The bucolic landscape at the point of arrival of this snowshoe hike is the worthy crowning of the itinerary.
Castelir is a famous ski resort in the Alpe Lusia - Bellamonte area. Even though there is a large crowd of skiers at the starting point, after a few minutes of walking you enter a quiet environment. The itinerary takes place in a wide forest of fir and larch trees. In the final part, the vegetation gives way to the wonderful views of the Pale di San Martino and the Lagorai chain. The itinerary is generally used also by ski mountaineers.
The wooden huts of Canvere with the Pale di San Martino in the background are a panorama that deserves more than a photo.
Safety guidelines
The itinerary is not very difficult and there is no danger of avalanche
THE 10 RULES FOR HIKERS
Prepare your itinerary beforehand
Choose an itinerary that suits your physical abilities
Choose suitable clothes and equipment
Check the weather forecast
Hiking by yourself is more risky; if this is the case, take a mobile phone with you
Leave information about your itinerary and your expected return time
If you are not sure about your itinerary, contact an Alpine Guide
Pay attention to signposts and directions that you find along your way
Do not hesitate in going back if you feel too tired
In case of emergency call 112
Remember, snowpack stability is subject to sudden and unforeseeable changes and shifts. Always check the local avalanche before departure and make sure you gather all possible information concerning current conditions from the local Mountain Guides. GPS tracks are merely indicative of the more standard routes but must not be followed blindly without first checking current slope and terrain conditions. Correct orientation may be a problem at times along the higher stretches of this route due to fog or low cloud cover.
Starting point
Castelir - Bellamonte
Directions
WAY UP Take the forest road behind the El Zirmo restaurant which, in constant ascent, connects Castelir to Malga Canvere. You move further and further away from the slopes through a wide forest with typical alpine huts. The slope is constant, but never particularly pronounced. Arriving at Malga Canvere, the forest thins out and the few pine trees embellish the view over the imposing Pale di San Martino and the Lagorai chain. The hut is not managed.
For those who still have time and energy, we recommend extending the route to Malga Bocche. From Canvere continue to the right along the obvious snowy forest road until you reach the malga (closed in winter) situated on a panoramic hillock. The outward journey is 3.4 km (1:15 hours).
WAY BACK On the same itinerary.
public transportation
Ski bus service from Predazzo to the Castelir ski area (Bellamonte).
How to get there
From Predazzo drive towards Passo Rolle. Once passed the village of Bellamonte, turn left and follow the directions to skiarea "Bellamonte - Alpe Lusia" (Castelir).
Where to park
Many parking lots at the lift departure.
Warm and waterproof winter clothes. Spare shirt, gloves, wool cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, snacks, hiking shoes and hiking poles.
It’s COMPULSORY to carry with you an avalanche rescue kit consisting of avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel.
