Col de Puez, Mountain summit in Alta Badia, Italy
Col de Puez is a mountain pass in the Alta Badia region with two neighboring peaks, the western one reaching approximately 2,918 feet (2,918 meters). The main saddle sits at roughly 2,725 meters and offers hikers panoramic views of the surrounding Dolomite landscape.
The summit received its first documented mention in 1520 under the name 'Paiz Kofl', a designation possibly rooted in pre-Roman languages. The term likely referred to rock debris or landslide material, reflecting the mountain's geological characteristics.
This summit sits where two Ladin-speaking valleys meet within the Puez-Odle Nature Park. Visitors can experience the cultural boundary between these distinct regions that maintain their own language and local traditions.
Hikers access this pass via a marked trail from Sëlva Gherdëina that leads toward the Rifugio Puez mountain hut. Sturdy footwear and adequate time are important, as the route can be steep and conditions vary with the season.
A narrow rock gap called Forcella del Puez at around 2,517 meters separates the main summit from its eastern neighbor. This geological formation creates a distinctive feature that hikers often notice while traversing the ridge.
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