Passo del Vaiolon pass Hike

The Passo del Vaiolon pass in the Catinaccio is not only the start of the fixed rope route (via ferrata) to the Roda di Vael mountain hut, but it is also a beautiful destination in itself, connecting the Paolina hut with the Roda di Vael mountain hut.

Route description Passo del Vaiolon pass Roda di Vael mountain hut

The hike to the Vaiolon pass starts at the Paolina hut, which can be reached easily and comfortably with the Paolina chairlift.

From the mountain station, the hiking trail no. 552 leads in an initially gentle up and down through the gravel and rock-covered mountain meadows at the foot of the Catinaccio, where a picturesque panorama already unfolds.

Finally, the hiker's sign no. 9 indicates the ascent to the Vaiolon pass. It first leads to the higher Hirzelsteig mountain trail, which leads to the Coronelle/Kölnerhütte mountain hut, and then climbs through a rocky and scree-strewn gorge to the Vaiolon pass. Stepped wooden planks, holding ropes and an iron ladder facilitate the rather steep ascent.

On the 2,560 m high Vaiolon pass, the efforts of the climb are rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Val di Fassa valley, the rock faces of the Roda di Vael peak and the Tscheinerspitze towering next to us, and the Dolomites rising all around.

Next to the inviting lookout bench, the hiker's sign no. 551 (later 541) indicates the descent to the Roda di Vael mountain hut. It first describes a small arc and then descends over panoramic mountain slopes, a narrow wind gap and flowery mountain meadows to the idyllically situated Roda di Vael mountain hut and the adjacent Pederiva mountain hut.

Next to the inviting alpine huts, the almost level panoramic trail no. 549 branches off to the Christomannos monument.

The 2.7 m high bronze eagle with proudly swelling chest and boldly curved beak commemorates the merits of the Dolomite pioneer Theodor Christomannos (1854-1911), who contributed significantly to the development of local tourism.

At the suggestive monument, the hike turns into hiking trail no. 539, which descends to the now nearby Paolina hut.

From the Paolina hut you can take the chairlift down to the valley station or go down to the starting point at the Paolina lift station on hiking trail no. 6A/6 .

Hiking tip Vaiolon pass

If you don't want to take the chair lift, you can also hike up from the settlement of Lago di Carezza lake (hiking trail no. 6/6A) or from the Passo di Costalunga pass to the Paolina hut.

Infos Passo del Vaiolon pass Hike

• Duration:03:45 h
• Length:11.5 km
• Height gain:475 m

• Min. elevation:1643 m
• Max. elevation:2575 m

24.10.2022