CIASTEL DE FANES (2657 Altitude)

THE ASCENT

Eastern side

Short and easy tour, except for the final section of the Ciastel, which can be difficult.

From the Lavarella hut, follow itinerary n. 4 until over the Banch dai Torchi. Instead of going through the Plan de Salines, turn immediately on the left (eastern direction); after a short section of moderate ascent proceed on the right (N), arriving at the southern slopes of the moderate elevation (2295 m – see itinerary n. 6). The Col Toronn is passed by from south and the tour proceeds towards the invisible (but easily deducible) saddle which divides the Sas dles Diesc and the Ciastel de Fanes. Proceed on the soft and easy incline until approximately 200 m from the southern crest of the Ciastel. Turn right, attacking the eastern slope of the mountain which leads at the to the base of the summit rocks. Leave the skis and climb them up to the peak.

WALKING TIME

2 - 2 1/2 ore

THE DESCEND

Follow the ascent trail.

After descending the summit rocks and having put on the skis, descend with sharp turns on the steep eastern slope of the mountain. At the base, proceed easily and freely until reaching the descent itinerary n. 4 and from here towards the Lavarella mountain hut.

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES

• Flat terrain, with a soft slope, wide, it is possible to proceed without an obligated route
• The slope is more marked (30° ÷ 35°). It is not always easy to proceed in a straight line; it is necessary to bend more often, the terrain opens giving a certain degree of route choice
• Intermediate skier: he can manage descends ot the S3 difficulty type as well, as long as they are not continuous or very long
• Good skier: he can confidently engage in S3 descends; he can manage descends ot the higher difficulty type as well, as long as they are not continuous or very long

SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT

• Ski skins

USEFUL SUGGESTIONS

• Tour for compact snow conditions
• Escursion for fresh snow as well

ALTITUDE DIFFERENCE

619 m

VARIATION (2657 Altitude)

THE ASCENT

For the less experienced touring skiers it is possible (and advised) to ascent on the western side of the Ciastel, encircling it on the southern side and starting from the saddle (2608 m) dividing it and the Sas dles Diesc; after easily ascending the western slopes of the mountain (50 m), the summit is quickly reached.

THE DESCEND

This variation can also be done when descending. In fact, it is advised to descend on the opposite side of that of the ascent, thus fulfilling the crossing of the mountain.

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES

• Just like S1; some soft terrain irregularities and hollows. The descent is free
• Good skier: he can confidently engage in S3 descends; he can manage descends ot the higher difficulty type as well, as long as they are not continuous or very long

SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT

• Ski skins

USEFUL SUGGESTIONS

• Tour for compact snow conditions
• Escursion for fresh snow as well

ALTITUDE DIFFERENCE

619 m

DEVIATION (2657 Altitude)

THE ASCENT

This alternative itinerary allows the ascent to the high saddle between Sas dles Nü and Sas dles Diesc (2667 m altitude). This deviation doesn't lead to any peak, but it is nevertheless recommended for the exceptional views it gives over the impressing falls of the western sides of the above mentioned peaks. Furthermore it allows a spectacular view over the Pices Fanes plateau. On the saddle, beware of potential snow ledges.

WALKING TIME

2 1/4 - 3 1/2 hours

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES

• Just like S1; some soft terrain irregularities and hollows. The descent is free
• Intermediate skier: he can manage descends ot the S3 difficulty type as well, as long as they are not continuous or very long

SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT

• Ski skins

USEFUL SUGGESTIONS

• Pay attention to the sections with snow blown in by the wind

ALTITUDE DIFFERENCE

629 m

SAS DLES DIESC (3026 Altitude)

THE ASCENT

SE side and SW crest

Classic and difficult ascent; not really rewarding from the descent point of view, but surely interesting because of the unique landscapes where it takes place.

From the Lavarella mountain hut, follow the same directions as in itinerary n. 4 until the top of Banch dai Torchi and then itinerary n. 7 until the eastern slopes of Ciastel de Fanes. From here go NW, crossing the southern outlets at the base of the Ciastel, and then climbing up a steep ascent covered with massive boulders, until reaching the SW ridge of the Sas dles Diesc. This crest links the Sas dles Diesc with the Sas dla Crusc. Access it where it meets with the mountain. Pass by another boulder field and then proceed steeply over the southern-falling terrain of the Sas dles Diesc until the above mentioned point on the ridge. This is also the ski depot.

Walking on the following, almost vertically ascending flank is difficult and exposed. The last section presents a climbing difficulty of Grade II in the snow-free months. A fixed rope is present.

WALKING TIME

3 - 5 hours

THE DESCEND

The itinerary is the same for the descent. From the peak, descend at the base of the difficult last section (possibly with a rappel). Having put on the skis, descend on the S side of the mountain (beware of avalanche risk!) crossing the boulder fields and going around the southern edge of the Ciastel de Fanes. From here it is a nice descend as in the itineraries n. 7 and n. 4 until the Lavarella mountain hut.

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES

• Just like S1; some soft terrain irregularities and hollows. The descent is free
• The slope is more marked (30° ÷ 35°). It is not always easy to proceed in a straight line; it is necessary to bend more often, the terrain opens giving a certain degree of route choice
• Good skier: he can confidently engage in S3 descends; he can manage descends ot the higher difficulty type as well, as long as they are not continuous or very long

SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT

• Ski skins
• Climber and ice axe

USEFUL SUGGESTIONS

• Tour for compact snow conditions

ALTITUDE DIFFERENCE

629 m

ASCENT VARIATION (3026 Altitude)

THE ASCENT

When combined with the ascent to the L'Ciaval (see itinerary n. 9), it is without doubts one of the most spectacular and rewarding ski touring itineraries of the Alps. It is a long ridge path between earth and sky in a solitary, wild and powerful environment. It allows the access to the third elevation of the Sas Dla Crusc group. The landscape which can be viewed from the peak is astonishing and limitless.

First it is necessary to reach the peak of the L'Ciaval as in itinerary n. 9. From here continue on the ridge in north-eastern direction passing by the modest elevations of altitude 2906 and of Piz dl'Armentara (2942 m), thus arriving at the base of the vertical jump at the base of the Sas dles Diesc summit, as seen in the previous itinerary. Go for the peak as explained there.

WALKING TIME

4 - 6 hours

THE DESCEND

The itinerary is the same for the descent. From the peak, descend at the base of the difficult last section (possibly with a rappel). Having put on the skis, descend on the S side of the mountain (beware of avalanche risk!) crossing the boulder fields and going around the southern edge of the Ciastel de Fanes. From here it is a nice descend as in the itineraries n. 7 and n. 4 until the Lavarella mountain hut.

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES

• Just like S1; some soft terrain irregularities and hollows. The descent is free
• Intermediate skier: he can manage descends ot the S3 difficulty type as well, as long as they are not continuous or very long

SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT

• Ski skins
• Climber and ice axe

ALTITUDE DIFFERENCE

988 m

PIZ DA CIAVAL (2907 Altitude)

THE ASCENT

Forcela dla Crusc (saddle) and southern ridge

Classical and not difficult ascent in a breathtaking setting.

From the Lavarella mountain hut, as in itineraries n. 4 and 7, until beyond the Col Toronn (which is on the right of the path). A little beyond (2400 m altitude), as soon as you see the modest hollows of the Lé Sech (Dry Lake), turn left (SW direction), keeping below the visible rock formations below the Sas dles Diesc.

Proceed until bypassing the basin of the Lé dla Fopa (Pit Lake) on the northern side and through undulations and shelves in direction of the evident ridge at the saddle of Forcela dla Crusc, keeping South of the extended bank at 2633 m altitude. The Forcela dla Crusc, 2612 m altitude, is the lowest depression of the long ridge between the Piz de Medesc (South) and the Sas dles Diesc (North). It is accessed leaping over the short rocky step from the most advantageous point. From the saddle proceed in northern direction on the large crest, first through a smooth ascent to the Pergo dla Forcela, 2638 m altitude, with a beautiful view on the Pices Fanes plateau. Always keeping on the Eastern side, pass by the Piz dl Zübr, 2718 m, and proceed a long time in direction of a short rocky leap preceding the fore-summit (Piz dl Pilato, 2825 m). After leaving the skis behind, climb through a narrow gully which slices the leap in half and exit at the top of the crest. From here proceed to the summit.

WALKING TIME

3 - 5 hours

THE DESCEND

The descent is on the same itinerary as the ascent. From the peak, descend following the ridge and through the snowy tight gully to the base of the leap. Put on the skis and proceed easily, but carefully, on open terrain. Leave on the right the Piz dl Zübr and proceed on steeper terrain to the Pergo dla Forcela and to the saddle of Forcela dla Crusc. Step down the rocky leap and proceed through shelves and undulations and then onto flatter and wider terrain. Pass by the Lé dla Fopa on the North and continue in north-eastern direction to the Lé Sech. Keep on the South of the modest hollow until reaching 2400 m altitude. From here proceed easily and freely as in itineraries n. 7 and 4 to the Lavarella hut.

9 a) Descent variation:

From the saddle of Forcela dla Crusc, descend following itinerary n. 9, leaving on the left the slabs peaking at 2633 m altitude. A little farther, instead of proceeding in NE direction, take a deviation to the right (E) and reach a canal on the North of the elevation 2436 with two wide turns. Said elevation is scarcely visible, it is also possible to pass it by from the South. Continue heading East, descending on reasonably regular terrain, until reaching the vicinities of the hollow of Lé Parom (lake). This is passed by on the North, before descending more steeply in the valley between Piz Stiga on the right and the terraces of the Pices Fanes plateau on the left (crossroads point with itinerary n. 11).

Said valley can be descended both on its floor or on the left side, if the snow conditions permit it. The right side is scattered with big boulders. At the end of the valley it is a lovely descent on smoother slopes, until reaching the Lavarella hut. This itinerary can be done also for the ascent. It is shorter but more tiring. The required time is more or less the same.

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES

• Just like S1; some soft terrain irregularities and hollows. The descent is free
• Intermediate skier: he can manage descends ot the S3 difficulty type as well, as long as they are not continuous or very long

SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT

• Ski skins

ALTITUDE DIFFERENCE

869 m