Oct 12

Oct 12 Hike Passo Giau to Cinque Torri

Saturday, October 10, 2020, we got on the road at 07.30 and drove to Passo Giau. There were six of us in two cars. After arriving, we helped ourselves to coffee and apple pie at Berghotel (the rifugio at the trailhead). It was absolutely divine. Once we finished our food and bathroom breaks, we hit the trail around 11.15 full of excitement. I would finally get to see the stunning views I’d been seeing in photos for the past year. We knew it was supposed to start raining around 14.30 and I knew we had gotten off to a slow start given the forecast. Raincoats were packed so we’d be sort of dry, if we got caught in a downpour.

The view from the parking lot is as good as any. If you’re unable to hike, just drive by.

As soon as we stepped foot on the trail, a helicopter was being filmed landing behind the rifugio. I’m not sure what they were up to, but it was a cool sight. The trail starts off as a nice walking trail, then you come to a stretch of rocks - small and large. One has to step over, on, and around, so be sure to wear appropriate shoes and have trekking poles. From there, it’s a gravel trail until you veer left toward trail 464. The dirt trail doesn’t last long before it’s gravel again as you begin the steep incline to Rifugio Averau. We decided to hangout at Averau for a bit while resting, waiting on group members, and having a snack. Unfortunately, Averau and Scoiattoli were closed, so no yummy, rifugio lunch for us. From Averau, we descended to Cinque Torri (CT). It was about a 20 minute hike for us as there was snow on the ground from Averau to CT. When we got to Rifugio Scoiattoli, it began sprinkling. My husband and his friend continued past CT and around the other side of the mountain. My group of four headed back out the way we came in, but continued toward Rifugio Fedare versus going back over the rocks in the rain. I do not recommend the path toward Fedare as it is much longer, but it was safer given our situation and I could get different photos. I’m thankful for the photos I got on the way out, but I wouldn’t take that route under normal circumstances. We made it to Fedare before the rain really started coming down. My husband had reported they were getting all the rain/snow on the other side of the mountain (I warned them it was not a good idea to go that way). I got my friends’ car keys and volunteered to walk up the road, i.e. the mountain, in the rain to get the car and pick them up. What was I smoking? On the way up the road, I didn’t think I would make it. I was panting, wet, cold, hungry, etc. I prayed a few times someone would offer a ride or that my husband would return before me and come pick me up. Neither happened and that’s ok. After much battling of the mind and a few rest stops, I made it. Soon we were all together again and set off for our accommodations. Hot chocolate was on the table and a nice, warm, crackling fire was awaiting us at the B&B because the hosts are fabulous! Did I drink lactose in my hot chocolate without even thinking about it? Yes, I did and paid for it, but it was totally worth it!