Col de Larches

Monte Verzegnis, with its trail variations, offers interesting options in every direction, with the southbound trail across the disused mining area having a very special charm.

Description

The tour starts directly at the Sella Chianzutan saddle, a historic crossing with impressive panoramic views of Monte Amariana. The route first descends a few meters on asphalt in the direction of Stavoli Doncas before turning left onto the feeder road of the former mining area of Monte Verzegnis. The route rides uphill with gentle gradients and long climbs in the hairpin bends until you reach a viewpoint with a spectacular, vertiginous seating area. From here, you can enjoy a fantastic view of Tolmezzo, the Tagliamento and Monte Amariana.

The route continues up the north side along the transport road, which leads through an impressive gallery. After the gallery, you can already see the red marble quarry and the abandoned buildings. Shortly afterwards, you reach a signpost and the crossing where the descent begins.

The descent takes place on a disused transport route that actually runs on old rails - "everything on rails" is literally put into practice here. The trail rides through the Col de Larches and follows the abandoned railroad tracks to the material cable car, where the serpentine descent begins. Typical of the region, this section is characterized by tight hairpin bends and a rather demanding route with a difficulty level of S3, with two sections requiring a push-off.

Further on, you will come across trail no. CAI 806, which comes from the Ricovero Casera Val and flattens out to S2. Here, the trail rides in serpentines through the beech forests, whereby precise lines are required as there is loose gravel in some places and carelessness can quickly lead to leaving the path.

Back at Sella Chianzutan, the loop closes. This is also an opportunity for a well-deserved break.

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