Lago di Costalaresc

Getting there
From Cortina take the SS 48 towards P.sso Tre Croci to the restaurant Lago Scin (Lagusin) (1336m). Access
Start by walking along path no. 210, directly opposite the parking lot. Itinerary
Take path no. 210 for Manderes - Fraina and reach the piste that descends to Cortina. Walk down to the motocross piste, cross over this and continue along the 210, following tree markers, up to Lake Costalares, formed by a huge landslide. These waters have always been the source of legends of the magicians and witches that inhabited the pale mountains. Not much of this magic remains however, as the lake has largely been drained to prevent further landslides. As a result the vegetation has changed dramatically, and nowadays reeds and broad-leaves up to 3m tall, typical of marshy land, grow in abundance.

Leave the “bewitched” lake on your left to first climb up, then descend down to the pylons close to the Mandres middle-station. Continue NE along path no. 206 for Rio Gere, up a steep incline to the edge of the woods and the magnificent postcard view of  Monte Cristallo and the Ampezzo basin. There are no plants or markers on this plateau: use the Cristallo summit as your reference point and head towards this and the Stunies ski lifts. Various bird species may be made out, including crossbill, greenfinch, tree-creeper and the red woodpecker.
Towards the end of this enchanting section a rock marks path no. 206 once more. Follow the marker back into the woods and traverse to a large boulder, roughly 8-10m high and with marker 206. The descent begins from here, first NW, then W. At this point there is no true path to follow down through the beautiful woods – simply head down to the piste and then return along the path used earlier on in the day back to the restaurant. Descent
Start and finish at the restaurant Lago Scin. Gear
Normal equipment for winter walking, snowshoes and poles. Binoculars recommended. Difficulty
No obvious danger.