Alta Via 2 (day 5): Piz Boè to Rifugio Castiglioni Marmolada

1 October 2022

Last Updated on 22 April 2025

Drop from the highest point on AV2 to the shores of Lago di Fedaia beneath Marmolada, the tallest mountain in the entire range and aptly named Queen of the Dolomites, enjoying spectacular views and flower-filled meadows en route. The day has a wonderfully scenic lunch spot and an exciting alternative to the busy trail, but isn’t overly demanding, so take the time to soak it all in!

This comprehensive guide to Day 5 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 5 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: 4.5hrs
Distance: 9.5km
Elevation gain: 580m up & 975m down
Huts: (Rifugio-Hütte Forcella Pordoi, Rifugio Maria, Rifugio Sass Bece, Rifugio Fredarola, Rifugio Viel dei Pan, Rifugio Luigi Gorza), Rifugio Castiglioni Marmolada

Alta Via 2 Italian Dolomites hiking via ferrata guide — Sunrise light on Marmolada

Piz Boè to Forcella Pordoi (45min)

The morning begins with a 45min descent from Piz Boè at 3,152m along a steep, rocky trail with continuing views of Marmolada. There are a few cable sections along the route, but no need for gear.

Eventually, the path levels out and then climbs slightly to reach Rifugio-Hütte Forcella Pordoi and its sweeping views of the Val di Fassa from 2,848m, at which point you’re reconnected with the official AV2 route (Piz Boè is technically a detour).

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.

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!

Forcella Pordoi to Passo Pordoi (1hr)

The standard AV2 route descends from the Rifugio to Passo Pordoi via a series of steep switchbacks through the scree. Views are excellent in good weather, and even though we were met with high clouds that obscured some of the peaks, it was still beautiful.

If your knees would prefer to avoid the steep and somewhat unyielding 600m descent from Forcella Pordoi to Passo Pordoi at 2,239m, you can instead hike uphill about 100m (15min) to the Sass Pordoi cable car at Rifugio Maria and catch that down to connect with AV2 (13€ one way).

Passo Pordoi to Rifugio Fredarola (15min)

From the bustling Passo Pordoi, it’s a gradual 20min ascent to reach the second of a series of mountain huts— Rifugio Fredarola— which I highly recommend for an early lunch (you’ll probably be ready, because breakfast at Campanna Piz Fassa is super light).

The outdoor balcony has absolutely jaw-dropping views of Marmolada and their pizza menu is extensive. I also recommend a Radler (2 parts German lager, 1 part lemonade) as the perfect mid-hike beverage!

Rifugio Fredarola to Sasso Capello to AV2 (1.5hrs)

From the Rifugio, AV2 continues along the right side of a grassy ridgeline beneath the north face of Marmolada. The trail is incredibly busy and even cement in some sections— everyone I spoke to said this was their least favourite part of the entire AV2.

For a better experience, you can instead deviate upwards just after the Rifugio onto a narrow dirt trail that climbs up and along the ridgeline for spectacular full-face views of Marmolada. The track is certainly steep and a fair bit more rugged than the popular trail below, but you can easily find yourself alone with postcard views of the Queen of the Dolomites— I definitely felt it was worth it!

This alternate route dips back down to connect with AV2 for half a second at the extremely busy Rifugio Viel dal Pan (about 40min from the original junction) before ascending straight back up along another rocky trail to the summit of Sasso Capello.

Allow at least 45min to get up and down this second section of the alternate route and be warned that there’s a small scramble up to the summit (without cables), as well as an awful descent through steep rutted dirt and a smattering of ankle-twisting rocks. See photos below for reference.

This should only be attempted by experienced hikers confident in manoeuvring through challenging terrain with a full pack— if you’re wary about this description or these photos, just retrace your steps down from the summit to connect with another side trail that rejoins AV2 a little sooner (as opposed to continuing onwards after downclimbing from the summit).

AV2 below Sasso Capello to Rifugio Castiglioni Marmolada (1hr)

Back on the standard AV2 route below Sasso Capello, it’s an easy 20min walk to another trail junction— straight would bring you to Rifugio Luigi Gorza, while the trail to your right descends steeply along a series of switchbacks to Lago di Fedaia.

We travelled slowly down this section of trail because my geologist father was stopping every 100m to pick up some rock and marvel at the sudden shift from Limestone (characteristic of the Dolomites) to the conglomerate and even volcanic rock that predominate in this sub-region.

As soon as you hit pavement, Rifugio Castiglioni Marmolada is within spitting distance.

Nights 5 & 6: Rifugio Castiglioni Marmolada

Tonight’s accomodation is a large and bustling hut that feels more like a hostel than a true rifugio— it does still offer the standard half-board dinner, but showers are unlimited, beds are single rather than bunks, and there are even washing/drying facilities on-site! Reserve Rifugio Castiglioni Marmolada by email.

Climbers will want to stay here 2 nights to complete both of the challenging via ferrata nearby, including one of the only true alpine via ferrata (Punta Penia/Hans Seyffert) to the glaciated summit of Marmolada and the WWI-tunnel-laden Via Ferrata della Trincee on the opposite green mountain. The latter is discussed in my post for Day 7, but sadly the route up Marmolada was closed in the summer of 2022 due to a tragic avalanche that killed a dozen people. I can’t offer any personal information for Day 6, but I’ve been assured by countless people that the climb is AMAZING!

If you’re not experienced in alpine climbing, or if you don’t have the funds available to hire a local guide, then you can easily shorten this proposed itinerary to 12 days (omitting day 6 entirely) OR enjoy a rest day, either at Castiglioni or tomorrow at Passo San Pellegrino. See my AV2 guide for more info.

Rooms: 31/42€ (dorm/ private) OR 58/69€ half board (dorm/ private
Food: A la carte (approx 10-15€ for dinner, add 6€ for breakfast); half board includes 3-course dinner and breakfast *note: there is also a pizzeria next door and a cafe across the bridge serving light snacks
Showers: Unlimited & free!
Connectivity: Wifi & very weak mobile signal (go 100m outside for better signal)
Bonus: Washing machine and dryer (4€ for each, must have 2€ coins)
Alpine club discount: no

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 2 dolomites

brooke beyond

Hey, I'm Brooke and I'm obsessed with getting off the beaten path, exploring backcountry gems & travelling beyond the ordinary! I left Australia 6 years ago after finishing a PhD in Biomechanics & have been travelling the world full-time ever since (joined by my husband/climbing partner, James). Whether it’s road-tripping through Mexico, climbing alpine peaks in the Andes, scuba diving in the Red Sea, or tackling epic via ferrata in the Dolomites, I hope this blog will inspire your future adventures & help you find wonder in every corner of the globe. xx bb