The Gruppo del Popera is a small but severe offshoot of the Dolomiti di Sesto, a ridge about ten kilometres long on the border between the Veneto and South Tyrol, closing the Comelico to the north. Among its peaks are summits like Cima Undici, Monte Popera and the Croda Rossa di Sesto, which at 2,936 metres takes its name from the reddish rock that turns most vivid at sunset. Few people come up here. Climbers and experienced hikers love it for the dolomite walls, the airy cols and the hard via ferratas, like the one that leads to the summit of the Croda Rossa.
The whole area was a major front in the First World War, and it still holds a lot of trenches, tunnels and fortifications, now worked into high-altitude history trails. 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, known as the bard of the crags. From here you can set off on routes like the Popera circuit and the climbs to the summits. This is the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites, untouched and silent high-mountain terrain.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Gruppo del Popera suitable for novice hikers?
No. This is high-mountain terrain with hard routes and via ferratas, like the one on the Croda Rossa di Sesto, meant for experienced hikers and climbers with the right gear. The Rifugio Berti is a good base.
Are there traces of the First World War in this area?
Yes, plenty. The group was a front in the First World War and still holds trenches, tunnels and gun positions you can visit today along high-altitude history trails between the summits and around them.