Discover what to do in San Pietro di Cadore in Province of Belluno: the Piana di Vissada, Rifugio Forcella Zovo, Cima San Daniele. Want to know more? First of all…
Where is San Pietro di Cadore located?
The municipality of San Pietro di Cadore borders north with Austria, south and east with Santo Stefano di Cadore, and west with San Nicolò di Comelico.
Hike in San Pietro di Cadore
To reach the Piana di Vissada, the nearest parking area is at the start of CAI trail 169 (46.60269431793448, 12.59176056231045). Starting from Rifugio Forcella Zovo, the loop route winds for about 9 km with an elevation gain of around 600 metres, crosses the Piana di Vissada and, after passing Forcella San Daniele, returns to the starting point via CAI trails 165 and 154.
Alternatively, you can tackle the ascent of nearly 4 km starting from the church of San Francesco d’Assisi.
From the Church of San Francesco d’Assisi to Rifugio Forcella Zovo
The starting point of the itinerary is the Church of San Francesco d’Assisi in Via Pradetto, 7. Characterized by a gabled facade facing southwest, the ancient stone-built place of worship is marked on the sides by a series of single-lancet pointed-arch windows, decorated with multicoloured glass. Topped by a large rectangular window, the elegant wooden portal is preceded by a porch finished with a double-pitched roof. The church stands on the edge of a steep grassy slope, from which, in its privileged position and looking south, there is an extraordinary view of Monte Terza Piccola (2334 metres a.s.l.), Monte Terza Media (2455 metres a.s.l.) and Monte Terza Grande (2586 metres a.s.l.).
Born from the springs of the Casera Razzo plateau, the Frison stream cuts through the winding valley that separates the Terze group, located between the Carnic Alps and the Dolomites, from the imposing wooded mass of Monte Col (2079 metres a.s.l.), Monte Brentoni and Monte Pupera Valgrande.
We continue northeast towards Rifugio Forcella Zovo, which can be reached by car. We follow Via del Popolo for 500 metres, then keep left and continue north on an asphalt road for 3.2 km until we reach the chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The first part of the route crosses bright meadows dotted with old hay barns and picturesque stone-and-wood houses surrounded by quiet larch and fir woods. In spring and summer, the vast grasslands are coloured by the vivid shades of buttercups and daisies.
Located at 1606 metres above sea level, Rifugio Forcella Zovo is a welcoming mountain shelter set in the heart of Val Comelico. A reference point for hikers and cycling enthusiasts wondering what to do in San Pietro di Cadore, the shelter is an ideal starting point for reaching La Valle di San Pietro di Cadore or Costalta. For information about availability and services, you can consult www.rifugioforcellazovo.it.
From Rifugio Forcella Zovo to the Piana di Vissada
From here we take CAI trail 169 (46.60269431793448, 12.59176056231045) After about fifteen minutes of walking, we find the detour for the Great War trail. We continue along the route to the Piana di Vissada, where you can be enchanted by the solemn panorama of the Carnic Prealps. Near Forcella Zovo, the trail runs alongside a crystal-clear stream that feeds a waterfall.
After passing the gate, we proceed towards the spectacular plateau shining in the sun. The valley is filled with an atmosphere of deep peace, where it is pleasant to be lulled by the lively murmur of the icy watercourse and the echo of the cowbells from the grazing cattle. Once inside the Bivacco Vissada, harmoniously set in the heart of the valley, we find a gas stove, a wood-burning cooker, two tables, a gas grill, cupboards with provisions (pasta, rice, polenta, salt, pepper, etc.), a few moka pots and a sink with dishwashing detergent. Accessible via a wooden ladder, the loft includes several camp beds. The bivouac is also equipped with a bathroom.
A must-see destination for mountaineering lovers wondering what to do in San Pietro di Cadore, the comfortable shelter is the starting point for the loop route that plunges into the dense dwarf pine vegetation up to Monte San Daniele. Once the mountain is reached, continue with particular caution along CAI trail 165, which crosses a scree. After the most delicate part of the route along the rocky slope of the hill, you enter the woods and descend until you reach the locality of Pradetti, where there is a small private bivouac.
At this point we follow CAI trail 154 to return to Rifugio Forcella Zovo via a convenient road that crosses a wide clearing.
