Dolomites: Lake Sorapis & Rifugio Vandelli Hike

About This Experience

Lake Sorapis is the turquoise lake under the Dito di Dio spire that appears in most Dolomites photo collections, and it is reached only on foot. This guided loop covers about 12 km with roughly 700 m of ascent. Six hikers have reviewed it, all five stars.

The walk starts from Federavecchia on the Passo Tre Croci road, through forest and out onto open viewpoints under the Sorapiss massif. As you reach the basin the ground opens into a natural rock amphitheatre with the lake at its foot and Rifugio Vandelli above it.

There are exposed sections, so it is not for people with vertigo. It is also seasonal: when we checked, 8 October was bookable and late October was not.

Highlights

• Lake Sorapis and the Dito di Dio spire
• Rifugio Vandelli above the lake
• 12 km loop, about 700 m of ascent
• Starts near Cortina d'Ampezzo
• Weather cancellations can be rescheduled or refunded

What's Included

• ✓ Hiking guide
• ✓ Guided 12 km circular hike with about 700 m of ascent
• ✓ Lake Sorapis and Rifugio Vandelli on the route
• ✓ Commentary in Italian, English, French or Spanish
• ✓ Free rescheduling or a full refund if weather cancels the hike

Not Included

• Equipment
• Clothing
• Food and drinks

What to Bring

• Hiking shoes
• Water
• Food
• Weather-appropriate clothing

Good to Know & Caveats

• Meet in front of the former Hotel Cristallo in Cortina.
• Exposed sections — not suitable with vertigo.
• If the weather cancels it you can reschedule or get a full refund.
• Seasonal — the last dates we found were in the first half of October.

Meeting Point

In front of the former Hotel Cristallo in Cortina d'Ampezzo.