From Rifugio Paolina (2125 m) go uphill the pastures beneath the Punta del Masarè, along the path n. 549, as far as the monument to Christomannos (1349 m). Then turn right into the path n. 549 and reach the rifugios Pederiva and Roda di Vaèl (2280 m). It takes about an hour. Follow the signs to the Ferrata del Masarè, and climb among scree and masi to the starting point of the ferrata, at a saddle south of the Punta del Masarè. Climb the eastern wall with the help of the ropes and reach the Croz di Santa Giuliana though rocky paths and gorge.
Then descend along a deep valley as far as you meet the southern access to the equipped path of the Roda di Vaèl (1.30 hours).
Reach the overhanging valley in front of the Torre Finestra. Here the ropes start: descend on the left (this passage is not difficult but it can be frightening). Then go uphill along the southern ridge of Roda di Vaèl (very exposed, the sight will certainly go to the below red wall). So you will reach the peak at 2806 m, in the centre of a majestic Dolomites landscape (30 minutes). From here follow the northwards path and with the help of ropes descend to Passo del Vaiolon (2560 m), with a beautiful sight on the Mugoni and Ciagolade. This pass separates the valley of Vaèl from the grassy slopes above the Passo di Costalunga (30 minutes). From the pass descend to a deep valley on the west (sign n. 551) in order to cross the paths n. 549 and 551. Along this latest you can reach Rifugio Paolina in about an hour.
Starting point: Rifugio Paolina 2125 m
Arrival: Rifugio Paolina 2125 m
Height difference: 670 m
Difficulty: for expert hikers with equipment
Duration: 4.30 hours
Recommended period: July to September
Access: just beneath Passo di Costalunga by chair lift to Rifugio Paolina
Notes: From Rifugio Paolina, Monument to T. Christomannos, Rifugio Roda di Vaèl, Roda di Vaèl, Passo del Vaiolon and back to Rifugio Paolina.A delicate passage on the ferrata of Roda di Vaèl.
