I visited the Bivacco Musatti in Marmarole mountains of Dolomites, and this was my third bivouac in the area. Here you have my detailed report about the tour. Keep reading.
The Bivacco Musatti is at elevation of 2111 m (6926 ft) and the easiest access to it is from Valle Ansiei in Auronzo di Cadore area. Plan 3 hours for the ascent.
Coordinates, numbers & details
- Elevation: 2111 m (6926 ft).
- Location: Val Meduce di Fuori, Municipality of Auronzo di Cadore.
- Mountain group: Marmarole, Dolomites.
- Coordinates: 46.5131272 N, 12.2884453 E.
- Route difficulty: walk-up, and a few easy cable passages.
- Elevation difference from the car parking: 971 m (3186 ft).
- Places to sleep: 9.
- Parking coordinates: 46.5308078 N, 12.2826089 E.
- Time needed to the bivouac: around 3 hours.
- Hardcopy map for the tour: Dolomiti di Auronzo e del Comelico, Tabacco 017, 1:25000.
- Routes numbers: 226 & 279.
- Parking: at Ponte degli Alberi.
The Alberto Musatti bivouac was constructed in 1961, and the design is very typical for bivouacs of that type. So this is a metal container painted in red color, with 9 beds, mattrasses, pillows, and blankets. It is always open and free to use, but bear in mind it is on the Alta Via 5 route, so it may be busy.
The interactive map below is clickable so you can zoom out to see access roads, and zoom in to see details of the route:
Route description
I walked the route from Val d’ Ansiei, and this is described here. But you should know that you can get there from Bivacco Tiziano and Bivacco Toso, this route is clearly visible in the map above. I did not walk this access route, but from what I read, you will need around 3 hours or so.
Being on AV5, you can access it from the west side as well, and this means from the direction of Voltolina bivouac. This is a much harder and longer approach.
Now back to Ansiei valley access route, you can park at the main road, see the photo below. When I was there, access over the bridge was forbidden so you cannot park in the area closer to the river or cross it.
Here you have a few signs for some other bivouacs, this is already at the beginning of the trail:
After just a few minutes walk over the flat valley floor, you get to this beautiful picnic area. Water is available so this is the place to fill your bottles.
After that, the route becomes very steep and the photo below shows one segment of it, hard but very pleasant:
Ocassionally, you get to places with great views over the valley floor. Below you can see how it looks. But notice the gray trees, this is a sad story of the Dolomites, the woods are dying due to bark beetle and it seems nothing can stop this trend.
There are a few passages with fixed cables, and this is the area where you have to be careful but it is doable without any equipment:
Higher on the route, at several places you will pass this beautiful water spring that fills the air with a pleasant sound:
High cliffs are on the right, but you keep going up below them, and views from here are truly breathtaking:
The valley becomes wider when you go higher, and at one moment a red dot will appear high above you:
As you get closer, the red dot becomes the Bivacco Musatti, it is there waiting for you. Time to congratulate to yourself, you managed it.
The interior is as you would expect, always the same in such bivouacs. A bit shabby after more than half a century of use but still very useful and pleasant with its wood walls:
My tour
When I parked at the side of the road, I saw a man escorting somebody’s vehicle from the area where they entered and slept in the vehicle in spite of the clear sign of the forbidden access. A few minutes later even a police car arrived.
Unfortunately, many foreigners behave very disrespectfully in the Italian mountains. I have seen this many times.
It is sad to see this. From what I have experienced Italians are more than tollerant in many ways, and I always feel great there. But this is still not enough for some people.
Anyway, I later saw the same person in the visitors center a few hundred meters away where there are various facilities, and he was very friendly and polite with me. He told me where to go and I kept moving up the mountain.
I started at 7:15 am, and I was at the bivouac at 10:05 am, so this was my typical performance. Finding the route was easy, and there was nobody around both on the ascent and descent.
I stayed at the shelter untill I heard some people coming from the AV5, and then I decided to go back. Please see more in my video:
Equipment
This is a non-technical walk-up hiking tour and you do not need any special equipment. But if you want to feel safe, you can bring a ferrata set and a climbing helmet for those easy cable passages.
I used Mammut Sapuen GTX boots, a pair of trekking poles, and the Mammut Lithium 40 backpack. You should always have a rain protection layer like a rain poncho and rain pants.
Final thoughts
In summary, the hike to Bivacco Musatti is a solid challenge with rewarding views and a straightforward route from Val d’Ansiei. The 3-hour ascent, steep paths, and a few cable sections demand decent fitness but no technical gear unless you want extra security.
The bivouac itself, a classic red metal shelter, offers basic comfort for 9 people and sits in a stunning spot at 2111 m. Just be ready for crowds on the Alta Via 5 and respect the area, unlike some visitors who ignore signs and give foreigners a bad name.
Check the map, pack smart, and you are set for a memorable Dolomites experience. If you are planning to explore more of the Marmarole mountains, this bivouac is a great base, with connections to other shelters like Tiziano or Toso.
The dying forests from bark beetles are a sobering sight, but the cliffs, streams, and vast valley views make this trek worth it.
Thank you for reading. Let me know if you have questions or comments, there is a comment section below. For more texts from the same area, please check the texts about the nearby Bivacco Fanton and also about Bivacco Tiziano and Bivacco Toso.
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FAQs
What is the best time of year to hike to Bivacco Musatti?
The optimal time to hike to Bivacco Musatti is from late June to early September when the weather in the Marmarole Mountains is generally stable, with milder temperatures and less snow on the trails. July and August offer the best conditions for clear views, but these months can see more hikers on the Alta Via 5 route.
Always check local weather forecasts, as sudden changes are common in the Dolomites, and snow can linger in shaded areas even in summer.
Are there any nearby attractions or hikes in the Marmarole Mountains worth exploring?
Beyond Bivacco Musatti, the Marmarole Mountains offer several stunning hikes and sights. The nearby Bivacco Fanton, accessible via a more technical route, provides panoramic views of the rugged peaks. The Sorapiss Group, a short drive away, features the turquoise Lago di Sorapiss, a popular day hike.
For a longer adventure, consider exploring the Alta Via 5 in its entirety, which connects multiple bivouacs and showcases the wild, less-traveled side of the Dolomites compared to busier areas like Cortina.
What wildlife or natural hazards should I be aware of when hiking in the Marmarole area?
The Marmarole Mountains are home to chamois, ibex, and marmots, which you might spot on quieter trails. While wildlife poses little threat, be cautious of loose rocks on steeper sections and cable passages, especially after rain.
The bark beetle issue mentioned in the post has weakened forests, increasing the risk of falling trees in windy conditions. Always carry a first aid kit, check trail conditions, and avoid hiking alone in remote areas to mitigate risks.
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