The Dolomites of green and charming Val Duron
We can’t really say we know a place, a trail or a mountain lodge, until we have tested all the possible different routes to get there. This process in turn brings us closer to the mountain, it generates a sense of fascination and makes us eager to discover more. It is a feeling associated with that specific moment in time when we are planning an excursion or a longer trek. The moment when the topographic map shows us a new way to reach a familiar destination, perhaps something very scenic, which we would like to see and experience again on our treks a thousand times over.
A mountainscape, even if visited before, takes on a whole new meaning based on the route we decide to take. This is why we chose to travel back to the Val di Fassa in the Trentino region, and explore one of the side valleys: Val Duron. The valley unfolds between the north-eastern slopes of the Rosengarten Range on one side, and the Sassolungo-Sassopiatto mountain range on the other, while the Denti di Terrarossa ragged rock formations mark the end of Val Duron before the Seiser Alm.
And so, the mind sets off on a journey amid expectations, dreams and trepidation, until the time comes when you put on your hiking boots and start walking along the trail towards familiar destinations, where the idea for a new route takes shape. Hence, the eyes begin to see something new: even if it is just a new perspective, this change and the novelty of a discovery make us feel alive.
And so, we venture along the trail towards our first rest stop, the Micheluzzi mountain lodge, from which we can admire the green Val Duron, surrounded by the Dolomites and dotted with several other lodges. The rather unpredictable early summer weather accompanies us on our journey, but the heavy sky above is not enough to put us off from climbing the slopes of the majestic Sassopiatto mountain and its unique pale coloured Dolomite rocks. After spending the night in the mountain lodge, we wake up to the bright light of a typical summer morning. The sun accompanies us on our walk along a new trail that crosses the entire Val Duron. The crisp morning air and a fresh breeze bring back memories, evoke flavours, and carry the scent of summer and a feeling of lightness and happiness.
The imposing Rosengarten Range suddenly appears before us, blocking the green valley and diverting our walk uphill towards the Denti di Terrarossa rock towers, a bizarre and almost threatening rock formation, which is jagged, sharp and spectacular at the same time. This is what a rocky panorama is able to arouse in each one of us, making us enjoy every single moment. We manage to reach the Tierser Alpl mountain lodge, which stands right at the foot of the Denti di Terrarossa rocky pinnacles. From here, the view extends to several Dolomite mountains, such as Marmolada, the Sella range, Mount Pelmo, Sassopiatto, Sassolungo and many others. The summer atmosphere accompanies us throughout the day, even when the clouds begin to thicken and get darker on our way back down. Thunder rumbles in the distance and the clouds grow even darker. Summer is here, and our hearts start beating faster.
Author: Focus On Trips
