Alta Via 1 stage 7: Rifugio Carestiato - Rifugio Pian de Fontana

The longest and perhaps toughest day of the Alta Via I in which I am on the road for no less than 9.5 hours. The toughest part is at the end with a very steep ascent of the Cima de Zita Zud and an equally steep descent. Many hikers that I have encountered on my way do not like this and therefore give up for the last two stages. Unjustly, because this stage is a captivating experience from start to finish, even if it requires some effort.

However, the walk starts off pleasantly with a gentle descent over a gravel road to Passo Duran. A family of cows blocks the way, but a kind word does wonders and the cattle moves aside. At Passo Duran I quickly drink some water, because water is not much to be found on this route. The next two kilometers are to be forgotten quickly, because they follow a motorway and there is not much to do here. But even on this motorway, this area is blessed with a serene atmosphere. The actual hiking begins after about five kilometers when I climb steadily in a forest.

I find this - surprisingly enough - the most difficult part of the entire day and that has to do with the rainy weather. The rainwater has transformed the narrow forest paths into muddy areas where it is devilishly difficult to ascend or descend. Especially the short but sharp bits up or down are an ideal recipe for a fall. The forest itself is a typical coniferous forest and does not immediately impress me. On this part of the route, forest and small stone plains take turns and alternate. I think the small stone plains are a bit nicer, but I'm glad when I end up back in the woods so that I have a little shelter from an overzealous sun.

Around kilometer nine there is the refuge Malga Moschesin which also has a drinking fountain and I make use of that to replenish my water supply on this summer's day. From here it ascends steadily into the beautiful rocky landscape of Forcella del Moschesin. The most beautiful flowers and plants abound on the grassy plains and on this five-kilometer passage to Rifugio Pramparet I seem to be all alone in this world. At a leisurely pace and with an ever smiling face I travel through this heavenly landscape. As far as I'm concerned, this is heaven on earth.

I make a small side trip to Rifugio Pramparet where I stop for a minestrone soup before starting the steepest ascent of the entire Alta Via 1. The gradient never has values ​​lower than 25% and I get depressed when thinking about it. However, the truth is that with a good preparation (read: enough lunch and drinks) this ascent is not as bad as it seems. I've taken more than enough breaks, but I've done tougher climbs this past week than this one. I am not really tired and that gives me plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful mountain environment. I do have to pay attention during the ultimate climb of the Cima de Zita Zud, because I have to use both hands and feet for clambering, but that only for a few tens of meters.

I'm a bit lucky with the panorama that I get to see, because not much later a thick cloud pack comes rapidly closer and hikers behind me only see clouds. The descent is equally sharp, but not excessively difficult. The loose stones require some attention, but it is by no means a difficult descent. At least that's what I think until I get to see Rifugio Pian de Fontana, my end point for today. Here I'm zigzagging down very small paths and that gaping abyss does not make it any easier. Steel cables help me in my quest to get down, but it should be clear that you have to be careful here. The marmots that I encounter along the way provide some variety and the beautiful valley is also a feast for the eyes. I notice that when I finally finish the stage just after five o'clock.

This is an extensive, but very beautiful stage that will undoubtedly touch many hikers. The ascent of the Cima de Zita Zud has - unfortunately - made many hikers quit the Alta Via 1, but that is actually unjustified. Although this peak should certainly not be underestimated, it is certainly not the most difficult climb of the Alta Via 1. Moreover, you will find some of the most beautiful landscapes of the entire trail here. No, then the eroded forest paths at the start of this day are a lot more dangerous as far as I'm concerned.