Discover what to do in Colle Santa Lucia: the Bear’s High Route, Col de Larcionei, Malga Colcuc. Want to know more? First of all…
Where is Colle Santa Lucia?
The municipality of Colle Santa Lucia borders Cortina d’Ampezzo to the north, Alleghe to the south, San Vito di Cadore and Selva di Cadore to the east, and Livinallongo del Col di Lana and Rocca Pietore to the west.
Bear’s High Route
The starting point of the loop itinerary is the square in Via Villagrande in Colle Santa Lucia, a welcoming Ladin village surrounded by the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites (a visit to the medieval church of Santa Lucia is also recommended). Near the pro loco (Via Villagrande, 57) you will find the signs for the Bear’s High Route, recognizable by the orange trail markers.
From the square, head north along provincial road 251 for about 120 meters, then turn left into Via Riz, where the signage for the Auta Via Del Ors is located. With an elevation gain of 500 meters, the route winds for just over 10 km without technical difficulties. After 180 meters, keep left and follow Via Soppause for 600 meters. At this point, turn right and head north through the locality of Sopradaz, a charming hamlet dotted with characteristic mountain homes and centuries-old wooden barns, then take the trail on your left that enters the coniferous forest crossed by clear streams.
The two itineraries, the orange and the green, are inspired by the novel “La pelle dell’orso” by Matteo Righetto, as attested by the numerous quotes from the story along the path.
Along the way, brushed by a crystalline waterfall, you can observe the signs left by Storm Vaia, which from October 26 to 30, 2018 caused severe damage in the mountain area of the Dolomites and the Veneto Prealps.
Col de Larcionei and the village of Larzonei
The effort of the hike is rewarded by spectacular panoramic views of the Val Fiorentina, framed by Monte Pelmo, Monte Civetta, and the Cernera group. After overcoming a rather challenging climb (46°27’38.0″N 12°00’17.9″E), the trail descends the wooded slope towards Col de Larcionei.
From the privileged position of the village of Larzonei, which arose at the foot of Monte Pore at 1577 meters above sea level, you can glimpse the peaks of Piz Boè and the Marmolada. Wrapped in a bright grassy area bordered by majestic fir forests, the ancient hamlet dotted with characteristic tabià is arranged around the white church of San Silvestro, whose bell tower is crowned by a soaring spire.
From here, the route intercepts the Strada de la Vena, a path that extends from the Fursil mines at the base of Monte Pore to the Passo Valparola. The name of the itinerary refers precisely to the mineral veins present in the area.
Malga ColCuc and end of the itinerary
At this point, the trail guides the visitor towards Col Cuc. The path proceeds along the side of the sunny grassy hill, dotted in spring and summer with daisies, buttercups, and forget-me-nots, and leads to a small wooden bridge over a freezing stream.
After contemplating a breathtaking view of Monte Sella, Monte Migon, Sasso Bianco, and Monte Civetta, from Col Cuc begins the final stretch of the hike that leads back to the historic heart of Colle Santa Lucia. If you are wondering what to do in Colle Santa Lucia, the Bear’s High Route is an itinerary recommended for those who wish to venture into an uncontaminated environment, immersed in greenery and silence, during which it is easy to be enchanted by extraordinary panoramas of the Dolomites.
