Trip to the 12 Apostoli Refuge
The location of the “Rifugio 12 Apostoli”, in a natural Dolomite amphitheater, is particularly suggestive.
This medium-difficulty excursion is especially tiring due to the high elevation gain to overcome… but you will be rewarded with wonderful landscapes. Not to mention those to be admired while going up by cable car from Pinzolo!
Before leaving, always remember to check the weather, which is very important in the high mountains; furthermore, it is good to make sure that the mountain huts that should host you are open.
By cable car from Pinzolo and then… lots of climbing!
The route begins at the summit of Doss del Sabion, and immediately descends first towards Malga Bandalors and then, once you reach the trail signs, towards the Dodici Apostoli mountain hut, which immediately appears high on the horizon.
After descending further towards a locality called “Lago asciutto”, the trail heads decisively uphill towards the hut. Along the climb, the section called “Scala Santa” is equipped with safety ropes but is not particularly exposed. The entire climbing route towards the hut (about 500 meters of elevation gain) is on a rocky path in a particularly wild and fascinating setting.
You have reached Rifugio 12 Apostoli and can enjoy the splendid panorama over Cima Presanella with great satisfaction. Behind you is the beautiful Dolomite basin from which numerous mountaineering trails branch off, part of the famous “Via delle Bocchette”.
Why is it called Rifugio 12 Apostoli?
Near the hut, which owes its name to twelve erosive formations compared to the 12 Apostles of Jesus, a cavity in the rock houses a small sanctuary characterized by an enormous cross carved into the rock, forming a large window towards the hut and its rocky surroundings. As always in mountain churches, numerous plaques commemorate the mountaineers who lost their lives during their mountain climbs.
The return route involves descending along the same path and then climbing back up to the summit of Doss del Sabion in time to catch the chairlift and then the cable car back to the village of Pinzolo, from where you return to the hotel.
Characteristics of the route:
Demanding and tiring but not difficult itinerary.
Route that develops on well-beaten and marked trails, with a few slightly exposed points.
Start and end of the route:
The described itinerary starts and ends at the summit of Doss del Sabion (the mountain of Pinzolo).
Technical data:
Total elevation gain (ascent+descent) of about 1,000 meters
Duration of the route about 6/7 hours.
Trails 357, 307.
Means of transport:
Bus or car from Madonna di Campiglio to Pinzolo and back, Cable car (Gondola + Chairlift) for the ascent to Doss del Sabion and the descent at the end of the day.
Necessary equipment:
Trekking boots, possibly high on the ankle, appropriate “layered” clothing for any cold drafts or extreme heat, rain cape, sun hat, trekking poles.
A water bottle and some chocolate are useful to quench your thirst and regenerate energy!
Refreshment points and mountain huts:
Rifugio Doss del Sabion at the summit of the mountain of the same name, Rifugio Dodici Apostoli.
