Located in the green heart of the Dolomites, a UNESCO natural heritage site, Shelter Costapiana rises at 1610 meters above sea level, on the slopes of Mount Antelao north of Valle di Cadore (Belluno), 30 km from Cortina d'Ampezzo.
Situated in a breath-taking position, it offers a wide landscape on some of the most beautiful peaks of the Dolomites: Antelao (m. 3264), Pelmo m. 3168), Civetta (m. 3218) and Dolomites of Piave. Completely renovated in 1997 is managed by the owners.
Perfect for stays and vacations of mountaineers, hikers and families who can appreciate the quiet and live in direct contact with a rich nature, staying in rooms (double or 4/6/8 beds) comfortable and tastefully furnished, heated, with services. The homemade cooking, with typical dishes, is taken care of by the Gei Family.
Excursions to the nearby Antelao mountain (peak Fanton) or to the small church of S. Dionisio at an altitude of 1946 m. and to the nearby shelter Antelao.
Wide solarium terrace, playground for children.
How to get there:
IN SUMMER
From Valle di Cadore, follow the indications for shelter Costapiana, along the asphalt road that goes up towards the upper part of the village. When you reach the bend where there is a fountain and the table of the refuge, you can choose whether to continue on foot (about 2 hours) or by car.
The road is narrow and asphalted until 1 km before the refuge, because the last kilometer is unpaved and not always in good conditions. There is a place where to leave the car also going uphill, near the curves. The refuge has a large parking lot.
From Rifugio Costapiana you can enjoy a splendid panorama of Mount Antelao and the upper Boite Valley. From the shelter we continue on foot for about an hour and a half, until we reach San Dionisio, the hill almost 2000 meters high that offers a wonderful 360° view.
Here stands the church, built and consecrated in 1508, to give shelter to those who escaped from the Battle of Rusecco and took refuge in the mountains.
The church, which over time became a symbol of peace, was restored at the beginning of the twentieth century and San Dionisio was then considered the protector of Cadore. From S. Dionisio you can descend to the Antelao Shelter (about 1 hour), reach forcella Antracisa and return to the shelter Costapiana.
IN WINTER
The road that goes up to the shelter Costapiana is beaten by the snow cat, so it is possible to reach the Shelter on foot, with the snowshoes or with the alpine skis. The downhill road also becomes a fun toboggan run.
Attention: this is a non-sanctioned slope, without protections and used by skiers and pedestrians, so you have to go down carefully.
