The Croda da Lago Rifugio excursion is a suggestive and pleasant walk that crosses the lush woods of the Ampezzo valley, until reaching the clear Federa lake at an altitude of 2,038 meters. This typical high mountain lake in the Dolomites is devoid of both tributaries and emissaries, but despite this the level remains constant throughout the year, thanks to the underground springs that feed its waters.

The famous Croda da Lago - Gianni Palmieri rifugio is located on the southern shore of this enchanting stretch of water, not far from the imposing Mezzodì spout. The mountain closes, together with the Croda da Lago and the Rocchette, the southern slope of the Conca Ampezzana, not far from the famous Cortina d’Ampezzo, in the province of Belluno.

The Croda da Lago Group is an imposing mountain group that develops through jagged ridges that descend southwards from the 2,701 meter Croda da Lago, to the 2,657 meter Lastoi de Formìn, from the 2,603 meter Beco di Mezzodì to the 2,469 meter Rocchette.

It is a very important territory from a landscape and naturalistic point of view, in fact this plateau is closely linked to the discovery of a perfectly preserved hunter-gatherer with its funerary equipment, from the Mesolithic era, an intermediate period of the Stone Age, in 10,000 BC An archaeological site of exceptional importance, discovered in 1985 under a dolomite boulder, by Vittorino Cazzetta di Pescul, a geology enthusiast. Today the remains of Mesolithic man are preserved in the Vittorino Cazzetta Museum in Selva di Cadore.

The Croda da Lago Rifugio excursion begins near the Ru Curto bridge, along the road that leads from Pocol to Passo Giau. Here we find parking along the roadside, in some dedicated parking areas. The CAI 437 path winds its way through wooden bridges and lively streams, protected by the dense wood of these mysterious valleys. Arriving at the crossroads for the Forcella de Formin, continue along the CAI 434 trail, towards the Croda da Lago refuge, climbing considerably thanks to a hard but very pleasant zigzag path.

As we climb we begin to glimpse the mighty mountain ranges of the Dolomites, a World Heritage Site, including the 3,225-meter Tofane, 3,221-meter Cristallo, 3,205-meter Sorapiss and the king of the Dolomites, 3,264-meter Antelao. A truly unique path, which deserves to be approached with the right calm, so as to better contemplate the surrounding landscape, and also to take a good number of photographs to take home.

When the path begins to descend slightly, we can begin to relax a little, just a few more minutes, and the water mirror of Lake Federa will appear before your eyes. The excursion is suitable for anyone, despite this the mountains must always be respected and attended with seriousness, there are many guides available to accompany you in case you do not feel completely safe. The route is always very popular with people on a walk and also with families. Pay attention to the ice that forms during the coldest periods. We recommend a calm pace, to enjoy the wonderful landscape that will surround you.

• Info Croda da Lago Rifugio Excursion
• Start: Ru Curto Bridge (4 km from Pocol) 1,703 meters
• Arrival: Croda da Lago Rifugio 2.046 meters
• Duration: 2:15 h
• Difference in altitude: 350 meters
• CAI signpost: 437 - 434
• Difficulty: E (Medium)
• Lunch / Dinner: At the Refuge - Packed
• Suitable for: Families, Dogs, Hikers
• Notes: Presence of short exposed sections, a sure step is required.