Monte Cavone-Tschafon refuge

Nestled among the Alpe di Siusi, Sciliar and Catinaccio, appears the very traditional Rifugio Monte Cavone (Tschafonhütte) at 1,737 m in altitude, set within the Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park.

It can easily be reached by taking various panoramic trails from Tires in Catinaccio, Fiè in Sciliar and the Laghetto di Fiè lake. It is a destination that is appreciated both by families and hikers in search of peace and quiet.

Up here, not only can you experience the breathtaking views across Catinaccio, Torri del Vajolet (Vajolet Towers) and Latemar, which will delight visitors, but you will also have the opportunity to sample lovingly-made local dishes, prepared with fresh aromatic herbs from the vegetable garden. "Frischkas mit Kreiter" (fresh chese with aromatic herbs), "Farinello Buon-Enrico” (omelettes with nettle and spinach), "Knedl mit Kress und Rucola" (bread dumplings with watercress and rocket), "Goggelen mit Eartepfl" (eggs and potatoes) or a tasty soup with orzo pasta are just some of the local specialities on offer.

Last but not least, the organic salads from our vegetable garden, grown at 1,737 m in altitude, followed by a dessert of Kaiserschmarrn (a type of sweet pancake) filled with red myrtle, prepared on the traditional wood-fired stove.

After having watched the "alpenglow" sunset over the Catinaccio, we'll leave you to take in the romantic atmosphere of simple rooms, lit by candlelight, as in times past.

Rifugio Monte Cavone (Tschafonhütte) is an ideal departure point or goal for several days' trekking and excursions in the Dolomites.

    A quiet, family-run refuge.

    Local, homemade products available (green salads from the vegetable garden, mushrooms, wild strawberries and herbs).

    Food prepared on the open fire.

Set off from Bagni di Lavina Bianca, a hamlet above the village of San Cipriano di Tires, where there are numerous free parking areas.

Path no. 4A leads in a westerly direction, leaving the final houses on the edge of the hamlet behind you.

Gradually climb up through the forest trail, which leads to Wuhnleger, a pasture with a small pond, which reflects the peaks of Catinaccio and Torri del Vajolet (a great photo opportunity!)

Path no. 4 starts on the north face, leading to a wooden wayside cross, at which point you can choose whether to continue along the easy path or the steeper trail that runs through the forest. This longer, but more surely more panoramic, route has a few benches along the way for taking a breather and enjoying the spectacular view over the surrounding peaks and the Val di Tires. The last section of the path crosses through a pinus mugo (creeping pine) forest.

Ascent: around 1.5 hours

Descent: around 1 hour

Difference in elevation: around 650 m

From Laghetto di Fiè lake at Monte Cavone

An enjoyable excursion to Monte Cavone starts from the Laghetto di Fiè lake, at the foot of the Sciliar.

Just a stone's throw from the lake you will find a large, shady parking area. From there initially follow path no. 1 towards the Malga Tuff and Malga Hofer mountain lodges, and then continue on along path no. 7 which flanks the Croda del Maglio. Path no. 7B leads to the Rifugio Monte Cavone, which you will reach after 3.5 hours of walking.