Trekking - Malga Ciapela - Centre of the Dolomites - Rifugio Falier (Marmolada)

TREKKING ROUTES | CENTRE OF THE DOLOMITES AND RIFUGIO FALIER | MARMOLADA | DOLOMITES UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site

This charming itinerary crosses the Val Ombretta, one of the most beautiful valleys of the Marmolada, with wonderful views on to the Southwest wall of the Queen of the Dolomites. The starting point to reach  Rifugio Falier (2080 m.) is from Malga Ciapela, more precisely from the Agritourism Malga Ciapela Miola, where you can purchase excellent dairy products, leave your car and set  out for the magnificent Valle Ombretta. Initially the trail starts out quite steep but eventually becomes more even and regular. You come to a fork where to the left you go to the Val di Franzedaz, bit proceed to the right for a brief hike to the mouth of the Valle Ombretta. Here the mule trail ends and you continue along a visible path  that passes through the old dairy barns of  Malga  Ombretta (1904 m). 

Here turn right as the signposts tell and you'll reach the Centre of the Dolomites, where a totem with a stone heart will prove you that you're in the geographical centre of the Dolomites Unesco: a walk along a green flat pasture with a slight climb at the end to reach finally Rifugio Falier ( ca 40 minutes from Malga Ombretta ). This is one of the best valley to watch and listen to the groudhogs in their natural habitat;  from the spring thaw to the late autumn, this valley resounds with the whistles of this cute animals.