Walking EuropeLake Fedaia from Canazei (via Col de Paussa)
Walk 6086
Country - Italy
Region - Dolomites - Val de Fassa
Author - Lou Johnson & Dolomites Inn
Time - 3.00 hours
Grade - moderate
Click image to visit gallery of 12 images.
Starting from the busy resort of Canazei, this walk offers some excellent views throughout without too much hard uphill walking. From Canazei take the gondolas to Pecol where you continue by cable car to the Col di Rossi. It is worth spending a few minutes enjoying the view with the large mountains either side of the Sella Pass in view together with many of the mountains, ridges and valleys that make up the Val de Fassa.
From the top station of the cable car follow the signs "Viel de Pan" (path 601). At first this is a broad track which you leave at the first junction where you veer right and slightly uphill towards the mountain hut Fredarola which is reached after 20 minutes. Continuing on the clear path, the Rifugio Viel de Pan is the next objective which should be reached after an hours walking. The view to the right of this path is superb with the Marmolada Massif dominant across the valley with Lake Fedaia already in view at the foot of this mountain.
Leaving the Rifugio de Pan continue on the main path which clings to the side of the mountain on the next section. Despite the drop to your right, the path is not difficult and provided you take care you should meet with no problems. The path rises to the Col de Paussa from where there are excellent views down to Arabba. After leaving the Col the path crosses a shoulder and reaches a clear junction. Ignore the left fork and continue ahead on path 601 to another path junction. Ignore path 601A which goes left, instead descending to the right by staying on path 601.
The descent loses some 400 metres in height down to Lake Fedaia yet the path with its numerous zigzags makes relatively light work of the height loss. The descent also offers a constant view ahead of the Marmolada glacier which lies directly across the valley.
Reaching the road you can take the bus to Canazei. Check departure times before starting the walk. There is a regular service but also some parts of the day where a two hour interval between buses needs to be taken into account. Note there are places to eat near the bus stop. As an alternative you can walk down the valley to Penia on path 605. This takes around 90 minutes passing the Rifugio Viletta Maria on the way to the typical Alpine village of Penia. From here you can continue to walk to Canazei or take advantage of the more frequent bus service.
Suggested Maps
- Val di Fassa e Dolomiti Fassane - 1:25000 scale - sheet 06 published by Tabacco
Stay Safe
Do enjoy yourself when out walking and choose a route that is within your capabilities especially with regard to navigation.
Do turn back if the weather deteriorates especially in winter or when visibility is poor.
Do wear the right clothing for the anticipated weather conditions. If the weather is likely to change for the worse make sure you have enough extra clothing in your pack.
Do tell someone where you are planning to walk especially in areas that see few other walkers.
Do take maps and other navigational aids. Do not rely on mobile devices in areas where reception is poor. Take spare batteries especially in cold weather.
Do check the weather forecast before leaving. The Met Office has a number of forecasts for walkers that identify specific weather risks.
Please Note - These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that Walking Britain is not held responsible for the safety or well being of those following the routes as described. It is worth reiterating the point that you should embark on a walk with the correct maps preferably at 1:25000 scale. This will enable any difficulties with route finding to be assessed and corrective action taken if necessary.