A route around Lake Lases and up to the Val Fredda, with its curious phenomenon of "ice holes"
Lake Lases is a small alpine lake formed by a moraine dam, that is, by rocky debris transported by glaciers. It is not only a particularly scenic body of water but also a protected site as a provincial biotope due to the uniqueness of the habitat created along its shores, rich in dense reed beds that serve as refuge and breeding grounds for numerous animal species. Lake Lases impresses with its crystal-clear color and the transparency of its waters, which are rich in fish and particularly appreciated by anglers who can find an abundance of whitefish, pike, and perch here.
Our route does not just follow the lake's edge but leads us to discover a fascinating and curious place: Val Fredda, a small valley named after the presence in the valley floor of many "ice holes" (buse del giaz) that create a cold microclimate very similar to that found in high mountains, even in the middle of summer. The phenomenon is caused by large air circulations within a large mass of debris (natural) on the mountain slopes. Through this movement, the air cools down and escapes from the base of large and small holes that can preserve ice inside all year round. Not surprisingly, up until the first post-war period, the buse del giaz were used as natural refrigerators.
Although the route does not present particular technical difficulties or dangerous sections, we always recommend respecting general safety rules for mountain hikes.
The information contained in this sheet is subject to unavoidable changes; therefore, no indication has absolute value. It is not possible to completely avoid inaccuracies or imprecisions given the rapid environmental or weather changes that may occur. In this sense, we disclaim any responsibility for changes experienced by the user. It is recommended, in any case, to check the state of the places and environmental or meteorological conditions before undertaking a hike.
The route starts from the parking lot along SP 71. Upon reaching the lake, follow the path that skirts it on the left. Shortly after, following the signs, leave the path around the lake to enter the forest and thus reach Val Fredda. After visiting this part of the biotope, return to the path that skirts the lake until reaching the southern part of the lake, cross the small bridge that separates the lake from the Palù degli Sfrondoni area, and return to the starting point on the opposite shore.
The starting point is the parking lot in front of Lake Lases
Public parking (paid in summer) in front of Lake Lases
