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Day 2 of the 5-Day Puez-Odle Altopiano hut-to-hut trek marks the most extensive and challenging section. We underestimated the time needed to complete it, as the Cicerone guidebook indicated a duration of 4 hours. We set off at a leisurely pace, only to realise that the descent of the steep scree field at Forcella della Roa (Roascharte) required extreme caution, and the subsequent approach to Rifugio Genova (Schlüterhütte) took more time than anticipated.
The final 3 kilometres of the hike felt nearly endless. Rifugio Genova (Schlüterhütte) only came into view about 3 minutes before our arrival, tucked away behind the Bronsoi outcrop whose contour we were tracing. Thankfully, the à la carte dinner at Rifugio Genova (Schlüterhütte) more than compensated for the demanding hike.
This segment of the multi-day hike is also part of the Alta Via 2 route – a 13-stage, 100-kilometre long-distance trail from Bressanone (Brixen) to Croce d’Aune, near Feltre, typically hiked in the opposite direction.
In this article, I provide a complete hiking guide of Day 2 of the 5-Day Puez-Odle (Puez-Geisler) Altopiano hut-to-hut hike, which we completed in a counter-clockwise direction; including hiking statistics, maps, and pictures.
For a comprehensive overview of the entire 5-Day hike, please refer to our article titled Puez-Odle Altopiano: A Multi-Day Hut-to-Hut Hike in the Dolomites. And for a complete hiking guide of Day 1, check out our guide Puez-Odle Altopiano Hike Day 1 – Vallunga to Rifugio Puez.
Rifugio Puez to Rifugio Genova Hiking Stats
Start: Rifugio Puez (Puez Hütte)
Finish: Rifugio Genova (Schlüterhütte)
Distance: 13.25 km
Moving Time: 4 h 30 min
Elapsed Time: 7 h 45 min
Ascent: 710 m
Descent: 820 m
Difficulty: Strenuous
Minimum Elevation: 2187 m
Maximum Elevation: 2612 m
Map: Tabacco 05 – Val Gardena – Alpe di Siusi / Groden – Seiseralm
Puez-Odle Altopiano Hike Day 2: Rifugio Puez to Rifugio Genova – Elevation Profile
READ MORE: Puez-Odle Altopiano: A Multi-Day Hut-to-Hut Hike in the Dolomites
Rifugio Puez to Rifugio Genova Hiking Guide
We were greeted by the most stunning views when we stepped out of Rifugio Puez (Puez Hütte) at 9:15 in the morning. The views extended as far as to the Sella Group.
Since today’s segment is part of the Alta Via 2 route, follow the way-mark for No. 2 with the red stripes above and below the number. The red stripes indicate that it’s an Alta Via route. Look for the way-mark at the bottom that leads to Schlüterhütte/Rifugio Genova.
The first 4 km are a gently undulating hike with amazing views across the Altopiano, as well as Vallunga, the long valley to your left in the picture below, which is where you started off from yesterday.
After approximately 35 minutes of leaving Rifugio Puez (Puez Hütte), you’ll encounter a small step that marks the continuation of the path. My youngest found it very exciting to scramble up. Continue on the path until you reach the next way-mark.
At the next way-mark, head west towards Regensburger Hütte/Rif. Firenze, which initially leads you across a vast pasture. Keep your eyes peeled for marmots, and you may be rewarded with sightings of these adorable mountain inhabitants.
Looking back to where we came from.
You will arrive at a narrow scree path that leads to Forcella di Sielles. The towering cliffs surrounding you resemble scenes from a movie!
The descent to Forcella di Sielles is aided with cables, where you’ll need to take good care. Via ferrata gear isn’t necessary for this section.
After the descent, take a right onto a clear path that winds its way north across shattered rocks, where it joins path No. 3 for the final metres up to Forcella Roa (Roascharte), a broad saddle dominated by Piz Duleda.
Way-finding might seem challenging amid the scattered rubble, but you will spot way-marks with red and white paint on rocks along the way.
Follow path No. 3 towards Furcella de Furcia (Kreuzjoch) from here.
Finally, you’ll reach Forcella della Roa (Roascharte), a broad saddle dominated by Piz Duleda. Here, you’ll descend the notorious steep scree field where you’ll need to take great care. Having a pair of trekking poles comes in very useful here, as do strong knees. The countless zig-zags on loose scree really test your balance, knees and patience!
Since my children decided not to bring their trekking poles on this 5-day trek – and I foolishly agreed – I had to share mine with them on this descent. I think we all learned our lesson on this day.
The views are simply stunning – you can see as far as the snow-capped Austrian Alps.
After descending the scree field safely, you’ll find yourself on a narrow path to continue your hike. From here, it’s about another 6 km to Rifugio Genova (Schlüterhütte), a bit less than halfway.
Looking back at the scree field that we descended. It’s the first scree field to the right of the tallest peak.
The ground levels out on a narrow path, and after the challenging descent of the scree field, this section feels like a leisurely stroll.
Continue heading towards Schlüterhütte/Rifugio Genova on path No. 3.
After 20 minutes you’ll reach Kreuzjoch (Furcela de Furcia), which has a crucifix and an inviting bench for admiring the vast views. Take the path to the right from here.
A couple of minutes further from Kreuzjoch, Medalges Alm offers refreshments. Unfortunately, they had no ice-cream, although we were desperate for some extra calories.
Looking back to where we came from, as far as Forcella della Roa (Roascharte).
The magnificent Sass de Putia (Peitlerkofel) comes into view, which we would hike up the next day.
Continue northeast (left) past a Park signboard to stay on path No. 3. From here, it’s 30 minutes to Rifugio Genova (Schlüterhütte), the final stretch.
Watch your step on the final steep descent to a minor col. Finally, you’ll skirt the Bronsoi outcrop before reaching Rifugio Genova (Schlüterhütte).
We were elated and relieved when Rifugio Genova (Schlüterhütte) finally came into view, a mere 3 minutes before reaching it at 5 pm. The final approach takes you down a flowered grassy slope.
Facilities at Rifugio Genova
Rifugio Genova (Schlüterhütte) offers bunk rooms as well as private rooms. This was our cozy private 3-bed room. There were also paid hot showers available. Showering in the tightest shower cubicle with two kids and within 4 (or 5?) minutes is a real skill indeed!
There were also a couple of phone/camera charging stations available. As I had forgotten my charging cable in the car, a fellow hiker was very kind to lend me his. Make sure you have an EU adapter for your plug.
Dinner Options at Rifugio Genova
Rifugio Genova (Schlüterhütte) offers à la carte options for dinner, catering to both, vegetarians and non-vegetarians. The food was delicious, and you can’t miss out on the famous Kaiserschmarrn (fluffy shredded pancake) for dessert. We absolutely loved the slow-cooked venison. Yum!
Overview of the 5-Day Puez-Odle Altopiano Hike
Day 1: Vallunga (Langental) to Rifugio Puez (Puez Hütte)
Day 2: Rifugio Puez (Puez Hütte) to Rifugio Genova (Schlüterhütte)
Day 3: Rifugio Genova (Schlüterhütte) to Sass de Putia (Peitlerkofel) and back
Day 4: Rifugio Genova (Schlüterhütte) to Rifugio Malga Brogles (Brogleshütte)
Day 5: Rifugio Malga Brogles (Brogleshütte) to Vallunga (Langental)
What do Alpine Huts Provide?
- Accommodation: Most mountain huts offer dormitory-style sleeping arrangements with bunk beds or single beds. Some also provide private rooms for couples or small groups.
- Meals: Meals are typically available, including breakfast, lunch and dinner, often featuring hearty mountain cuisine. Packed lunches for day hikes can often be arranged.
- Beverages: Huts serve a variety of beverages, including hot and cold drinks, soft drinks, and alcoholic ones.
- Shower and Toilet Facilities: Huts have bathroom facilities, including showers and toilets. Typically, there is an additional fee for hot showers.
- Blankets and Bedding: Mountain huts typically provide duvets/blankets and pillows, eliminating the need for you to carry your own sleeping bag. However, you will need to bring your own sleeping bag liner/travel sheet. I have a cotton sleeping bag liner while the kids have a super-light silk sleeping bag liner.
- Electricity and Charging: Some huts offer electricity for charging devices like phones and cameras, but it’s not a guarantee. Be prepared with portable chargers if needed.
- Resupplying Essentials: You can often purchase basic necessities like snacks, drinks, and toiletries at mountain huts. Prices are higher due to the remote locations.
- Information: Hut staff can provide information about the trail conditions, weather forecasts, and hiking routes in the area.
Packing List for Hut to Hut Hiking in the Dolomites
Surprisingly, you don’t need to pack as much as you might think for a multi-day hike in the Dolomites. You can purchase all the food in the mountain huts, including a packed lunch. I carried a 30L day pack, while my kids each had an 11L day pack.
Pack one set of evening clothes for use in the mountain huts, a spare set of hiking clothes (consider adding extra t-shirts if you prefer), a spare pair of hiking socks, the bare minimum of underwear that you can manage with comfortably, rain gear, pyjamas, a sleeping bag liner, water-proof slippers to wear inside the mountain huts (as hiking boots are not allowed in the dorms), essential toiletries, and a micro-fibre travel towel. The most important items to aid your sleep will be a pair of ear plugs and an eye mask.
Additionally, include trekking or walking poles, a first aid kit with necessary medications, a sun hat, a buff or warm hat, gloves, a water bladder or water bottle, high-altitude sunglasses, a head torch,a map, a compass, and a dry bag.
Pro Tip: A set of thin thermals make for great light-weight and warm pyjamas.
Resources
I planned our multi-day hut-to-hut hike around the Puez-Odle (Puez-Geisler) Altopiano with the help of Cicerone’s guidebook, “Walking in the Dolomites: 25 Multi Day Routes in Italy’s Dolomites”. Other guidebooks that inspired our 3.5-week road trip to the Dolomites included those from Rough Guide and Lonely Planet. For day hikes and Via Ferrata, I used the following guides:
- Cicerone: Shorter Walks in the Dolomites: 50 varied Day Walks in the Mountains
- Cicerone: Day Walks in the Dolomites: 50 short walks and all-day hikes in the Italian Dolomites
- Cicerone: Via Ferratas of the Italian Dolomites Vol 1: 75 routes – north, central and east ranges
FAQs
How long does the Rifugio Puez (Puez Hütte) to Rifugio Genova (Schlüterhütte) hike take?
The Rifugio Puez to Rifugio Genova hike officially takes approximately 4 hours. However, we completed the hike in just under 8 hours including breaks, as I had underestimated the difficulty of the terrain and hence started off at a very leisurely pace initially.
How challenging is the Rifugio Puez (Puez Hütte) to Rifugio Genova (Schlüterhütte) hike?
The hike from Rifugio Puez to Rifugio Genova is rated as a 3 in the Cicerone guidebook, with 1 indicating an easy hike and 3 representing a challenging one. We found this rating to be accurate, as the hike is indeed challenging.
Do you need a guide for the Rifugio Puez (Puez Hütte) to Rifugio Genova (Schlüterhütte) hike?
No, a guide is not necessary for the Rifugio Puez to Rifugio Genova hike. You can undertake it as a self-guided hike with minimal navigation skills, as the paths are well-marked and easy to follow.
Can you undertake the Rifugio Puez (Puez Hütte) to Rifugio Genova (Schlüterhütte) hike with kids in tow?
You can certainly undertake the Rifugio Puez to Rifugio Genova hike with children; however, bear in mind that this section of the 5-day Puez-Odle Altopiano hike is the most strenuous and challenging leg. This should not be your kids’ first hike in the Dolomites. They’ll also need to be sure-footed and have experience descending a steep scree slope. My children were 10 and 13 years old when we completed this hike in the summer of 2023.
How do you make reservations for the Rifugio Genova (Schlüterhütte) alpine hut?
Reservations for the Rifugio Genova alpine hut can be made via their website Rifugio Genova (Schlüterhütte).
Final Words
The second day of our 5-day hut-to-hut hike around the Puez Odle Altopiano was strenuous yet stunning. In hindsight, it offered just the right mix for an exciting and challenging day in the Dolomites. However, on that day, we almost wished for the final 3 km to be closer, as we were exhausted and hungry.
We also learned valuable lessons, such as how to descend a steep scree slope safely, the importance of not leaving trekking poles in the car since the kids believe they won’t need them, and the significance of setting off at a good pace from the start, even if the guidebook indicates a short day. Another lesson learned: always take gloves on hikes. Once more, we left them behind in an attempt to save weight.
Ultimately, it took us almost twice the time indicated by the guidebook. Nonetheless, it turned out to be the most memorable day of the 5-Day Puez Odle Altopiano hike, for various reasons!
Happy hut-to-hut hiking!
RELATED POSTS
- Puez-Odle Altopiano: A Multi-Day Hut-to-Hut Hike in the Dolomites
- Puez-Odle Altopiano Hike | Day 1: Vallunga to Rifugio Puez
- Puez-Odle Altopiano Hike | Day 3: Sass de Putia (Peitlerkofel)
- Puez-Odle Altopiano Hike | Day 4: Adolf-Munkel-Weg Trail, Dolomites
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