Dolomites.
Dotted with huts, ancient tabià, and welcoming refuges, Passo Cibiana is also a reference point for ski enthusiasts, given the proximity of the Deona cross-country ski trail. The latter includes several loop routes extending for 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7.5 km, the shortest of which is fully illuminated. Near the starting point, there is a paid parking lot, also available for campers (Park passo Cibiana).
The Shuttle Road and Trail 479
The first part of the route winds along a comfortable mule track that after about one kilometer leads to a fork. As indicated on the map, from here you can choose to tackle the switchbacks of the convenient service road used by the shuttle bus (estimated travel time: two hours), or take trail 479 which leads to the refuge in about an hour and a half.
Once you reach the summit, the effort of the hike is amply rewarded by the spectacular view of the solemn Dolomite peaks that tower over the pass and the enchanting village of Cibiana di Cadore. From the dominant position of Monte Rite, you can embrace with your gaze the summits of Monte Crissin (2503 m), Monte Popera Valgrande (2520 m), Monte Peralba (2964 m), Monte Brentoni (2548 m) and Terza Grande (2586 m), Montanel (2461 m), Crodon di Scodavacca (2389 m), Monte Cridola (2581 m), Monfalcon di Forni (2309 m) and Monfalcon di Montanaia (2453 m), Picco di Roda (2229 m), Monte Pramaggiore (2478 m), Cima Sella (2334 m), Cima Laste (2555 m), and Cima dei Preti (2703 m).
The Museum of Clouds
Upon reaching the summit of Monte Rite, at 2181 meters above sea level, you are struck by the luminous glass and metal structure of the Messner Mountain Museum Dolomites. The modern building is skillfully integrated into the architecture of an imposing military fortress from World War I, which houses the permanent exhibition.
If you are wondering what to do in Cibiana di Cadore, the Museum of Clouds is a must-see for those who wish to conclude the itinerary by participating in an unforgettable cultural experience, dedicated to the artworks from the collection of the famous mountaineer Reinhold Messner and numerous geological and archaeological finds that tell the ancient history of the solemn Dolomite heights surrounding the museum, from Monte Civetta to Monte Schiara, from Cimon della Pala to Marmolada, from Monte Pelmo to the Tofane massif.
If you are wondering what to do in Cibiana di Cadore, the Rifugio Dolomites, at 2160 meters altitude, is an ideal stop to rest before undertaking the return journey along the comfortable mule track. The route extends for 13 km and has an elevation gain of 600 meters.
