AVDB - Stage 3: Rif. Bianchet - Miniere Val Imperina

From Rifugio Bianchet, follow the CAI 503 trail which, in about two hours and over a length of 9 kilometers, gently descends through the Val Vescovà to reach the valley floor at Pinei, where the Val del Cordevole is found. From here, travel for a short stretch of about 1.2 kilometers along the regional road 203 Agordina, a paved section leading near La Muda, where a lunch break is possible at the Ristoro San Martino. After crossing the Cordevole via a pedestrian bridge, reach the locality of Agre. From the Agre junction, ascend the river to a second bridge allowing access to the locality of Torner. From here, take the CAI 541 trail, which leads to a junction from which the CAI 541A trail is followed up to Cancellade. Continuing along the paved road, first on Via delle Cancellade and then on Via Noach, the homonymous settlement is crossed until reaching the bridge leading to the mining center of Valle Imperina. Here, visitors can tour the galleries, the smelting furnaces, and an exhibition recounting the mining history of the area. The youth hostel, converted from an 18th-century building, offers the possibility to stay overnight, completing the stage with an experience rich in nature and history.

Facing the Alta Via requires equipment suitable for high mountain. Trekking boots, telescopic poles, layered technical clothing, rain shell, gloves, and a hat are essential even in summer.

Carry a sleeping bag liner (mandatory in huts), first aid kit, sunglasses, sunscreen, power bank, headlamp with spare batteries, and a good map, supplemented by offline GPS apps.

Finally, a repellent spray and tweezers for ticks, increasingly present at altitude, are recommended.

The Alta Via Dolomiti Bellunesi is a challenging trekking, suitable only for experienced and well-trained hikers. The route includes exposed sections, technical passages, and requires sure footing, no fear of heights, and orientation skills, especially in the more isolated areas.

Signage (a purple bellflower) is present at key points but not always continuous: knowing how to orient yourself with map and GPS is essential. Two equipped sections with fixed ropes are present (stage 2 and stage 5), the latter not recommended for those who suffer from vertigo.

Free camping is not allowed: tent use is regulated and possible only with authorization from certain huts. It is advised to contact the accommodations in advance to check availability and book.

Dolomitibus

The recommended period to hike the Alta Via is from May to September, avoiding days with snow risk or after heavy rain. Given the exposure and length of the route, it is important to start light but well-equipped.

Follow the “3-change rule”: one to wear, one clean in the backpack, one drying. Along the route, there are huts and bivouacs, but organizing in advance is essential, especially during peak periods.

For updated information on stages and GPS tracks, consult the official Alta Via Dolomiti Bellunesi website, which also provides an email for direct contacts.