Beautiful itinerary on a wide military road as far as Pratopiazza amazing pasture lands, overlooked by Mt Croda Rossa and Picco di Vallandro
Departure from the hotel and immediately turn left, to go up, in Via Menardi. After following the road for 300m, take the cycle path to the left again, towards Dobbiaco.
Take the bike road and ride towards Dobbiaco for 15 km as far as Passo Cimabanche. Continue downhill for a couple of km and, just before the underpass, leave the bike trail and turn left on the road descending from Misurina. At the intersection with state road SS 51, connecting Cortina to Dobbiaco, turn left again following directions to Cortina.
Ride past Carbonin Village (1440 m), and after 300m take the dirt road on your right up to Pratopiazza.
Drinking water is available at the beginning and at 2/3 of the ascent. Along the trail you encounter two gates, make sure to close them behind you as they control the grazing livestock.
The ascent is up a dirt road in good conditions with long straight sections and moderate steepness.
Gaining altitude, the view opens up on the spectacular north face of Mt Cristallo and the small Val Fonda glacier.
Ride uphil for 5.5 km to reach Pratopiazza plateau (2001 m), one of the most spectacular alpine pasturelands.
You may decide to continue uphill for a dozen metres as far as Rifugio Vallandro (2012 m).
We suggest continuing for about 1.5km along the level dirt road as far as Rifugio Pratopiazza (1990m), where you can find a free e-bike charging station.
The way back is along the same route.
