Monte Aiàrnola, 2.456 m

Every mountain range has its showcase, its famous peaks - and its backside. In the case of the Sesto, Monte Aiárnola is clearly the "last" peak of the massif, far from the Three Peaks and the Fiscalina Valley, from hiking crowds and hut fun. On the other hand, there is still plenty of mountain peace and quiet on this craggy rock face, and anyone who uses one of the two descent "paths" from the Forcella Valdarin knows what is meant by the term "rough" here. Mountain hikers take the normal route via the east flank and the south ridge; it also touches the border of climbing in a few short places. At the summit, there is a magnificent panoramic view that stretches eastwards to the Julian Alps. Of course, the view of the Sesto Dolomites from a rather unusual perspective is particularly interesting. The start is from the hotel by car or public bus in the direction of the Kreuzberg Pass and from there on to the Passo San Antonio. The summit tour starts just north of the Passo di San Antonio (1476 m; panels); on a small sandy road you hike into the alpine pasture area below Monte Zovo (1711 m). Continue uphill over the sparsely wooded "mountain meadows" (Prà della Monte) - past several hay huts - then on the old military trail in many hairpin bends over a slope densely overgrown with mountain pines to a trail junction (Larietto alto, 1897 m). In a steep zigzag up against the rocks, then left in a longer traverse across edelweiss meadows to the mouth of a steep gully. With difficulty up through it (don't let any stones down!) to the ridge; from the rocky crest on the left (cross) a gripping view of Auronzo. The trail leads to the right into a steep rock gully, which is carefully climbed (1+); then along the south ridge over two pre-peaks to the highest point of Monte Aiárnola (2456 m). Descent via the ascent path.

 

Experienced mountaineers can also descend from Monte Aiárnola via the Forcella Valdarin (2370 m). From the saddle, which is reached with some ups and downs (passages I) on the north-west ridge of the peak, there is both a north- and a south-facing descent, both marked but with short climbing sections (I, II) and a lot of scree. Those who descend through the Cáneva cirque can then hike back to the Passo di San Antonio on a forest path; the descent through the wild Val da Rin de Aiárnola leads to the former lead mine in Val San Rocco (see Tour 46).