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Canale della Pala

S. Martino di Castrozza / Passo Rolle

Trentino-Alto Adige

A narrow line just below the Pala di San Martino.

Ski Touring Extreme

Distance
7.2 km
Ascent
460 m
Descent
1.6 km
Duration
2-3 hrs
Low Point
1.5 km
High Point
2.8 km
Gradient
65˚
Canale della Pala Map

Narrow and steep is often the main course here in the Dolomites, and when served with some proper blower and stable any conditions then it is a pleasure for your legs, your eyes and your soul! This particular line - among the dozen of possibilities offered by the Pale di San Martino area - is one a bit outside of most peoples' radars but definitely not to forget about.

Description

To access it, as the majority of the lines here, the fastest way is to take advantage of the Rosetta cableway to the plateau. From here, after descending for a few hundred meters from the lift’s top station to the hut, it’s time to put your skins on and start traversing this stunning lunar and fluffy landscape heading direction south. The entrance is not easy to find, but you will definitely understand it’s the right place when you’ll be standing at the top of the couloir. The very first part of the couloir is really steep and narrow, some jumping turns are required and a crash here could lead to a quite long tumble down the couloir. The more you descend the couloir the more mellow and wider it gets before then opening up into a very wide valley which will slowly lead you to the summer hiking trail used to get out of the valley.

The exit might be sometimes challenging especially when lacking snow, walking the skis back to the village could be required, especially in late spring. The first house you are going to reach is Maso Col, a gorgeous hut in the sun which serves really delicious local food and cold beers - the perfect end for a great day in the mountains, isn’t it?

Difficulty

Extreme

Extreme skiing terrain above 45 degrees. These routes are reserved for experienced experts.

Medium Exposure (E2)

2 out of 4

As well as the slope itself, there are some obstacles (such as rock outcrops) which could aggravate injury.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between December and April

Features

  • Alpine
  • Couloir
  • Single Descent
  • Ski Mountaineering

Equipment required

  • Skins

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