July 12, 2023

Location: Rifugio Vandelli

Elevation: 6,318 ft / 1,926 m

Difficulty: Moderate

Temperature: ~62F (mostly cloudy | rain)

Hike Time: 08:26-10:30am from Rifugio Fratelli Fonda Savio to Restaurant Alla Baita

15:09-17:13 from Passo Tre Croci to Rifugio Vandelli

Paths: 117 | 115 | 118 to Restaurant Alla Baita

215 | 213 | 216 to Rifugio Vandelli

Number of miles hiked: 3.81 miles from Rifugio Fratelli Fonda Savio to Restaurant Alla Baita

4.21 miles from Passo Tre Croci to Rifugio Vandelli

Rifugio fee: 65 EUR per person/ night (half board) plus 2 EUR tourism tax.

Rifugio Reservation: rifugiovandelli@libero.it

WiFi: limited

Shower: One shower with warm water (outside the hut) | 5 EUR shower fee

Dinner served: 1900

Breakfast served: 0600-0730

Hiking Adventure: From Rifugio Fonda Savio to Rifugio Vandelli

The trail from Rifugio Fonda Savio to Rifugio Vandelli encountered some unexpected challenges due to a weather storm, which forced us to re-route. We are thankful for encountering some hikers who graciously shared their trail map with us, as our internet service is limited. Many thanks to Trevor!

We started our day with breakfast at 07:00, and our adventure officially began bright and early at 08:26.

At the beginning of our hike, we faced loose gravel that could be quite slippery. I am grateful to my friend who lent me his trekking pole. For those who know me, I am not a fan of trekking poles, but it proved to be incredibly helpful throughout this backpacking trip.

Challenges on the Trail

By 09:14, we realized that the trail was becoming dangerous and that we were going the wrong way. We decided to backtrack and found the correct path.

The weather remained cold and rainy, prompting us to stop at a Restaurant Alla Baita for lunch at 10:30 to dry off our clothes.

Journey to the Lake

At 13:40, we made the decision to walk to the lake and take Bus 30 from Misurina Genzianella to Passo Tre Croci. The bus stop is conveniently located across from the Grand Hotel Misurina.

Bus 30 Ride and Arrival at Passo Tre Croci

At 14:55, the bus arrived, and the fare was 3 EUR per person.

Starting the Lago Di Sorapis Hike

Upon arriving at the Passo Tre Croci stop (across from B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina), we walked south to find the starting point for the path 215 Lago Di Sorapis Hike. This route would lead us to the Rifugio Vandelli. Along the trail, there is a fork, and it's essential to take the left path to follow the 215 route.

Arrival at Rifugio Vandelli

Finally, at 17:13, we arrived at Rifugio Vandelli. The hut is nice and clean, featuring two bathrooms on the second floor for the entire hut. I must say, this is my favorite Rifugio so far!

Dinner Time!

What's in My Backpack?

Via Ferrata equipment:
Deuter ACT Trail 28 SL Pack - Women's
Fjallraven High Coast Hip Pack
Outdoro Sleeping Bag, Ultra Lightweight Travel Sleeping Bag
Ultralight Compression Packing Cubes
Rainleaf Microfiber Towel
Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter
Solar Charger Power Bank
Phone Holder Lanyard
Deuter Helmet Holder
Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier
Travel size silicone squeeze bottles
Hiking Attire:
- Oboz Sapphire Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots - Women's
- Arc'teryx Gamma LT Hoodie - Women's
- Smartwool Hike Light Margarita Crew Socks - Women's
- REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie - Women's
- Columbia Bora Bora Booney II Hat

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Happy trails, and thank you for being part of the journey!

Italy: Dolomites (Alta Via 4) (Day 3)