The Toms Barnetts' Escapades in the Dolomiti & Zillertal Alps: Sweet sunrise, via ferrata Torre de Toblin, and a dreamy Rifugio Son Forca

Maya and I got up early at Rifugio Locatelli to catch the sunrise. Maya was much more ambitious and ran the 6.5 mile loop around Tre Cime while I chose a small mountain with 360' views that was behind the hut to catch the sunrise. It was magic!

Mount Paterno with the 1st morning's rays on it. We summitted this mountain the day before.

Torre de Toblin, which is the mountain we summitted today.

Edelweiss at sunrise.

Rifugio Locatelli with Tre Cime and Mt Paterno in the background.

Maya at the end of her 6.5 mile sunrise hike.

After a glorious sunrise, we had a mediocre breakfast at the hut and packed up for our next adventure: Via Ferrata Torre de Toblin. This summit was strategically key in battling the Austrian front in WWI as there are views in every direction. The via ferrata still has original wood and tunnels from the war still intact. It was our most technically challenging route, with lots of ladders and exposed parts. Everyone decided that it was a a fun adrenaline rush, but not too scary.

Maya hiking with Torre de Toblin in the background.

After the via ferrata, we saddled up for the rest of the loop trail around Tre Cime which took us back to our car. Seeing Tre Cime from all directions was beautiful - no wonder this is a classic hike in the Dolomites. The views were spectacular. We even got to say hi to some friendly cows and a donkey. Yay!

After reaching our car, we repacked it with our stuff - so fun. Next, we drove to the Rio Gere chairlift which we took Rifugio Son Forca. James was over-the-moon that he was able to get a ride up the mountain to the rifugio. This is a ski area that is part of Cortina and was an FIS World Cup host in 2021. Staying at this rifugio was a highlight! The bunkbeds were comfy, there were showers, the food was delicious, and the Italian crew was so fun and spirited! Plus, a few of the young men were smitten by Maya and Juno.