Ski tour to Mt Croda del Becco

We start our ski tour at the parking space near Lake Braies (1,494 m a.s.l.) and hike along its west shore (in mid-winter you can also walk across the frozen lake). Arrived at the southern end of the lake, we hike upwards a gentle slope with many mountain pines towards a narrow valley left of Mt Croda del Becco. This valley is characterised by cliffy rocks (attention: there is an elevated risk of avalanches crashing from the flanks) and gets continuously narrower and steeper until we have to cross a steep ravine, the so-called "Buco del Giavo".

After this difficult section of our tour we descend for some metres and continue hiking into a valley on our left with a pleasant and rather gentle gradient. After a short steep step we turn right and hike towards an impressive rock wall. By crossing the valley between this rock wall and Mt Croda del Becco (Sass dla Porta) we reach the Sora Forno saddle (2,388 m). The Biella alla Croda del Becco mountain hut under the mountain saddle is open only in summer. From here, we carry our skis on our backs in order to overcome the most difficult section of our tour from the alpine point of view. The second section of this ascent is equipped with ropes. However, it requests some attention!

The last relatively easy section to the peak of Mt Croda del Becco (2,810 m) can be hiked with skis on. Finally arrived at the peak, we enjoy a breathtaking 360 degrees mountain panorama. Pay attention on the snow cornices! We descend on our skis on the ascent route, although the section at the east ridge has to be overcome by foot. A wonderful firn snow makes our descent a wonderful experience! Attention: the descend through the "Buco del Giavo" ravine is very steep and can be bumpy because of some avalanche deposits.

Please note: this is a quite challenging skiing tour in the Braies Dolomites requesting a good physical fitness and mountain experience! We recommend you to take ice axes and ski crampons (for the ascent through the "Buco del Giavo" ravine) with you. However, the wonderful peak panorama is worth all the efforts!

Author: BS