Enclosed between Monte Coldai and Monte Civetta is Lake Coldai, one of the alpine lakes best known and best loved by tourists and hikers from all over the world, thanks to its spectacular setting. We are at 2,200 metres above sea level, the crystal-clear water of the lake reflects the sky and the imposing north face of Civetta.
To reach it, you can choose between two ways: from Palafavera in Val di Zoldo or from the plains of Pezzè to Alleghe. The two paths meet at Malga Pioda and from there they go on, to the CAI trail 556 until you reach A. Sonino mountain shelter at Coldai. During the ascent a few stops are a must to enjoy the panorama featuring the Dolomites with towering Monte Pelmo.
At the mountain shelter, you choose whether to take a break right away or continue to the lake by the last short ascent. After passing Forcella Coldai, you will see the lake showing all its beauty. Admire it from here, but then descend to its shores and, walking around the shore of the lake, reach the viewpoint which opens onto Lake Alleghe.
Curiosities
- From Lake Coldai you can continue the hike to Tissi mountain shelter.
- The Sonino mountain shelter at Coldai is one stopping and resting place on Parlante Path of the Civetta loop.
- At one time, a stone arch framed the lake for those descending to the valley by the steep path from Lake Coldai to Alleghe for which the CAI has reserved the signpost 570 EE. This archway collapsed in the last century, but it is mentioned in Lina de Biasio’s tale, in which it stands between the real world and the fantastic world of creatures that inhabit the mountains and forests, you can discover by reading
