
Marinelli Refuge
Italy, europe
2 km
2,169 m
hard
Year-round
Rifugio Marinelli (aka Forcella Morareto) is a high mountain refuge sitting pretty at 2,169m (7,116ft) in the stunning Carnic Alps of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy.
Here's what you're getting into: Starting from Collina, you'll cruise the first 2km on smooth asphalt up to Rifugio Tolazzi. After that, it's all dirt track—nothing fancy, but totally doable when conditions cooperate. Think gravel, think steep, think narrow. Really narrow. And yeah, landslides are a thing here, so timing matters.
This is classic old military road terrain: seriously steep with an average grade of 10.4%, though some sections punch it up to 17%. Not for the faint of heart, but absolutely worth it for the views and the challenge. Fair warning though—Mother Nature basically shuts this route down from October through June, depending on the weather gods. Come summer? That's your golden ticket to this incredible alpine experience.
Where is it?
Marinelli Refuge is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.3880, 12.3617
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 2 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,169 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.3880, 12.3617
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