Hiking Alta Via 2 (160km) - Dolomites (Italy) - Part 1: Brixen - Rif. Plose - Rif. Puez

Started on 12th September 2019 from Brixen (Bressanone) after a train journey from Verona airport and finished 10 days later in Croce d'Aune.
Brixen is a small town with easy access from a few major airports including Venetia and Innsbruck. There are a few mountain shops in case you've forgotten anything, or to buy gas, and plenty of supermarkets for supplies. If you are going to be self sufficient, this is the place to stock up. There won't be any other change for almost a week. The majority of the hikers choose to eat at huts, but that can become expensive even for a half board. I've started with a 20kg pack, mostly food, and ate in after I ran out.

With the pack so heavy and daylight fading, I took a bus to Plose Gondola and managed to catch the last run to the top. Ascending 1000m through the forest would have taken way too long and didn't feel like arriving at the refuge at night. If you wish to go by foot, don't start at 6pm like I did.

From the top gondola, a path marked with red and white stripes and the number 2 inside a triangle marks the entire AV2 route. Ascending to Rifugio Plose, where I've spend the night is quick and fairly easy. Beautiful views over Odle-Puez mountain range can be had in good weather.

Continuing on well marked path the route crosses across grassy pastures and eventually through woodland just to emerge on the other side on the mountain. Now high peaks are right in from of the hiker but the climb doesn't start just yet. It continues through the forest, along roads and deep gorges until at last we're able to see Saas de Putia. From here on a steady ascent begins to reach the col with the same name. Amazing view over the entire valley and mountains in the distance rewards the hiker. For someone doing the hike in shorter stages, is worth climbing the peak as well. I continue along the mountain side and pass by Rif Genova and slowly approaching Forcella della Roa. It is worth stopping from time to time and looking back. The landscape is simply breath-taking.

Arrived at the col, there are two options, left on a variant that cuts straight above the mountains or downhill and up to another pass, which is easier but longer ( the actual AV2). Following the latter, the trail descends into a plateau from where the famous and Seceda mountain can be seen. To the left, a steady ascent and few short cable sections brings you to Forcella Forces de Selles. From here the path continues below the rocky faces of several peaks and slowly descends to Rifugio Puez. While the route itself can be seen for miles ahead, the refugee is well hidden and only visible before the last few steps.

#dolomites #solohiking #longdistancehiking
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Music:
Song: Joakim Karud - Good Old Days (Vlog No Copyright Music)
Music provided by Vlog No Copyright Music.
Video Link: https://youtu.be/Zl3r_HPulLk

Видео Hiking Alta Via 2 (160km) - Dolomites (Italy) - Part 1: Brixen - Rif. Plose - Rif. Puez канала Alpine.Trails