Pozza di Fas – Passo di San Nicolo – Rifugio Contrin – Pas de la Sele (2530m) – Pas de la Cirele (2683m) – Pozza di Fas

This was probably one of our most enjoyable and stunning hikes of 2017! Absolutely brilliant. We made it extra long, but it is easily possible to shorten it and still enjoy the best views..

We parked the car in the Val De Sen Nicolo which is just east of Pozza di Fassa and wandered along the valley, a little narrow in places but slowly widening the further we went. After an hour so we head off to the left towards Pas de sen Nicolo. It’s never too steep and then after 30 minutes of uphill we arrive at the pass. A great place for a quick drink.

15 minutes later and wow! The views open up to Piz Boe …

and then to Marmolada…

Truly breathtaking.

We wind our way down to the Rifugion Contrin with streams tumbling down the valleys. The Dolomites don’t get much prettier than this!

Now there is a choice. If you would prefer a shorter hike then simply wander down the Val de Contrin and head towards Penia. Busses will take you back to Pozza di Fass.

However, we were feeling fit and turned right and headed up to Pas de la Cirele. This is one of the many areas in the Dolomites which the First World War was fought. There are relics of barbed wire and derelict buildings dotted here and there.

It is steep and loose on the other side so take care as you head down towards the ski area of Passo di San Pellegrino (yes, of bottled water fame).

Reaching the bottom we turned right, walking above the hotels of the ski areas fully enjoying a completely new range of views.

We then head up once again, the final climb to Pas de la Sele. A memorial stone commemorates that this was actually the border between the fighting Italian and Austrian armies.

It’s now simply a case to wander back to the car. The extra part of the hike adds another 4 hours and 800 height meters – so not for the faint of heart – but a truly stunning hike!