Alta Via 2 (day 2): Rifugio Genova to Rifugio Puez + Via Ferrata Piz Duleda

September 25, 2022

The second day on AV2 is incredibly scenic and features some of the best views in Parco Nazionale Puez-Odle within the first couple hours. If you’re looking to add a bit of extra adventure, there are also 3 short side trips and a great via ferrata easily incorporated into the day’s itinerary as the scenery gets more striking with every step.

This comprehensive guide to Day 2 of Alta Via 2 contains detailed section times, route recommendations, adventurous side trips, via ferrata, and heaps of insider tips— use it to plan your hike & then refer back on the trail so you always know what to expect!

All my AV2 knowledge in one place: Alta Via 2: complete hiking + via ferrata route guide

Alta Via 2: Day 2 overview

Stats quoted here are for my recommended “adventure route” that incorporates side trips, summits & via ferrata whenever possible (in brackets, see stats for the standard AV2 route with no additions).

Trail hours: 6.5hrs (4.5hrs standard AV2)
Distance: 12km (12km standard AV2)
Elevation gain & loss: 850m up & 700m down (900m up & 750m down)
Side trips: 3 quick viewpoints described below, Via Ferrata Piz Duleda (carry-over; 2C)— refer to Tabacco Map 07 & Cicerone Vol.1
Huts: Rifugio Puez

Alta Via 2 Italian Dolomites hiking via ferrata guide — Rifugio Genova from Zendleserkofel

Side trip: Zendleserkofel (30min)

If you fancy a quick morning jaunt for excellent views, leave your pack at Rifugio Genova and set off up the gradual hill (Zendleserkofel) just behind the hut.

In a matter of minutes, you’ll have a spectacular vantage point over the hut itself and many of the surrounding peaks within Parco Nazionale Puez-Odle. It’s an iconic photo opportunity well worth the time!

Rifugio Genova to Sobutsch (+ quick side trip, 30min)

Setting off properly from Rifugio Genova, hike a short distance back up the hill, ascending the ridgeline for an absolutely unbelievable panorama of dramatic limestone peaks.

From the ridgeline, you can follow a side trail a short distance upwards for a higher vantage point over the peaks. It will hardly even take 10min to get up, take photos, and return, so it’s worth the brief detour!

Sobutsch to Forcella di San Zanon (30min)

The route contours towards another trail junction only a few minutes away (there’s a large crucifix right near the trail markers, so you’ll know when you’ve arrived).

Side trip: viewpoint at Forcella di San Zanon (15min)

As before, this trail junction offers an excellent little spur trail that brings you to the top of a hill overlooking the dramatic tower of Forcetta. There are some great views to be enjoyed here!

Forcella di San Zanon to Forcella della Roa (2hrs)

From Forcella di San Zanon, the trail continues to curve around the hillside, gently traversing a rocky trail. Below the peaks, the route ascends steeply up some manageable scree via a series of switchbacks.

The final section of the trail is a bit of a push, but it’s worth it for the view from the top!

Via Ferrata Piz Duleda (45min)

From Forcella della Roa, there are two possible routes to Rifugio Püez. The first descends into the rocky basin more directly to the hut, but the more scenic option stays high all the way to the base of an easy via ferrata, which carries you up and over a pass before dropping to connect with the other trail in the lush meadow below.

There are several opportunities to put on your helmet and harness before you reach the first cable, and at some point you’ll also want to stow trekking poles— the final section is best enjoyed with 2 hands.

Over a series of 6 cables and a conveniently placed ladder, cross beneath Piz Duleda. You can’t quite make out the full route when you’re standing at Forcella della Roa (and we didn’t even know there was a via ferrata here until we were practically on top of it), but it begins in a rocky gully just out of view and eventually gains the top of Forcella Nives at 2,740m.

The route is easy to follow, marked often by painted “3A” signs indicating the trail number, and the views as you look backwards from the cables towards the namesake Piz Duleda are truly jaw-dropping. It’s a slightly spicier route than the previous day’s Sass d’Putia, but still very attainable for beginners.

Forcella Nives to Rifugio Püez (2hrs)

After unclipping from the via ferrata cable and reaching the high point at Forcella Nives, put away your helmets and harness to drop steeply along a rocky trail towards Rifugio Puez.

Finally, the route reconnects with the other AV2 option (that descended through the scree to avoid the via ferrata) and wraps around a hillside on the left towards the hut.

Like the via ferrata, you really can’t see Rifugio Puez until you’re within spitting distance, but the final 20-30min of the day are very gradual and you should arrive at the hut with plenty of time before dinner is served at 6.30pm.

Night 2: Rifugio Puez

Although the scenery is beautiful and the 4-course dinner was very tasty, I didn’t really care for the dorm rooms in Rifugio Puez, which are stacked to the rafters with 3-level bunk beds. Try to get here a little earlier to score one of the lowers beds! Reserve Rifugio Puez on their website.

Rooms: 31€ (12pax dorm only, 3-level bunks are not a fave) OR 74€ half board
Food: A la carte or half board 3-course dinner
Showers: 4€ for 4min
Connectivity: None
Alpine club discount: -11€ half board

For more information on what to expect in a mountain hut & how to prepare for your stay: Everything you need to know about mountain huts (rifugi) in the Italian Dolomites

Read more about Alta Via 2

TAGS:alta via alta via 2 dolomites

brooke brisbine

I've spent the last decade exploring the world— everything from solo trekking in the Andes to overlanding in Zambia, all while completing a PhD in Biomechanics, teaching at a university & securing permanent residency in Australia. In 2020, I finally fulfilled my dream of becoming a full-time nomad! Whether it’s vanlife in Mexico, scuba diving in the Galápagos, ticking off incredible US National Parks, or climbing in the Dolomites, I hope this blog will inspire your future adventures & help you find wonder in every corner of the globe. xx bb