Forcella Piccola

The Forcella Piccola is enthroned high and somewhat hidden between Antelao and Cime Scotter south of Cortina. It offers an interesting combination of trails with a magnificent mountain panorama, but it needs to be earned.

Description

The route starts just south of Cortina d'Ampezzo at Lago di Mosigo. The route first rides through San Vito di Cadore, first on asphalt, then on gravel, steadily uphill towards Rifugio Scotter Palatini. The uphill is merciless - a real challenge in terms of length and gradient.

On arrival at the Rifugio, the route continues for a few more meters until the bike finally has to be shouldered. The bike is carried along Sentiero 229 and later Sentiero 227 until you reach Forcella Piccola at 2120 meters above sea level. The impressions here are legendary: framed by the mighty Antelao (3264 meters above sea level), the scenery presents itself as an absolute Dolomite highlight.

The descent is just as spectacular as the ascent. First, the trail offers the opportunity to warm up the brakes (S1-S2) before getting down to business: the trail quickly changes to S3 level and requires perfect braking technique and precise vision to safely master the 227 and 229. The challenge is not so much the steps or exposed passages, but rather the loose limestone, which repeatedly removes the grip from the tires.

Once back at the Rifugio Scotter Palatini, the route continues over flowing trail sections (S1, occasionally S2) back to the starting point at Lago di Mosigo.

Note: The tour is located in a very sensitive area that is strongly influenced by the weather. After heavy rainfall, parts of the trail can be damaged or washed out by erosion, which significantly increases the difficulty. It is essential to wait for stable weather conditions.

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