At the foot of the Marmolada: this hike on the Viel del Pan in Canazei in the Val di Fassa follows one of the most beautiful and panoramic paths of the Dolomites
Image gallery: Hike on the Viel del Pan Path to Lake Fedaia
The destination of today's hike along the "Viel del Pan" (sentiero del pane) is lake Fedaia on the eponymous mountain pass. The route is signposted as "Viel del Pan" and leads along the 2,400-m high ridge between the Sella and the Marmolada massifs. We start in Canazei from where we take the Belvedere cable car to Pecol, from where a cable car to the Col di Rossi starts. However, we decide to cover this elevation gain of 400 metres on foot. The landscape below Passo Pordoi is characterised by a stunning alpine meadows. Apparently, the marmots living here are used to hikers and retreat into their burrows when we are only a few metres away.
The ascent parallels the downhill bike course and offers amazing views of the Gruppo del Sella and the Sassolungo. The sun is covered by some clouds but we are glad that it is not too hot while we are climbing along this steep slope. At the peak Col di Rossi we stop to enjoy the stunning view of the Dolomites. This is where the true Viel del Pan to the eponymous hut starts. From the hut the take a narrow path to Passo di Fedaia. We recommend climbing to the foot of Sass Ciapel where an amazing view of Arabba, the Alta Badia, the Sella group and the gruppo del Fanes awaits you.
On the other side we recognise the Marmolada glacier with lake Fedaia at its foot. The Viel del Pan ends after a rather steep and demanding descent which requires sure footedness. At lake Fedaia we take the bus to return to Canazei.
Please note: if you take the bus from Passo Fedaia to Canazei, please check the current timetables.
Date of the hike: 26 July 2012
Last updated in: 2026
Author: AT
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- Starting point:
- Pecol (mountain station of the Belvedere Cable Car)
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- Overall time:
- 03:45 h
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- Total route length:
- 9,2 km
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- Altitude:
- from 1.920 m to 2.442 m
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- Altitude difference (uphill | downhill):
- +596 m | -459 m
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- Signposts:
- Viel del Pan, 601
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- Destination:
- Passo Fedaia
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- Resting points:
- Baita Gherdeccia, Baita Fredarola, Rifugio Viel del Pan / Bindelweghütte
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- Recommended time of year:
- Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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- Download GPX track:
- Hike on the Viel del Pan Path to Lake Fedaia
If you want to undertake this hike, we recommend checking the weather and trail conditions in advance and on site before starting this hike!
