Summer mountain sensations in the Dolomites of Val di Funes

The heart of summer is that time when endless possibilities almost overwhelm us: endless ideas, hikes to be imagined, already planned, or only dreamt of during the winter. A fervour animated by the conviction to push ourselves on mountain paths, to breathe, walk and nourish our mind and soul, with that feeling of not wanting to miss a single moment.

We head for Val di Funes, a destination famous for one of the most beautiful and recognisable dolomite profiles, with the sharp, soaring peaks of the Odle always thrilling at every glance. In addition to this, the valley offers areas that have not yet been completely reached by intensive tourism. And this is why it is possible to immerse oneself in the heart of Val di Funes, choosing numerous alternative routes, which will lead us to other equally exciting panoramas. We decide to deepen our knowledge of this valley, initially following an easy path at the foot of the Odle, leaving Malga Zannes behind us.

The ascent gradually proceeds through the forest, until we emerge from the trees onto a narrow path, with the Dolomite rock gradually taking centre stage, not only between the Odle but also towards the peaks of the Puez group. The pass stands out above the path as we walk in the early afternoon tranquillity: a few marmots whistle solitarily and cross our path, amidst the silence that envelops us.

Before the forcella, our breath focuses on the last steps of the ascent, a few steps that make all the difference. They are the steps in which the head precedes the feet, the view gradually jumps ahead beyond the path, the panorama is revealed, until it appears in its fullness: it is a moment or just a few moments, but they indelibly mark each discovery, each moment of wonder.

The path that follows is then a splendid route below a green mountain ridge, constantly accompanied by a full view of the panorama around us. We find ourselves at the altitude where the rock mixes with the green of the grassy slopes and the blue of the sky. A rocky and exposed descent brings the gaze back to our steps, with the mind set on correctly directing every single movement. On one of those stretches of path that excite, between a slight awe and wonder.

And that is how everything slips behind us, time, thoughts, setbacks. The only feeling that lingers, that does not leave us, is that breath of fresh air that passes through us, in front of the rock, in front of a panorama, simply being in front of the mountain.