The Gruppo del Popera is a small but severe offshoot of the Dolomiti di Sesto, a ridge some ten kilometres long straddling the border between the Veneto and South Tyrol, closing off the Comelico to the north. Among its peaks are notable summits such as Cima Undici, Monte Popera and the Croda Rossa di Sesto, which at 2,936 metres owes its name to the reddish hues of the rock — particularly vivid at sunset. These are mountains that see few visitors, beloved by climbers and experienced hikers for their dolomitic walls, airy cols and demanding via ferratas, such as the one that leads to the summit of the Croda Rossa.
The entire area was an important front during the First World War and still preserves a considerable number of trenches, tunnels and fortifications, now incorporated into high-altitude historical itineraries. The main base is the Rifugio Berti in the Vallon Popera at 1,950 metres, opened in 1962 and named after the climber and writer Antonio Berti, celebrated as the bard of the crags: from here you can set off on routes such as the Popera circuit and the ascents to the summits. This is the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites, in pristine and silent high-mountain terrain.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Gruppo del Popera suitable for novice hikers?
No: this is high-mountain terrain with demanding routes and via ferratas — such as the one on the Croda Rossa di Sesto — reserved for experienced hikers and climbers with appropriate equipment. The Rifugio Berti is a good base to work from.
Are there traces of the First World War in this area?
Yes, and in abundance: the group formed a front during the First World War and preserves trenches, tunnels and gun emplacements that can be visited today along high-altitude historical itineraries between the summits and their surroundings.