Alta Via 2 (day 2): Rifugio Genova to Rifugio Puez + Via Ferrata Piz Duleda
Last Updated on 3 September 2026
The second day of AV2 ventures deeper into Puez-Odle Nature Park, where serrated limestone peaks and remote alpine plateaus create some of the most varied scenery on the entire hike. Although fairly short in distance, the route is punctuated by frequent opportunities to leave the main trail for panoramic viewpoints and short summit detours, while the excellent Via Ferrata Piz Duleda offers a worthwhile route variation for those keen to keep things adventurous!
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
- Trail hours: 6.5hrs (4.5hrs without 3x viewpoints)
- Distance: 13.5km (10km without 3x viewpoints)
- Elevation gain & loss: 940m gain & 770m loss (760m gain & 590m loss without 3x viewpoints)
- Via ferrata en route: Via Ferrata Piz Duleda (one-way; easy)— refer to Tabacco Map 07 & Cicerone Vol.1
- Side trips: 3 quick viewpoints described below (all easy)
- Huts: Rifugio Puez
*Trail times reflect the time we spent hiking, excluding extended breaks where we removed our backpacks to eat lunch, relax on the summit, or otherwise luxuriate along the trail. These figures are best used to understand realistic minimum hiking times between major waypoints, but we recommend factoring in 1-2hrs of additional time every day to properly enjoy the route!
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 at Forcella di San Zanon about 30min down the trail. There’s a large crucifix right near the trail markers, so you’ll know when you’ve arrived!
If you’re following my custom AV2 adventure route, the best way to stay on track is with my custom-built AV2 GPS map— packed with detailed daily tracks, 168+ waypoints, all the side trips & via ferrata described in this guide, detours to avoid challenging sections, plus extensive trail notes to help you navigate AV2 like an expert. UPDATED SEPT 2026 BASED ON USER FEEDBACK!
Available in both JSON and GPX formats, the map works seamlessly with GPS apps like CalTopo, Gaia, and AllTrails, or with Garmin devices and watches. Head to my storefront to purchase the map!
Side trip: viewpoint at Forcella di San Zanon (15min)
From Forcella di San Zanon, follow a short 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, just a few minutes off the main route!
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
Surrounded by the stark limestone landscapes of Puez-Odle Nature Park, Rifugio Puez is beautifully situated in one of the most striking settings on AV2. The 4-course dinner is excellent, but the dormitories are among my least favourite on the trail, with tightly packed three-tier bunk beds tucked beneath the rafters. If possible, arrive early to snag a lower bunk! 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
- start here ->Detailed AV2 Route Guide
- Alta Via 2 (day 1): Bressanone to Rifugio Genova + Via Ferrata Sass di Putia
- Alta Via 2 (day 2): Rifugio Genova to Rifugio Puez + Via Ferrata Piz Duleda
- Alta Via 2 (day 3): Rifugio Puez to Rifugio Pisciadú + Via Ferrata Gran Cir, Piz da Cir V, Brigata Tridentina
- Alta Via 2 (day 4): Rifugio Pisciadú to Piz Boè + Cima Pisciadú
- Alta Via 2 (day 5): Piz Boè to Rifugio Castiglioni Marmolada
- Alta Via 2 (day 6): Lago di Fedaia to San Pellegrino + Via Ferrata delle Trincee
- Alta Via 2 (day 7): Passo San Pellegrino to Rifugio Volpi al Mulaz
- Alta Via 2 (day 8): Rifugio Mulaz to Rifugio Pradidali
- Alta Via 2 (day 9): Rifugio Pradidali to Rifugio Treviso + Via Ferrata Porton & Nico Gusella
- Alta Via 2 (day 10): Rifugio Treviso to Passo Cereda + Via Ferrata Canalone
- Alta Via 2 (day 11): Passo Cereda to Rifugio Boz
- Alta Via 2 (day 12): Rifugio Boz to Croce d’Aune
- navigate confidently on & off the trail ->AV2 adventure route GPS map! (updated Sept 2026)
