IRON STEPS the extreme ways

TREKKING WAYS the rocky garden

Col Rodella - Stevia-Sandro PertiniSuspended in blue: a week of iron steps at the Garda lake

Pordoi Pass - San Pellegrino PassAlpine altars: high altitude in Val di SoldaPale di San MartinoBetween land and sea

ExtremeVal di Fassathe Guides

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INDEX

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Leafing through the pages of Master Extre-me, you will be taken by hand and brought among the histories, the curiosities, the na-tural sights, the paths and roads of an alive mountain, all to discover… a world that offers itself with the unique feature not to being tourist. Via ferrata, mountaineering: well-equipped routes on excellent granite rock. Paths, which together the qualified Mountain Guides, will lead us, from the first approach to the rock, to a real climbing, where, once reached the summit, the fee-ling of “domain” is absolute. Defining the “trek” word only as sport, would be reducti-ve: Trekking is a passion, a lifestyle! Trekking from the expression “to trek”, that is tiring and slow movements, now has a very diffe-rent meaning, more positive: trek as safety valve, that take us away from the rhythms of everyday life to find again our roots in the nature, in its times and in its rhythms. Mountain trails therefore not only to make sports, but also for to feel themselves in the unexpected high altitude landscapes. Making Trekking or Climbing also means socialize, enjoying and sharing an unforget-table experiences. Welcome to Italy

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In the shade of the “Dolomiti”, natural he-ritage of the Unesco, the “Val di Fassa” (in Ladin “Val de Fascia”) contains a mountain environment unique in the world, ideal to live moments of pure charm in touch with the nature. Formed by seven Municipali-ties, it is entirely crossed through the torrent “Avisio” and it is surrounded by some of the most important massif of the “Dolomiti”: the “Pallidi” Mountains, the “Marmolada”, the “Sella” Group, the “Sassolungo”, the “Catinaccio” Group. The connection to the other dolomitic valleys happens throu-gh many passes: the “San Pellegrino” Pass connects Moena with the “Biois” Valley (BL), the “Costalunga” Pass connects Vigo with the “Ega” Valley (Alto Adige), while from Canazei it is possible to arrive in Livi-nallongo (BL) through the “Pordoi” Pass and in the Val Gardena (BZ) through the “ Sella” Pass. The activities that involve the “fassani” (“Val di Fassa” people) are bound to the tourism mainly, both summery and wintry. In fact, the ski resorts of the valley are part of the “Consortium Dolomity Su-perski”, the largest in the world and the winter chair-lifts can be used in the summer to arrive in the admission points more con-venient for many excursions, marked out of alpine lakes, woods and rocky faces. Master Group, in collaboration with “Val di Fassa” and the Group Alpine Guides “Dolo-miti”, increases the mountain product with innovative programs of trekking, iron steps, climbing. Leave you in guiding with security and competence in the fantastic world of the “Val di Fassa”.

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Bruno DelucaAlpine Guide Master of AlpinismeMaster of Alpine SkiSnow Board Instructor

Cesare PastoreAlpine Guide Master of AlpinismeMaster of Alpine Ski

Alberto FelicettiAlpine Guide Master of AlpinismeMaster of Alpine Ski

Fabio GiongoAlpine Guide Master of AlpinismeMaster of Alpine SkiInstructor of Alpine Help

Bruno DelucaAlpine Guide Master of AlpinismeMaster of Alpine SkiSnow Board Instructor

Antonio BonetAlpine Guide Master of AlpinismeMaster of Norther Ski

John VaiaAlpine Guide Master of AlpinismeMaster of Alpine Ski

the Guides

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Arrival by bus to Passo Sella (2.200 m.s.l.m.). Approach to the route with fixed ropes 30 minutes. The route with fixed ropes goes vertically a limestone rock, which has good grip. In some parts there are iron stairs. The beautiful panorama of Val di Fassa. The route with fixed ropes ends on the top of Col Rodella (2.448 m s.l.m.). Return to Passo Sella e the small course of climbing to the city of rock. The length

Col

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evia

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of the route with fixed ropes is about 1 hour. Develop-ment of the route with fixed ropes is 120 m. The difficulty level of the route with fixed ropes is medium – easy.

Arrival by bus to Passo Cos-talunga of Alpenrose (1.622

m s.l.m.). Up in chair lift to Paolina refuge (2.125 m

s.l.m.) which is located on the west side of Catinaccio

chain on the top of Roda

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di Vael. Trekking on the tourist trail (about 1 hour) to the Roda of Vael refuge (2.280 m s.l.m.). Possibility to leave the backpack at the refuge. Approach to the route with fixed ropes 30 minutes. The initial part of the iron steps goes to rocky road, wich is 50 cm wide. Passing the first section, in 5 minutes of trekking you get back to the start of the iron steps. Hence the vertical passage and the side road leand-ing to the Punta Masarè (2.585 m s.l.m.). Hence the route with fixed ropes falls and rises with traits enough difficult. The route with fixed ropes ends on a small fork, from the tourist path to get to Roda of Vael refuge (about 45 minutes). Total time path is about 5 hours, including about 3 hours of iron steps. Total development 460 m, of iron steps 200 m. The difficulty level is medium – easy. Some sections of the downhill are enough difficult.

Arrival by bus to the parking near Colfosco city (1.956 m s.l.m.). Hence you arrive to the start of iron steps in 10 minutes. The initial part of the iron steps is equipped with continuous metal stair. Af-ter, you follow the tourist for 15 minutes, here you find the second stop of the iron ste-ps. The route with fixed ropes has many confortable hands and foothold. On the top, it continues on the east wall of Exner tower (2.495 m s.l.m.), here the vertical traits are equipped with metal stairs.

The end of the iron steps goes on a bridge, which is suspended along the 5 m. The iron steps ends on the natural terrace of Masores and hence, in 10 minutes, you ar-rive to Franco Cavazza refuge in Pisciadu (2.585 m s.l.m.). Here you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the Dolomites. The descent (about 1.5 hour) continues to Val Setus with an equipped path and at the end it through the Giaione. Total time path is about 6 hours, including about 4 hours of iron steps. Total develop-ment 600 m, including 400 m of iron steps. The difficulty le-vel is medium – easy. Some sections in the final part are difficult.

Arrival by bus in Arabba (1.600 m s.l.m.). Up in chair lift to Porta Vescovo (2.478 m s.l.m.) hence in 20 minu-

tes, you arrive to the start of the spectacular and mythi-cal Trenches iron steps. The

rock of volcanic origin is blackish and it is in contrast

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with the classic colour of the Dolomites, even if it is very compact. The first trait , about 50 m, is vertical and the natural hold are fairly smooth. You find an ini-tial smooth rock face, after a dihedral with few holds leads to a new smooth rock face to pass diagonal-ly, using the narrow crevices of the rock. After about 20 minutes from the start you have passed the most demanding part. Then you arrive to a nice bridge su-spended, which leads to the basis of Mesola (2.727 m s.l.m.), while some rocky crags and a last delicate pas-sage, leading to the highest point of hike. You begin to descend on the north side of Mesola throughout equipped parts; the first part of the iron steps ends downhill, after passing the last metal brackets. The route with fixed ropes continues along the ridge Pa-don and it is easy to find remains of military trenches. Long the iron steps you go throughout some caves, the second of which is about 300 m. It is necessary the use of flashlights. Out the second tunnel there is the basis of Mesolina, now you have only to go down the steep and grassy slope and tiers of rock in Bontadini (2.057 m s.l.m.). Total time path is about 7 hours, inclu-ding about 5 hours of iron steps. Total development 300 m. The difficulty level is medium – easy. The first part of the iron steps is difficult.

Arrival by bus to Penia (1.500 m s.l.m.). Up in chair lift to Jager refuge in Ciampac (2.142 m s.l.m.). It is about 30 minutes from the start of iron steps. The first meters are easies and attractive, but the real character is not slow to appear. To avoid the most exposed section to falling stones, the friendly financiers, have decided to equipped a vertical and overhanging variant, which goes back for about 100 m a series of paths. Indeed, the work is well done, it is equipped with metal stairs

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throughout its length. The only problem is the conside-rable, or better still the very considerable frightening display where you will find! Immediately after the wall is supported and starts to climb again for some short jumps and small walls not too demanding. A steeper last jump allows us access to the final cannel and af-ter toward left you reach the notch in the final ridge. A short ridge leads directly to the cross of Colac (2.713 m s.l.m.). This top, far from being a historical destina-tion, it is a nice balcony in the heart of the Marmola-da, from its top with a wonderful glance at 360° de-grees on the Val di Fassa. From the top you descend through small rocks, a steep and equipped channel, before moving to the east side that, always through steep channels, leads quickly and dramatically to the base of the steep eastern wall of the Colàc. Hence, the path leads to the Forcia Neigra (from the color of the rocks of volcanic origin) and hence you descend to Ciampac throughout the valley above the slopes. Descent in chair lift to Penia. Total time path is about 6 hours, including about 5 hours of iron steps. Total de-velopment 650 m, including about 600 m of iron steps. The difficulty level is medium – difficult.

Arrival by bus to Selva of Val Gardena and Vallunga. You arrive to the start of iron steps (1.730 m s.l.m.), in 20 minutes. The iron steps is athletics with many steps throughout smooth rock face and vertical walls. In vertical places, it is equipped with metallic stairs. There are many cracks and difficult crossing. In the middle of the iron steps you reach a broad ledge of stone pine, larch and fir. Now, an easy path (a short section of fixed rope) allows you overcome the large ledge (1.910 m s.l.m.) that, once passed, leads you to a small and vertical wall, which allows you the ac-

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cess to a long and inclined spur with saplings. After, throughout small surface ridges, you reach the “grande nicchia gialla”. After having passed, it leans to the left, with a bend to the right until the transverse “Pradani”, about 10 m long and it is divided into two zones. After about 50 m you reach to a tor with the typical “ ponticello” (2.050 m s.l.m.), it is 5 m long, that allows to overcome a deep crevasse. Then fol-lowed by two short vertical lines, which exceeded, you reach a ledge that leads, toward to left, to the base of the “ Gran diedro”, 50 m height, representing the key feature of the equipped path. The overcome this dihedral, which requires a climb of technical climbing (splits) leads and ends with the “seconda scala”. The last 40 m of climbing, minor difficulties, which lead to a summit plateau (2.140 m s.l.m.) where you can admire the Catinaccio, the Sassolungo e Gruppo del Sella. Hence, after 20 minutes, throughout the tourist path, you reach the Stevia refuge, which includes both the old hut that the recent refuge. From Stevia refuge you go down through the San Silvestro path and Via Crucis path, which is located in Daunei, above Selva town. Finally, through it you arrive to the parking of Vallelunga (1.30 h). Total time path is about 5 hours, including about 2 hours of iron steps. Total development 700 m, including about 400 m of iron steps. The difficulty level is medium – difficult, some sections are very difficult.

Susp

end

ed in

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k of

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From the center of Arc to walk 10 minutes to reach the Prabi, after another 10 minutes of path you reaches the beginning of the path equipped of Mount Colodri . Journey time 2 hours up to the top of Colodri m 400. Go down towards Laghel where you can climb in the after-noon, or move to Castel Drena by bus to climb the via ferrata del rio Saligoni. 2 hours.

Transfer by bus to Val di Ledro Biacesa in 30 minutes. Approaching the via ferrata about 1.30 hours. Climb the ferrata of Cima Capi 907 m. Return to the path Foletti and bivouac at the church of San Giovanni directly in Biacesa . 5 / 6 hours. From the bivuac you can go to the top of Castle Peak 1080 m long tunnels in the Great War.

Transfer from Arco by bus to Ala and here to Val dei Molini in about 1 hour. Climb of the ferrata Gerardo Sega and return to the bus to path in about 5 hours.

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From Arco in bus to the center of Riva del Garda whe-re we start to walk to the railway at about 600 m abo-ve sea level. Follow the ferrata up to the top 1246 m Sat. Where do you return in Riva del Garda through the path. Total walking time 6 hours.

From Arco in 20 minutes you reach the village of Pie-tramurata where he started ferrata the Mount Casa-le. In 45 minutes of the path you reach the ferrata Che Guevara. Along the ferrata you reach the Mon-te Casale 1,630 m four hours to climb and another 3 to the descent to Sarche.

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From Arco transfer by bus to Mori about 30 minutes. Climb for path about 30 minutes of via Ferrata at-tack. About 2 hours to climb and another hour set for the return to Mori. About 4 hours total.

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Departure from Passo Pordoi to Sas Pordoi (2.950 m) by cableway, arrival to Forcella Pordoi refuge 2.829 m (hour 00.20). After, you go on Piz Boè (3.152), through the screes often snowy of the in-ternal cirque, leaving to right the path no. 638, which lea-ds to the top. Continue on the wide terraces until the Boè refuge 2.871 m (hours 1.00; 1.20). Continue on the path no. 647, which crosses the south wall of Antersas,

Pord

oi P

ass -

San

Pel

legr

ino

Pass

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through small ledges equipped with metallic sling, until the homonymous fork (2.839 m), alternatively , through an easy path, you can cross the top of Antersas and go down with the fork. Hence you descend to Val Lastìes with a repetitive series of jumps, screes and thick serpentines on both side of the wall. You meet a crossroads. You go left, approaching the west wall of the Sas Pordoi, you descend with steep serpentine to the dense pine wood, throughout which you reach the dirt road along the Ruf course of Antermont. Before to reach the highway, you go straight on an internal path, which runs parallel to the road and in few minutes you reach the Pian de Schiavaneis refu-ges 1.850 m (hours 2.30; 3.50).

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Reached the Ciampedìe (1.998 m) by cableway, you go towards the Ciampedìe refuge, after you descend in the valley below, then back to the near Negritella refuge. You continue to left on the path no. 545, throughout the route of the winter track and exceeded a partition wall rock you go right and enter the forest. Easy walking on a flat and obstacle-free land. Go beyond the rocky spurs of Rondolae, throughout the path set into the wall. After the stream that collects the

Buja de Vael waters, continues to rise until the rocky terrace, which is the basis upon which the whole group of Catinaccio leans and you arrive to the Baita Marino Pe-deriva and Roda di Vael refuges 2.283 m ( hours 1.45). Hence you go on right on the path no. 541, throughout the grassy plateau dominated by Roda de Vael. Now, you start to rise up the difficult gravely path, insinuating itself into the narrow gorge between the steep walls of Mugoni and the chipped Cigolade, arriving to the ho-monymous passage (hour 1.30; 3.15). You descend the opposite slope, with steep curves, after the path becomes flatter. Cross the path no. 550, which continues towards the underlying basin of Gardecia and to left go towards Passo Coronelle, you continue until the dirt road (trail mark no. 546), which rise climb to the Stella Alpina and Gardeccia refuges (hours 1.30; 4.45). Hence, you take the broad and comfortable path that leads to Ciambedìe (hours 0.45; 5.30).

From Alba take a cableway to Ciampac (2.152 m). You go along the Ciampac ba-sin and when the road start to rise steeply you go left throughout the route of the two winter lift. You gain gra-dually height, you find the confluence of the path no. 613 from Bufaure and Sela Brunéch after with a steep serpentine you arrive to For-cia Neigra (2.509 m) at the south base of Colac (hours 1.30). You continue on the path no. 613 which, slightly downhill, go along the north

side of Sas Neigher to pass the last precipitous passage, using a metal cord, to exit on the saddle between the Torre Dantone and Sas Neigher. It runs along the black mass, down through the grazing of Ciamp de Mez to the crest, which divided Val de San Nicolò from Val di Contrin. You follow it easterly, up the ridge of Varos (2.460

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m) passing near caves and tunnels of war. You cross it towards the refuges of Pas de San Nicolò (2.338 m) which are reachable in about 10 minutes (hours 1.30; 3.00). Then cross the plateau, behind the refuge. In a wonderful landscape, here loomed the south slope of Gran Vernel and the south wall of Marmolada, you go down nicely through Pré de la Vaces, and, arriving close to the ledge, you go it along until a sparseco-niferus wood. You arrive to the basin of Contrin, whe-re the homonymous river passes, which falls from Val Rosalìa, then you climb again to the top, where there is the refuge at 2.016 m (hours 1.00; 4.00). You returntì to Alba di Canazei (1.517 m) through the wide and flat Val di Contrin, shaped by ice and the final steep serpentine (hours 1.15; 5.15)

From Campitello ( 1.448 m) you take a cableway to Col Rodela and go down (path no. 529), on the nor-th side, near Sela Rodela ( 2.381 m) (hours 0.15). You continue on the path no. 557, called Friederich-Au-gust-Weg by King of Saxony, who was an avid bota-nist. You walk on an easy path, which has minimum gradients, crossing the meadow slope of Sasso di Le-vante and Sasso Piatto, where there are the Friede-rich August ( 2.298 m) and Sandro Pertini ( 2.300 m), arriving to the wide grassy saddle of Giogo di Fassa at Sasso Piatto refuge ( 2.301 m) ( hours 2.00; 2.15). Hence, you continue ( path no. 594) on Cresta di Siusi, which is characterized by black volcanic rocks. The path, that has a trend mostly flat, runs along the crest and then on Val Duron side, continuing until the ho-monymous passage ( hours 1.00; 3.15). Some sadd-les along the path allow to capture superb views of Seiser Alm and Odle, too. From Passo del Duron you can reach, in 10 minutes, the Dialer hotel, throughout

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Siusi side, or you can continue to left towards Alpe di Tires (2.440 m) (hours 1.00) on the dirt road, which becomes steep only in the last part. This stretch of road is enclose on the left side by Molignon wall and on right side by the sharp yellow and reddish eagles of Denti di Terrarossa. From Passo del Duron you go back to Campitello, down to left through the cortex that winds calm through the rolling pastures of the Val Duron. Continuing along the flat bottom until the Mi-cheluzzi refuge at 1.850 m ( hours 1.30; 4.45) with the next downhill until Campitello at 1.448 m (hours 0.45; 5.30).

You reach San Pellegrino Pass with your own vehicle, parking in front of the Ospizio ( an old structure near the church). Walking you arrive to the cableway Col Margherita, which is located beyond the watershed, eastbound. In some minutes the big cabin leads to Col Margherita, an imposing spur of porphyry at 2.550 m. Hence, you continue along the route, that follows the ridge west. On the right side, the mountain goes down with black pillars on San Pellegrino Valley. Left, you find a stony wasteland (Lastei di Predazzo), whi-ch sweetly slopes down to Passo Valles. The whole territory is composed of quartz porphyry, a rock of igneous origin, used to pave streets and squares. You follow the progress of the watershed, alternating short climbs with easy downhill ( beautiful view during clear day, difficult orientation with low clouds). The territory has traces of the First World War. The area crossed belonged to the Italian front. It is possible to see rui-ned trenches. Reached Forcella Vallazza (2.521 m ), near Pradazzo, you continue for a short distance until a crossroads. You turn right tackling the steep climb to Cima di Iuribrutto, a desolate plain that goes down

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to the north on San Pellegrino Valley (hours 2.00). From the top looking west, the big slopes of Cima Bocche (2.745 m), an Austro-Hungarian stronghold, are silhouet-ted. Through porphyry rocks and debris, you go down to Sforcela Grana (Forcella Iuribrutto, 2.389 m). Go down on path no. 628, north towards to the San Pellegrino valley. You walk by the dark face of the Iuribrutto mountain, then back uphill to the Pas de l’ors (2.267 m). From here you carry on down the homonymous basin through small larches. On your right the crest you just walked along up. You continue to go down through sparse forests and lush rhododendron, towards San Pellegrino Pass. On the left you will be able to see a splendid morain lake. You reach through a large meadow (hours 1.00; 3.00).

From San Pellegrino Pass you take the chair lift Costabella to Paradise refuge. Hence, the easy path goes through the meadows of Campa-gnaccia, until to reach with a last steep passage, Passo Selle (2528 m). North-east, follow signs for “Equipped path Bepi Zac” (trail mark 637), up to Lastei Piccolo, where the crest of Costabella starts. The path passes some tunnels, positions and old military shelters of WWI: the more difficult are protected by metallic cord. Reached

the top of Campagnaccia, you can go down on San Pellegrino grasses, following a clear scree, or you can continue on the crest, overcoming short equipped parts, which protect an easy path, until a plateau full of remains of an Austro-Hungarian village, called Detz position. Just beyond, the crest ends on Sasso di Costabella: an easy stair leads on the top of the rock, from which you can see a magnificent view. . Hence, you go down through the scree, until the grasses of the pass. Estimated time 6.00 hours.

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Alp

ine

alta

rs: h

igh

altit

ude

in V

al d

i Sol

da From Solda (m.1844),

transfer to the chair-lift to Rif K2 (m.2330). Crossing under the fa-mous north wall Ortles to the Refuge Taba-retta (m.2556). Along the trail n.4 climb to Baerenkopfscharte (m.2871) where you can enjoy a splendid view of the north wall and north ridge, nor-mal route of ascent Ortles. Climb by the latter to refuge Payer (m.3029), eagle nest

dedicated to the first explorer of the mountains Ortles and Cevedale first to climb the summit of Adamelo Julius Payer official and cartographer of the Austro-Hungarian army of Bohemian origin. From here continue to Cima Ta-baretta (m.3128) spur of the ridge north of Ortles. Return to the refuge Payer from where you continue the same itinerary of ascent to the refuge Tabaretta and from there along a beautiful larch wood to Solda. Possibility to lunch at the refuge. Possibility of returning in chairlift.

From Solda (m.1861), transfer to chair lift to Kanzel (m.2348). Cross towards the upper val-ley of Zai (Zaytal) and climb to the refuge Serristori - Zaytalhuet-te (m.2721). Continue along the flat Wand-boden up to the lakes under the Croda of Cengles (m.2896) and then to reach scree the southern ridge of the Croda Cengles along which deve-lops the ferrata which

leads directly to the top (m.3375). Croda’s Cengles dominates the upper Val Venosta and Val di Solda with a splendid view of 360 degrees, ranging from glaciers Ortles Cevedale to those of the Venostel Alps - Alpen Oetztaler. Des-cent path along the south west to the lakes and from there back to the refuge Serristori. Downhill in Val di Zai up to Solda and return to the hotel. Possibility to lunch at the refuge. Possibility of returning in chairlift.

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From Solda (m 1861), transfer to chairlift to Kanzel (m 2348). Climb down the valley of Rosim-Rosimtal up to the Vedretta of Rosim. Here shod the ice crampons continue climbing up the Vedretta of the same name to the Rosim pass (m 3288), located between the top of the Shield-Schildspitze (m 3461) and the top of Ver-tana (m 3545). Go up scree and rocks with traces of the trail along the southern side of the top Vertana direct-ly to the top. The top Vertana between Val of Solda and Val of Lasa (famous for its marble quarries),offers beautiful scenery on the walls north of the Great Ze-brù-Koenigspitze and Ortles. Returns to the pitch Ros-im and from there along the homonymous Vedretta and the valley of the same name directly in Solda. Possibility of returning in chairlift. Packed lunches.

Transfer by bus from Solda along Val Venosta to Kur-zras in Val Senales (m.2011). Cable car ride to Ga-raward (m.3205). Descent along the slopes of ski

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of the Vedretta of the Gioco Alto - Hochjochferner (m.2990). Climb a rock at the tip of Finale - Finalspitze, which is around the northern side through the eastern Kreuzferner up all’Hauslabjoch (m.3320),along the ri-dge border with Austria. Then go down over rubble to the yoke of Tisa - Tisenjoch (m.3208), where it was found as the famous Similiaun mummy 4000 years old, preserved now in the archaeological museum of Bolzano. From up here, overlooking the entire chain of Oetztal, from the White Ball - Weisskugel (d. 3738) to Wildspitze (m.3770) the highest peak in North Tyrol. Break for lunch. After lunch we descend southward along the Tisa Valley - Tisental to Lake Vernago (m.1698), from where it falls to Solda. Possible lunch at the refuge.

From Solda inside transfer by the cable car to the re-fuge city of Milan - Schaubachhuette (m.2581) domi-nated by the imposing bulk of the Grand Zebrù - Koe-nigspitze (m.3851). Climb along the ridge to the north west tip of Lake Ice - Eisseespitze (m.3230). From here you can enjoy a beautiful view of upper Val Martel-lo, Venice and Gioveretto Peaks. We descend along the ridge and the southern slope for rubble and rocks to step on Lake Ice-Eisseepass (m.3094), where there are the remains of the old refuge and namesake of the barracks of the First World War. With crampons and tied a rope to climb through the Long Vedret-ta- Langerferner under the Cima di Solda – Sulden-spitze (m.3376) to refuge Casati (m.3254). Near the refuge are still visible remains of Austrian trenches of the Great War. The refuge was then used in the 70 of 900 for summer skiing. After lunch crossed along the Vedretta of Cevedale - Zufallferner to the peak of the Three Cannons (m.3276) below the top of Zufallspitze-Zufall (m3757). Here there are three Italian cannons of

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World War I by 149 mm. size, weight only 3300 kg of cane, which the Austrians have captured in Caporetto in Slovenia when they broke down the Italian front. Return to the refuge Casati and overnight. Possible lunch at the refuge.

From the refuge Casati (m.3254) climb with cram-pons and ice ax along the glacier Cevedale - Zufallfer-ner and the northern slope to the ridge area between the Zufallspitze and the Ce-vedale, following which one reaches the top of Ceveda-le (m.3769), where there is a barracks of the Austrian War. From the Cevedale the view sweeps at 360-degree from the Bernina, Adamello Pre-sanella Dolominti the Brenta, to all the Eastern Dolomites, the High Tauern, the Zillertal

Alps, the Stubai Alps up to those of Oetztal. From here dominate all the Central-Ea-stern Alps, we are really on the altar of our glaciers. Downhill to the refuge Casati and from here continue after lunch along the Long Vedretta to the pass of the Lake Gelato - Eisseepass (m.3094). From the pass we descend to the rocks on the vedretta of Solda and from there along the Vedretta to the cable car of the refu-ge of the City of Milan - Schaubachhuette (m.2581). Return to Solda di Dentro with the cable car. Possible lunch at the refuge.

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Pale

di S

an M

artin

o Excursion on the chain of Lagorai porphyry with fine view of the chain of S. Martino and chain north of the Pale. Very interesting is the testimony of the First World War “with trenches, craters of mi-nes, caves. Interesting also the presence of various animal spe-cies: marmots, cha-mois and eagles. Pun-ta Ces reached with the plant or on the ski

slope, head toward the base of the walls on scree and blocks of porphyry, with a final steep ramp to reach the Fork Ceremana m 2426. The evidence of the remains of trenches and barracks of a strong Austro-Hungarian position are clearly visible. A quick and easy stretch equipped to lead a war path on the north side, an old iron ladder allows you to overcome a steep partition wall to usher in the first line of the Austrian front, with large caves. The subse-quent rise to Austrian Colbricon testifies to the bitterness of those events: the West Peak 2602 m has been battered by several explosions of Italian mines . The landscape excited about the Cimon della Pala on the Pala of San Martino, Sassolungo and on the south face of Marmolada. Reached down the Green Fork or Colbricon Fork begins the long descent to the lakes, the chamois are easily visible and under the huge forest Paneveggio, famous for its tree resonance (violins and other sound box). The Colbricon lakes with the same name shelter are among the most frequented and famous valleys of Fiemme and Primiero. In a ‘hour, easy descent on the path and go down roads in San Martino.

From the hotel you go get implants Col Green Rosetta-2620 m. Which lead to the great pla-teau of the Pale. A su-perb view of the whole area of the Dolomites. Turning next to the re-fuge Rosetta, follow the path n.709 that favoring the undula-tions of lunar highland reaches Step Pradidali Basso 2658 m. You get into drunk moraine of

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the glacier in the accumulation of Fradusta. You get into quick time the moraine accumulation of the glacier of Fradusta (second largest in the Dolomites) now in clear dissolution. Leaving the Fradusta lake on the right, climb to take the long and not difficult Crest leading to Peak Fradusta 2939 m. The vision is one of the most wonderful of the Pale (on a clear day you can see the Adriatic sea and the lagoon of Venice). We are at the heart of the largest Dolomites group 250 km square. You return to the lake and then down the rocky valley Pradidali between vertical lines rock. Easy rock, gravel slope and a piano leading to the refuge of Pradidali m.2278. The Peak Canali, the Wilma, the Immink, the Pala of San Martino, Sass Maor and Cima Pradidali make a majestic frame of the refuge. Short climb to the Passo of Ball 2443m. And subsequent drop in Val di Roda. First to gravel then plaques fitted and finally on a ledge exposed and equipped with wire rope, pass the most challenging stretches erven at the foot of the Pala di San Martino. The path now flat crosses the path n.702 down by Rosetta and on it there is ample and comfortable bends down to the Col dei Becchi (remains of an old shelter) . The trail continues overcoming a short tunnel, a steep canyon to get to the end of the mountain pines, and then on forest roads to San Martino.

From Passo Valles 2031 m. follow the ‘High Street No.2 climbing to the fork Venegia, continue on Crest and on mountain with marmots up to the Pass Venigiot-ta. A short climb and a path given on the northern foothills of the Peak Mulaz wander up to the Passo del Fochet Fobocon of 2230 m. Wonderful panora-mic point on Falcade the eastern Dolomites, the sou-th face of the Marmolada. It falls in ‘High Valley Fo-

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bocon up to a flat green pasture where start a steep and uncomfortable climb to the refuge . A short stretch of wire rope of the partition walls equipped and of scree allow you to reach the pass Arduini and quickly Refuge Mulaz 2571 m. Superb view of the peaks of the North: Peak Fobocon, Campido, Zopel, Campanile alto Lastei. A short climb reach the Mulaz pass from which starts the normal way up the summit rocks and scree. Descend into the valley Venegia always in the presence of the highest peaks of the Pale: Valgrande, Bureloni, Vezzana and Cimone to get to the dirt road of Venegia Valley, which runs up to its end at Pian dei Casoni 1671 m. Passing through the pastures Veneggiota and Venegia.

The Vezzana is the highest peak of the Pale and of-fers an unparalleled 360-degree panorama. The trail n.716 from the refuge Rosetta rises through Passo Bettega and a short descent leads into the valley of the cantons between Vezzana and Cimone. The first climb on scree slopes in wild and lonely environment then rocks of 1 degree up to pitch Trevignolo 2925 m. Beyond which the homonymous glacier falls in Val Venegia. The steep path continues on to the scree up to the Fork of the Nuvolo and passed a rocky scree and a plateau comes on the long Crest of Vezzana and on the panoramic summit 3192 m. The descent to the Val Strutt is steep, than exceeds the short but challenging ferrata Gabitta d ‘Ignoti, continues on scree moraine meets Bivouac G. Brunner and cross the long and exposed Farangole trail follows the right. Long stretches of wire rope can help the progression through the Val of the Comelle and Val of the Hens up to the Pian of the cantons from which you climb to Rifugio Rosetta and then the cable car.

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From San Martino conve-nient for forest road in Val di Roda. Crossed the path n.721 climb the walls at the foot of the Cime di Val di Roda and following various grassy shores of mountain pines and larches you enter the Cadin Sora Ronzo, with a beautiful view of Cima della Madonna and Sass Maor. On the left side start the climbing of the “ Vecchia” linked to the Veil and the Porton climbing. Reached the trail number 713 clim-bs for it to below a blackish

wall (Last Moia). Then along the characteristic stretch equipped with large double ropes to continue on the gravel next to Rif Al Velo 2358 m. The climb to the top of Stanga implies further 40 minutes uphill on gravel and rocks with steps of 1 degree. The ridge area of the top is an exciting place for the extraordinary landscape of the Cima Madonna and Sass Maor, the Primiero valley and of Canali and Pradidali valleys. A well-kept trails start at the south of the Hunter and Dino Buzzati (writer and novelist, lover of Pale). The east wall of the Sass Maor falls on the Pradidali Valley and is famous for its beautiful, amazing and difficult climbing routes that pass throu-gh it. Back at the refuge take the equipped path Camillo De Paoli, that with metal cables and a short ladder introduce us to the magical and picturesque scenery of the pinnacles of Cimerlo. A descent through mountain pines and larches and cros-sing of several gullies we settle to the Costa del Col Cistri thus entering in Val Canali. For leisurely forest roads ends the excursion at the restaurant La Rotonda.

The plateau of the blades is the largest plateau in the Dolomites with its 50 square miles and is compared to the desert moon, has inspired the writer Dino Buzzati in her novel Desert of the Tartars. Reached with the installa-tions Col Green Rosetta the plateau, passing to the sou-th-east following the undula-tions of the Fork to Miel. The Southern chain Agner shows its high walls (the highest in the Dolomites), seconded by the Pale di San Lucano and wild Val D’Angheraz. A

descent to the north-east in a comfortable trail leads to the Marucol (small but sce-nic mountain above Gares). Before our eyes, the geological history of coral reefs of the Blades and the countered surrounding volcanic ambient.Wide bends the path

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descends for the Valbona to the Fork for Viaz Bus. A short, steep climb can go on a wooded ledge whi-ch gradually narrows into a passage equipped with a steel cable. Characteristic the hole (Bus) which gi-ves the name to the path and the next ledge and exposed facilities. Down a steep rocky gully to get the great Plan Comelle grossed between huge walls. The valley narrows now into a canyon called Ravine Co-melle that descends between huge blocks with an increasing roar of water. From small spring the water soon forms a stunning picturesque river on which side the challenging trail faces to the wire ropes and lad-ders curious. The engagement on the path almost di-stracts us from the wild beauty of the place. The final bridge above the deafening waterfall is out on a le-dge with mountain pines, even with small sections of wire rope. The descent stops under the exciting wa-terfall high about 80 m. Still down in the woods to the characteristic Cima Comella Shack where you must a good Pivo. NB For day trips EE, given the presence of traits equip-ped, you need at least a lanyard with carabiner, bet-ter double, up about 80.

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li Day 1 Meeting the arrival airport and transfer to resort Gambarie d’Aspro-monte, inside the National Park. Accommodation in hotel. Dinner and over-night.

Breakfast and depar-ture from the hotel on foot to reach Montalto (1956 m.), the Aspro-monte summit, domi-nated by a rich vege-tation with forests of beech and silver fir. It ‘s interesting to note the change of beha-vior of the trees due to wind and snow, going

high, passing by the high and columnar specimens to the poor prostrate and twisted bushes of the summit. After reaching the top the view is unique and charming: you can admire both the Strait of Messina, Etna, the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Sea, the Aeolian Islands and the southern end of the Apennines. Return on the same path. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast and tran-sfer by small bus to reach the town Ce-rasia. Excursion to the Waterfalls Forgiarelle and Palmarello two of the most beautiful wa-terfalls and the highest in the Aspromonte National Park that are thrown with a single jump of about 70 m.

The section of trail that winds through the inner and hidden area of the park, the Hell’s Valley, follows the ridge, where they meet monumental oaks and large mats of juniper. Area frequented by wild boars where you can also see the traces and, if lucky, hear the howls of wolves still exist in Aspromonte.After a round trip you return to the starting point. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Transfer by bus from Solda along Val Ve-nosta to Kurzras in Val Senales (m.2011). Cable car ride to Ga-raward (m.3205). De-scent along the slopes of the glacier of the High Yoke - Hochjoch-ferner (m.2990). Climb a rock at the tip of Fi-

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nale - Finalspitze, which is around the northern side through the eastern Kreuzferner up all’Hauslabjoch (m.3320),along the ridge border with Austria. Then go over rubble to the yoke of Tisa - Tisenjoch (m.3208), where it was found as the famous Similiaun mummy 4000 years old, preserved now in the archaeological museum of Bolzano. From up here, overlooking the entire chain of Oetztal, the White Ball - Weisskugel (d. 3738) to Wildspitze (m.3770) the highest peak in North Tyrol. Break for lunch. After lunch we descend south-ward along the Tisa Valley - Tisental to Lake Vernago (m.1698), from where it falls to Solda. Possible lunch at the refuge.

Breakfast and transfer by bus to Cefalu. Located within the Madonie Park on the north coast of the island at one end of the Gulf of Termini Imerese, Ce-falù is a small seaside town with a picturesque harbor from which we observe the characteristic of the wal-led city waterfront , by the arcs that form the shelter to the boats. Visit to the Cathedral built from 1131. The huge building dominates the urban fabric and is flanked by two massive towers that give the ap-pearance of a fortress more than a real church and that they should strike to travelers who arrive by boat from the beach in Cefalu, fear and respect, awe and wonder. A brief excursion on the height (270 m) above the town, with a particular profile in the sha-pe of the head, which falls on the sea, while on the domestic side opens sull’agglomerato urban, falling gradually over a grassy slope. At the top of the altitu-de, apart from some scant remains of prehistoric ar-tefacts (ovens, cisterns and domestic buildings), the first plant of which remain significant evidence dates from the ninth century BC it is a building constructed megalithic structure, that is to big blocks not cemen-ted together, commonly called “Temple of Diana”, on which was later constructed a building in greek period, later transformed into a church by the Byzan-

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tines. Of the Norman period, date back to the ruins of a castle protected by a wall which was intended to make impenetrable the town through the streets

Breakfast and ferry in hydrofoil from Milazzo to the island of Stromboli. Accommodation in hotel, lunch at the restaurant. In the late afternoon, beginning of ascension to the volcano with a guide volcanolo-gy, to watch the beautiful sunset of the sun from the summit of Stromboli. After reaching the summit (918 m) you can watch a unique show, the Strombolian eruptions that will illuminate the night. Obbligatory to carry a light for the journey back, you walk at night on an uncomfortable path and in descent, different from the path to reach the top. Dinner. Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast and ferry in hydrofoil to reach Milazzo and later crossed the Straits of Messina to reach Calabria. Visit of Scylla, a charming fishing village that recalls the myths, legends of Odysseus, the Sirens and Glau-co. The fortress where stands the castle Normanno, fortified in 1255 AD by Pietro Ruffo, divides the picture-sque district of fishermen of Chianalea, with its houses overlooking the sea,from the beautiful beach of Mari-na Grande, a popular destination and exclusively by swimmers in summer. Dinner overnight.

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Breakfast and visit the me-dieval village of Gerace, the center among the most ancient and most important of Calabria, was founded by Locresi forced to leave their homeland to escape the danger Saracens in the ninth century. The city holds a wealth of art, preserved largely in its cathedral, build-ing Byzantine narmanno of

the most important in the region. In the afternoon, transfer to one of the wonderful beaches of Locri, where we will stay until the evening. Dinner at local restaurant, overnight at the hotel.

Day 9 Breakfast and departure for the ‘airport. Assistance at check-in and end the services.

Legal NotesThe present catalogue has been entirely draft by the staff of Master Group S.r.l. and so it is forbidden the copy of texts, documents, images and the graphic work inside included. The images referring to the hotels herewith have been granted by the same with authorization to the un-dersigned publication. All the other ima-ges are protected by the copyright and have been regularly buyed.

ThanksIt thanks all the structures that have agreed to our project and that granting their confidence and attending to this publishing work have stimulated us to give the most of ourselves.

Technical Organization

Tour Operator

Visual and Graphics Giuseppe Gerace