Rifugio Pellarini and Sella Carnizza pass

A Saturday that felt like a vacation took us to Italy, to Valbruna, where we began our ascent to Rifugio Pellarini, and then ventured a bit further over the pass to catch a glimpse of the other side.

The journey starts in Tarvisio and continues on to Valbruna. Along the road, you eventually pay for parking, which marks the trailhead. At first, the path follows the river, then gradually inclines along a gravel track. I found myself thinking of summers on the Croatian coast, yet never imagining that I’d spend a summer in the Italian Alps. It was hot, but green, shady, and strikingly different.

As the trail winds into the forest, the climb begins to make itself felt in your legs, but the higher you go, the more rewarding it becomes. After passing the supply gondola, keep moving—the terrain eventually opens up, revealing peaks in every direction. Follow the trail, and once you leave the lush forest behind, just 15 more minutes of rocky ascent will bring you to the hut.

The Rifugio truly lives up to its name: a refuge. We stopped for a meal and took a moment to absorb the surroundings. There, we ran into an old track friend. After exchanging stories about trans-Atlantic experiences, we decided to push a little further to the Sella Carnizza pass, where the view stretches from Italy back into Slovenia.

This stretch is steep, with via ferrata sections and rocky terrain. I would rate it at 80–90% difficulty and recommend extra safety gear, including a helmet and harness.

The forecast had predicted rain, so by the time we descended from the top, clouds were already rolling in. We moved fast enough that when the rain began, we were nearly back at the car.

It was a quiet day in the mountains—a mix of walking, observing, and reconnecting with a friend. Days like this remind me of the value of moving through space and time without distraction or pressure.

Activity Details

• Distance: 13.37 km
• Duration: 198 min
• Elevation Gain: 997.2 m
• Route: Valbruna → Valbruna (Hike, gravel, forest, rock)

Tips & Recommendations

• Best time: Early morning
• Pit stops: Tarvisio
• Safety: To go higher than Rifugio Pellarini, I suggest helmet, harness and other safety gear for via feratta.

Photos