Starting point: Rifugio Forni (2.170 m)
Finishing point : Rifugio Forni
Best time of year: July
Difference in altitude: 385 metres

Info:
Rifugio Branca 0342-935501
Rifugio Pizzini-Frattola 0342-935513
APT Valfurva 0342-965598

Description of the hike: - 1st route
Duration: 1 hour
From Santa Caterina, take a right and follow the roae up to the Albergo Forni (at a level of 2.170 metres). From the parking at the Albergo Forni, a path leads to the right (eastwards) down to a little dam. At the forking to this dam, you turn left over the bridge (over the river Cedec) into the little valley "Valle dei Forni", which is dominated, on its upper part, by the Forni glacier. Passing the crossing to the near Malga dei Forni, the path now leads rather steep uphill (east), and after some curves you reach the Rifugio Branca. From there, you can walk to the very impressive moraine of the glacier (on the right) and admire the ice-breaks. The ascent takes not more than an hour from the Rifugio Branca, following a gravel road. The difference in altitude is about 300 metres.


Description of the hike: - 2nd route
Duration: 2 hours
Even this second route starts at the parking of the Albergo Forni. The path leads, away from the asphalted road, into the Val Cedec, passing relics of defensive positions of the First World War.

From the parking of the Albergo Forni, follow the road, which leads up the slope on the righthand side. After about 10 minutes, leave this main road and turn left into a small path - which is as well from the First World War - to reach the Baita dei Forni at a level of 2.389 metres. The path leads parallel to the road, halfway up of the slope. From here, you enjoy a great view of the glacier and all the peaks of the opposite mountain range, again passing a ruin of a military position of the First World War (2.547 m). Now the path leads ascending to the north, crossing meargre meadows and rocky grounds. Still the path is parallel to the road, which connects the Albergo Forni with the Rifugio Pizzini-Fattola, which is located in a panoramic position, framed by the peak of the Gran Zebrù (Königspitze). Although this path takes more time than the road, this altervative it much more attractive and panoramic. It takes about 2 hours for this route, and it is not too demanding. Use the main road for the descend.

In summertime, there is a Shuttle-Service with Jeaps from Santa Caterina up to the Albergo Forni or even to the Rifugio Pizzini.

After or during your hike, you can have a rest at one of the lodges or at the Albergo Forni, where traditional food is served.