Discover what to do in Zoppè di Cadore in Province of Belluno: casera Rutorto, Rifugio Venezia, Monte Pelmo. Want to know more? First of all…
Where is Zoppè di Cadore located?
The municipality of Zoppè di Cadore borders north and east with Vodo di Cadore, and south and west with Val di Zoldo.
Hike from Zoppè di Cadore to Rifugio Venezia in Vodo di Cadore
From the center of Zoppè to Malga Livan
The starting point of the hike is the parking area in Via La Vara (46.38772169197995, 12.172364488943998), just a few steps from the center of Zoppè. We continue gently downhill on Via La Vara for about 600 km, heading southeast. From the winding asphalt road that runs along the grassy slope, the wooded mass of Col de Pian and Monte Ponta comes into view, at whose feet lies the hamlet of Tamai, an enchanting village dotted with characteristic tabià and homes in exposed wood and stone.
We leave the tourist accommodation Casa di Heidi on our right, pass a picnic area with four tables, two of them covered by gazebos, eight benches, a lovely fountain carved from a trunk, and a barbecue set at the foot of a larch tree. We go past an old barn and continue on the main road that runs alongside the Elisuperficie Zoppè di Cadore until we reach the agriturismo Malga Livan.
From Malga Livan to CAI trail 493
We take the comfortable asphalt road that winds along the edge of Malga Livan and continue gently uphill in the shade of a majestic conifer forest. After 650 meters we reach a wooden shrine with the Cross of Cristo Saldo nella Tempesta. On clear days, looking north, one is struck by the solemn, snow-covered summit of Monte Antelao, which, at its 3,263 meters above sea level, dominates a boundless expanse of conifers.
From Casera Rutorto to Rifugio Venezia
At the fork, follow CAI trail 493 on our left. Well signposted, the route winds through dense conifer vegetation, whose pointed treetops reveal landscape glimpses of rare beauty in the Dolomiti Cadorine. Once you reach Tornichè at 1693 meters above sea level, follow the signs for casera Rutorto. Located at 1,670 meters above sea level, the casera is flanked by a mandra, a horseshoe-shaped structure used as shelter for animals.
The southern side of Monte Pelmo
The next stop on the route is Tabià Belvedere, at 1,750 meters above sea level, after which you continue along the easy CAI 493 route until reaching 1,800 meters above sea level. From here you continue on CAI 471, from which you enjoy a breathtaking view of Monte Pelmo. Recommended for hiking and photography enthusiasts wondering what to do in Zoppè di Cadore, the trail develops along the steep walls of Croda di Penna and leads to a splendid panoramic area from which you can admire the south shoulder and east shoulder of the Pelmo, rising respectively to 3,061 meters above sea level and 3,034 meters above sea level.
On the Way Back
The view becomes even more spectacular once you reach passo Rutorto, at 1931 meters above sea level, where we find Rifugio Venezia nestled at the foot of the Pelmo. After admiring the extraordinary landscape of the Dolomiti Cadorine, we return to Zoppè following CAI 471 and 493.
If you are wondering what to do in Zoppè di Cadore, this itinerary has no technical difficulties and is also suitable for inexperienced hikers who want to immerse themselves in a timeless atmosphere set in the heart of the Dolomites.
