The valley and saddle of Creta Forata from the Siera refuge

Track types

Safety information

Difficulty: E with a short EE section

Hours from the Siera hut: ascent 2:00-2:15   descent 1:30-1:45    total  3:30-4:00

Hours from Sappada: ascent 3:00-3:30   descent 2:00-2:25    total  5:00-6:00

MARKING: 321

DIFFICULTY SCALE

The technical sheet for each itinerary contains the acronyms commonly used in mountain guides (T- E - EE- EEA - A). Some itineraries may have a double acronym (e.g., T/E or E/EE) as they have characteristics of both categories

T (touristic) indicates almost always short and easy itineraries that run along forest roads and/or well-marked or clearly visible paths that do not require special training

E (hiking) indicates routes, even quite long, that run on mule tracks and/or paths often above 2000 meters, clear but not always marked with waymarks. They do not have significant difficulties, but sometimes may have some slightly exposed or awkward sections. Appropriate equipment, some experience, and training are required

EE (for experienced hikers) indicates itineraries generally above 2000 meters, which may run on unstable terrain and/or in rugged areas, often characterized by exposed and/or equipped sections, sometimes on rocks with 1st grade difficulty. Require experience, surefootedness, orientation skills, good equipment, and physical and mental preparation.

EEA (for experienced hikers with equipment) indicates routes equipped with metal cables, brackets, ladders. Exposure is almost always constant. Experience, training, and suitable equipment including helmet and via ferrata set are mandatory. Gloves are useful. 

A (for mountaineers) indicates rock routes leading to summits with low climbing difficulty (1st/2nd grade). Require technical skills, good experience, physical preparation, suitable equipment (helmet, some slings, always useful also a 20-30 meter rope section)

Tips and suggestions

WARNINGS

• The information below cannot replace the presence of a professional mountain guide
• The mountain is a wonderful environment but not free from risks, so it must always be approached with maximum caution
• In the Warnings of the C.A.I./T.C.I. Guides to the Mountains of Italy, it is stated that the classification of difficulties "remains essentially indicative and should be considered as such," as it is a subjective element. This also applies to the itineraries proposed on the site
• The classification of difficulties and travel times refer to an average-level hiker/mountaineer in terms of training, experience, skills, and conditioning
• When undertaking a particular route, carefully evaluate the difficulties, your abilities, and level of training
• Before tackling an itinerary (that is not a short walk), it is good practice to: 1) consult the Dolomiti Meteo of Arpav, by visiting the site http://www.arpa.veneto.it or calling 049 8239399 (Option 2). The bulletin, unlike national weather bulletins, offers a quite reliable local forecast. 2) gather information from the Tourist Office, the local C.A.I. section, mountain guides, hut managers. Indeed, the condition of a route and its difficulty level may undergo significant changes even within a very short time due to natural events (landslides, bad weather) and/or contingent situations (waymark deterioration, fixed equipment, presence of residual snowfields, etc.)
• A mobile phone can give a false sense of security, as some areas lack phone coverage
• In the unfortunate event of an accident, illness, or inability to continue, contact only and exclusively the emergency number 118 (SUEM)

Coordinates

Book recommendation by the author

Author’s map recommendations