At dawn in a mountain dairy - Couler Dairy

Programme

Friday, 3 July

• 4:30 pm: Meeting at the Vajolet Chairlifts to reach Gardeccia – all by chairlift! There are three sections to ascend, comfortably seated, with a view of the Catinaccio (Rosengarten)
• 4:50 pm: Once off the lifts, backpacks on and off we go along the trail that leads to the hut. Guided by our alpine guide, we will learn the names of the peaks
• 6:30 pm: Arrival at the Rifugio Stella Alpina Spiz Piaz. Shoes and backpacks off, and we settle in for the night – everyone sleeps together
• 7:15 pm: Dinner time! After this beautiful hike we’ll surely be hungry. Filippo, Rosy, and their children will delight adults and kids alike with typical local dishes
• 9:00 pm: Everyone under the duvet – tomorrow starts early!

Saturday July 4

• 4:30 a.m.: Wake-up call! It might feel a bit tough at first, but when else will we get the chance to watch the sunrise from up here?
• 5:00 a.m.: Outside the hut, we enjoy the first light illuminating the Dolomite peaks. Then we set off toward the nearby Malga Couler, where we meet Stefan and Ivana.
• 5:30 a.m.: Divided into small groups, we take part in the activities of the mountain dairy: bringing the cattle back from the pastures to the malga, observing the cow milking, and helping with stable cleaning.•
• After the work, a delicious breakfast awaits us at the malga, featuring milk, fruit juices, jams, homemade and traditional cakes, eggs, butter, cheeses, speck and other cured meats, fresh bread… and much more!
• 8:30 a.m.: Recharged by good food, we are ready to set off again with the mountain guide for the return hike. Before heading back down to the valley, there will be the option to reach either Vajolet or Col de Barbolada, following an itinerary that leads to a panoramic viewpoint in the Gardeccia area. Our guide will choose the most suitable route based on the group’s abilities and the weather conditions. We will return to Pera on foot.
• Late morning: here we are at the end of #dawninamountaindairy… now, filled with happiness after this wonderful experience, you deserve a bit of relaxation.