
Rewarding hike starting at altitude with an ascent to two panoramic peaks of the Zoncolan area, passing near four mountain huts on the return.
The proposed loop varies in landscapes crossed and offers wide panoramas from the peaks. Leaving the Zoncolan area, the first climb on the northern side of Mount Tamai leads to the summit at 1970 m. After descending to the nearby Arvenis saddle, the path runs along the rocky slopes of this mountain, whose summit with a cross is easily reached. The route then follows the long ridge descending southeast, always on a clear path, reaching near Malga Claupa, the first alpine pasture of the day. After bypassing the pastures, the route extends without major elevation changes until Malga Meleit, in a succession of truly spectacular green scenery. Along the service road on the northern side, it passes near Malga Agareit, reaching the pastures of Malga Tamai. With a short climb, passing near the Tamai refuge, now again on the pistes, the route returns to the starting point.
The Malga Meleit and the Tamai refuge offer refreshment services during open periods, generally from June to September.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
From the Zoncolan saddle (large parking), head towards the arrival station of the Giro d'Italia chairlift, then shortly beyond, turn right onto a path that runs among mountain pines on the northern slope and rejoins the cross-country ski track shortly after. Continue towards Mount Tamai until the track intersection, from which on the right starts the sometimes steep path ascending the northern slope to Mount Tamai’s summit. From the small saddle near the summit, trail CAI 170 descends to Arvenis saddle and continues in the same direction, climbing the summit rocks of Mount Arvenis (summit cross). To the south, trail CAI 166 descends with wide switchbacks towards Malga Claupa, located on a wide saddle. Below the malga, an evident mule track cuts across the southern slopes of Arvenis with a long traverse without major elevation changes, reaching the alpine pasture of Malga Meleit after bypassing Bella Mont peak.
After crossing the paved service road to the malga, turn left onto a dirt road leading to Malga Agareit, visible just above, and then to Malga Tamai. Near the malga, on the left, a steep ramp leads onto the pistes of the Zoncolan ski area. Continuing straight ahead, you reach the Tamai refuge and shortly after, the starting point.
The starting point is accessible via the lift that goes from Ravascletto to Zoncolan (the Zoncolan saddle is 10 minutes on foot). The village of Ravascletto is served by local public buses.
The parking can be reached from Sutrio by following the road leading to the ski facilities of the Zoncolan ski area. Near Baita da Rico / Enzo Moro refuge the road narrows but remains paved. Follow the signs, to the left, for the Zoncolan summit. After about 4 km of climb, with a very steep final section, you reach the comfortable clearing on the mountain watershed.
Large parking area at the saddle.
Editrice Tabacco - Hiking map 1:25000 no. 09 Carnic Alps, Central Carnia
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.