June 8, 2026 09:30
Guided hike from Ciampedie to Roda de Vael, along one of the oldest paths in Val di Fassa, rediscovering the life of mountain shepherds before the advent of tourism
Programme: the walk begins at Ciampedie, along the "Alta Via dei Fassani" trail, where every step offers a glimpse into the valley's history. Your guide will be Andrea Vian, a mountain guide, who will recount the Fassa of yesteryear: the Fassa before tourism, a world of fields to cultivate, seasons to follow, potatoes, wheat, rye and small-scale farming. Little by little, over the centuries, milk began to turn into cheese and rural life left deep traces on the landscape, in the mountain huts, on the pastures and in the community's memory. The trail also winds through a precious and vibrant natural environment. Among the Dolomite flowers, you may spot edelweiss and nigritella; walking in silence, however, you might hear the whistle of the sentinel marmots, notice the entrances to their burrows and, with a bit of luck, see them playing or basking in the sun. Once you reach the Roda di Vael mountain hut, the route continues along the wide Hirzelweg, at the foot of the Majaré, to the monument dedicated to Theodor Christomannos: a large bronze eagle, three metres high, overlooking the Fassa and Ega valleys. From here, the view widens, and with it the story: Christomannos was a mountaineer, visionary and pioneer of tourism in the Dolomites. He was responsible for promoting the Great Dolomite Route and the refuge itself at the foot of Roda de Vael.
Meeting point: every Monday at 9.30 am at the top station of the cable car. The route will be decided on the day by the guide, depending on the group. Duration: approximately 6 hours. Difficulty: moderate. Children aged 8 and over, accustomed to walking in the mountains.
Price: free activity included in the Panorama Pass or the cable car ticket. Online booking required. Maximum 20 participants. This activity is held in Italian only.
Appropriate clothing and footwear are required. The route is not suitable for pushchairs. Arrival at Vael by 12.30 pm and stop for lunch (optional packed lunch or at the two mountain huts, Roda di Vael and Baita Marino Pederiva). In the event of bad weather, the excursion is cancelled.
