Piz Boè
An ascent of Piz Boè (from Passo Pordoi, class 2), September 5, 2024.
Timeline:
September 5, 2024: The weather looked bad but I had a limited number of days in the Dolomites, so I drove up to Passo Pordoi to check out the trail to Piz Boè and assess conditions. There were several hikers setting out in various directions, so I figured there was little cost in trying for the peak. I set out at 9:11. As I gained elevation toward the scree chute that descends from Sass Pordoi, I saw several hikers either going up or down. I was making good time, and continued on, reaching the Riffugio Forcella Pordoi at 10:06. From there there was a broad trail leading toward Piz Boè (hidden in the clouds), with a few hikers heading up, so I started up the final portion at a good pace, overtaking most of the hikers. Below the summit, a few steel ramps and ladder rungs had been placed to assist on the steeper parts (all of them easily bypassed on either side). I reached the summit hut at 10:52, surrounded by a thick and cold fog obstructing the views in all directions. I went inside for a few minutes to warm up a little. The friendly staff asked me if I was OK (I must have looked frazzled when I walked in) and offered to serve me something, but I did not linger long. The weather was getting worse and I was worried the scree slope would be slippery if wet, so I hiked down fast, reaching the Riffugio Forcella Pordoi at 11:36. From there it was a quick descent back to Passo Pordoi. I got thoroughly soaked by the rain in the last 30 minutes of the hike, and reached the car at 12:25. From there I rejoined my group of friends for lunch. (3:14 hours elapsed, 3:10 hours moving, 5.56 miles, 3,448 feet of elevation gain).