Forcella di Ciarnil
2465 m s.l.m.7-day trend
Discovering Forcella di Ciarnil
Forcella di Ciarnil, also known as Kalksteinjöchl, is an alpine pass at 2,349 m that connects the Val Casies (Gsies Valley) with the Austrian Villgraten Valley (Villgratental), offering a hiking and ski touring experience immersed in the unspoiled nature of the Braies Dolomites and the Rieserferner Group.
The most popular route starts from Santa Maddalena in Val Casies (St. Magdalena in Gsies), following trail no. 47/48. After crossing the Rio Tscharniet and ascending through larch forests, the path continues past alpine huts and high pastures until reaching the pass. With an elevation gain of about 884 m and a north-facing exposure, the area guarantees powder snow, making it ideal for ski touring and snowshoeing.
The region is perfect for those seeking slow and sustainable tourism, with breathtaking views and a strong cultural identity rooted in Tyrolean traditions. Along the way, mountain huts and alpine farms serve typical South Tyrolean dishes such as speck, canederli (bread dumplings), barley soup, and mountain desserts.
The Forcella di Ciarnil is also a strategic point for cross-border excursions, ideal for exploring the alpine valleys between Italy and Austria in an authentic and less-traveled setting.