Dolomites: Hiking Through History on the Alta Via Bepi Zac

Dolomites hiking: Alta via and via Ferrata Bepi Zac from Passo San Pellegrino

Dolomiti: Alta via Bepi Zac da Passo San Pellegrino.


Val di Fassa Dolomites - Passo di San Pellegrino - Costabella range - Marmolada group

Dolomiti Fassane - Passo di San Pellegrino - Catena di Costabella.


Trailhead: Passo San Pellegrino

29 September 2023

Itinerary
This hike was the classic loop hike of the Alta Via Bepi Zac from Passo San Pellegrino. The hike entails three distinct sections that are very different in nature and level of difficulty. First the very easy up hill hike from Passo San Pellegrino to Passo delle Selle and the Rifugio Passo delle Selle or Bergvagabunden Hütte - this part is on Trail 604. From there the hike climbs a number of peaks of the Costabella range through Trail 637. This section entails a combination of crest hiking, via Ferrata (for which via Ferrata equipment is obviously necessary) and some hiking into man made tunnels and WWI military positions across the range. This part is not necessarily difficult, but it is not for everyone as it presents several exposed sections and via Ferrata sections (although i did not find any of the via Ferrata sections long or difficult). The last part of this section ends at the Ciastel De Costabela (Costabella "Castle") and the near by Sforcella del Ciadin/ Pass from where trail 637 descents towards Passo San Pellegrino to meet trail 604 to end the Hike. This last section descents through scree in its initial part, then becomes an easy downhill hike to San Pellegrino Pass. In the area of Ciastel De Costabela an interesting Photography Exibition has been setup with impressive images to learn about WWI.

Trip Total: Approx. 9 mi, 3186 ft elevation gain.

Alltrails map:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/rec...



Hike Notes:
The Alta Via Bepi Zac is literally a hike through History. It is a spectacular multi facets hike as it combines a great outdoor experience, as one can find in the Dolomites, with very interesting insights of the history and human experience of the WWI conflict between Austria and Italy. The Costabella Range is considered a sub-group of the complex and sprawling Marmolada group. The crest hike on Trail 637 offers endless views of many others Dolomites ranges and iconic mountains. Enhancing the visual experience of the beautiful landscape is the walking/meandering into the tunnels of the military positions with the many openings and "windows". Throughout the hike there are countless signs and features reminding the hiker of the tragic History that many ordinary men lived here - and sadly many did not survive it. The Alta Via Bepi Zac has several sections of Via Ferrata. Although I did not think they were difficult or strenuous as other via Ferratas, they certainly make the hike even more interesting and enjoyable.
I had high expectations for this hike. It did not disappoint! I want to come back and maybe combine The Alta Via Bepi Zac with the Alta via B. Federspiel and the continuation of the trail towards Cima Dell'Uomo on a multi day hike with night stops at the rifugios. It would be a fantastic itinerary!

Music:
Sat-Chid Ananda by Ave Air
Licensed by Epidemic Sound.