Since 2009, the Dolomites have been part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage and how could we not make an excursion around the symbol of the Dolomites, the splendid Tre Cime di Lavaredo?
We are located in the Misurina area in the Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore (BL) where, after making a short stop to admire the wonderful lake, we drive up along the panoramic road that leads to the base of the Tre Cime, to the parking Auronzo Refuge.
From here our adventure starts accompanied by a local Alpine Guide who, in addition to taking care of our safety, will give us a lot of information about the geology, history, flora, fauna and local culture.
We set off along the path that passes near a small church dedicated to Mary Help of Christians (Cappella degli Alpini) built in memory of the fallen, and then soon reach the Lavaredo Refuge.
From here we begin to climb towards the Forcella Lavaredo, the ideal place where the Three Peaks, with their imposing vertical walls on the northern side, show their grandeur.
We continue towards the Locatelli Refuge where we put on the via ferrata kit, with helmet and front, necessary to climb to the top of Monte Paterno in total safety.
Our Guide teaches us how to use the material and how to deal correctly with a Via Ferrata, albeit easy, but not to be underestimated.
So we leave to reach the base of the mountain where we enter a cave: we are told that in this area the border between Alto Adige and Veneto (Province of Belluno) passes but that it was once a disputed territory during the First World War and that these tunnels were dug into the rock by the Alpine troops on the front.
So let's try to imagine and identify with what could have happened in that period and what the soldiers will have gone through in those tough clashes.
As we go up inside the gallery we discover some “windows” in the rock from which we can glimpse the surrounding landscape, very suggestive.
Once out of the tunnel we find ourselves on the opposite side of the Three Peaks. From here begins the real via ferrata which, without great difficulty, leads to the Forcella dei Camosci.
From this point we have 3 options: climb to the top of Monte Paterno, descend to the passport fork or continue along the Forcelle ferrata towards the Pian di Cengia refuge (longer alternative than the descent we have described).
We continue to the Cima del Paterno, then from the Forcella dei Camosci, we follow the cable on the right (signs) and after a short but fun traverse, at a crossroads, we choose the right (uphill path). After a short prominence, continue on the path and meet some short aided sections that, in short, lead to our goal, from which one of the most spectacular views of the entire Alpine arc opens, where the Three Peaks are the masters.
After a snack and a few photos, our Alpine Guide accompanies us along the descent that takes place on the uphill path, except for the last stretch where you choose the first variant on the left facing downstream (aided section not covered on the outward journey ). In short, we rejoin the initial itinerary of the via ferrata and for this reason we return to the Forcella dei Camosci.
For the descent we choose to head along the southern detrital gully that leads to Forcella Passaporto, here our Guide draws attention to the importance of resting your feet firmly as the terrain is a bit treacherous.
Once you reach the Passaporto fork in about 30 'of aided path and a short tunnel, with a wonderful window that frames the Three Peaks, you return to Forcella Lavaredo.
We conclude this wonderful experience by returning to the car, admiring the view towards the Croda dei Toni and the Cadini di Misurina, with Auronzo di Cadore at the bottom of the valley.
Magnificent adventure that has given us an infinity of emotions!
