Sentiero naturalistico Ciampac

Above Alba di Canazei, the Ciampac Nature Trail has thirty observation points about the landscape, plants and animals of the glacial basin, where pale limestone peaks and darker volcanic summits meet.

Why it matters

The trail has thirty observation points about flowers, animals and rock forms. The Ciampac basin also contains geological and historical routes.

What to notice

The light-coloured peaks of Colac, Vernel and Marmolada rise beside darker summits of volcanic origin, including Crepa Neigra. The Ciampac basin is of glacial origin and was once a cirque.

Its flora includes a variety of flowers and plants; the area is also home to squirrels, marmots, roe deer, chamois and birds. Views extend to Sassolungo, Sass Pordoi, the Sella massif and Piz Boè, as well as the south face of the Marmolada.

Context and history

The Ciampac plateau lies above Alba, a hamlet of Canazei whose church of Sant'Antonio Abate dates the settlement to the fifteenth century. The nature trail passes boulders, scree and pasture; its observation points support botanical and ecological study. Traces of the First World War remain visible in the area. The basin also has four mountain huts, a playground called Ciampark, themed paths for children and the viewpoint at Sella Brunech, 2,428 metres.