We knew this was going to be a big day – spoiler alert – it was! But it was also an amazing hike all around – the terrain, the elevation changes (ascent: 4000ft, descent: 1800ft), and the distance – 10.5mi all combined for an epic day.

Again, the weather apps were wrong – they’d been predicting 70% chance of rain each day – just wasn’t happening. After yet another amazing breakfast spread – meats, cheeses, yogurt, granola, boiled eggs (the rifugios served raw eggs and provided boiling water to make your own) – every morning was a feast, Fanes didn’t disappoint.

We said goodbye to Fanes and were on our way – up, of course! From the rifugio, we were following route 11 for a distance.

Gaining elevation, we reached a bit of a grassy plateau, and were treated to the first of many stunning views for the day to come.

While planning this leg of the AV1, I’d read that a section of route 20B, which passed through Forcella del Lago, was closed due to some rock fall. On the map, there was an alternate – adding roughly a mile distance – continuing to head westward on route 11 toward Capanna Alpina, then south eastward on route 20 toward Rifugio Scotini.

Game day decision – brand new signage, suggesting that route 20B was open. We still decided on the route 11/20 detour toward Rifugio Scotini.

This “detour” brought us to a beautiful scenic overlook, one which seemed to be pretty popular with others – offering what appeared to be a nice day hike from the valley – and offering us a chance for a rare photo of both of us.

But soon enough, time to continue on – which, of course meant some elevation change. From this overlook, where else but down! Check out the people on the trail in the lower left of the following photo!

A bit challenging on the descent, but it passed quickly. It was in that ‘valley’ where we paused to chat with a couple of fellow trekkers from Vancouver. They weren’t doing the entire AV1, instead bouncing between local towns (such as San Cassiano, San Vito, and others – a few days in the valleys and a few days in the mountains) – a nice alternative to the straight AV1 trek.

Continuing on route 20, we had a relatively short ascent on what is a ski slope to Rifugio Scotini – just in time for some lunch! Again, many day-trippers, enjoying the sun.

Soon enough, time to continue on toward Rifugio Lagazuoi – part 2 of the day’s epic adventure. We were getting accustomed to sections of the trek with significant ascents/descents. As much as we’d left a descent from the scenic overlook, we now had an ascent from Rifugio Scotini. As with others, someone was kind enough to create switchbacks 🙂

Always remembering to “smell the roses” – looking backward, an amazing view of the ‘valley’ – Scotini in that grassy section mid-photo – quite the ascent.

And looking forward, the trail was a gradual ascent – with what was Rifugio Lagazuoi in the far distance (upper right of the photo).

Shortly passing Lago Lagazuoi – which was providing a bit of relaxation for a few trekkers. And it was also here that we were able to spot the other part of route 20B – that detour – which descended from that notch in the upper right, across the scree field. We were thankful we didn’t take that route – we would have missed Scotini and it would have been a challenge with a loaded pack.

Noticeably, as we were gaining altitude, we were leaving grassy terrain and entering the alpine zone – rocky. Still easy footing on the trail, not like what we’re accustomed – boulders in New Hampshire’s White mountains.

And with one last push, more switchbacks to the Rifugio.

It was a ‘relief’ to arrive at the Rifugio – it’d been an epic hike. An amazing variety of terrain – starting with the grassy section above Fanes, through the descent/ascent to Scotini, then ascent into the alpine zone, finally reaching the Rifugio. Checking in and getting settled a bit, we enjoyed our post-hike Campari and soda – and were treated to a bowl of potato chips.

and enjoyed a view which couldn’t be beat!

What better way to sit and just be.