Hike from Pradalago to Lake Gelato

We take the Pradalago cable car from Madonna die Campiglio to the mountain station at 2,100 m a.s.l., where the Rifugio Pradalago Viviani and the laghetto di Pradalago are situated. The sky, the mountains, and the intense colours of rhododendrons are reflected in its waters.

The route is less than 4 kilometres and runs along a path on the northern slope of the Val Nambino. Soon we reach the forest limit, where the path runs slightly uphill (an altitude gain of 390 metres). The view stretches from the Brenta Dolomites to Lago di Nambino below us, and across to the peaks of Pancugolo, Mandron, Serodoli and the Val Gelata. The second part of the slope winds across rocky terrain with granite boulder fields typical of the Presanella Group. After the junction with the Bozzetto path, we reach one of the firest lakes, Lago Serodoli. The mountain peaks are reflected in the crystal clear waters of the numerous ponds and lakes on the high plateau (2,400 m a.s.l.), including Lago Serodoli and Lago Gelato, sometimes called the "brother" of Lago Serodoli, situated further east.

We would like to complete the "Giro dei 5 laghi" to rifugio Pancugolo, passing Lago Lambin and Lago Ritorto. However, threatening, overhanging clouds force us to change our plans, as they signal a risk of dangerous thunderstorms at this altitude. After admiring Lago Serodoli and Lago Gelato, we return to Rifugio Pradalago on the same path.

Author: AT