General Description
If you still hadn’t read the “Schiara, yes or no?” on the Tips page, now is the time. The data above represent this day for those who climb and descend the Schiara. The description below is for those who decide not the do the Schiara and instead walk straight to Belluno (like we’ve done).
From Rifugio Pian de Fontana we continue the descent we started yesterday, but not for long, about 20 minutes after the start we start climbing to the Forcella La Vareta mountain pass. From the pass we start another descent to a crossroads (about 1:30 hours from the start).
For those who descend to Belluno, you take the west path. For those who continue to the Schiara, take the south path (there are signposts, so no need to worry).
The descent to the valley includes walking on wide mountain bike path and hiking paths (you can choose which to take, they join every once in a while). Along the way we pass by Rifugio Bianchet, a good place to stop for a drink/meal.
From the hut we continue the descent, still about 2 hours to go before we reach the valley. Near the end of the descent there is a crossroad with one sign saying “bla bla bla AUTOBUS”, this one takes us straight to the bus station on the car road below. Take this one.
Once you reach the road you need to catch a bus (16 kilometers drive) to Belluno, unless you want to walk on a car road for 16 kilometers. Belluno is the stopping point of day 23 (tomorrow) and is effectively the end of the crossing of the Alps. There are busses every hour/hour and a half, if you just missed one (there is a timetable at the station) you can also hitchhike.
Sleeping: for those who continue to the Schiara – Rifugio 7 Alpini of the Italian Alpine Club. Phone number: +390437941631
Note: Even if you plan to do the Schiara it is still worth knowing the detour, because if you run into bad weather you won’t be able to do the Schiara.
