Ski mountaineering to saddle Forcella della Neve

Difficulty
MS (medium)
Time
2.30-3h

How to reach the starting point:

From Cortina, take the main road towards Misurina-Tre Croci Pass. Once you have passed the lake, turn right towards “Tre Cime di Lavaredo” and shortly after on the right you will find the car park of the ex ski lifts “Torre del Diavolo”, where you can leave your car, and the restaurant Alla Baita.


A classic ski mountaineering tour, in one of the most characteristic Dolomite landscapes, among wild valleys and sharp spires of an evocative charm. 

From the car park of the former “Torre del Diavolo” ski lifts, along the road of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, climb up the old ski slope, closed to the present day, until you reach a hill from where you will enjoy a spectacular view on Mount Piana, Cristallo and Croda Rossa d’Ampezzo. 

Carry on throughout the huge valley until you have the saddle right above you. This last part, until you reach the saddle (2.470 m), must generally be approached with skis on the back, as it is very steep and narrow. 

From the saddle, the view of Marmarole will take your breath away, while on the other side you will appreciate the magic valley you have just climbed up. 

For the return, you can ski down the same route; however it is possible to move right or left of the initial track, searching for the best snow to ski. 

The itinerary is very popular, so it is likely to find the track already beaten, which makes the tour safe for the most part of it.  

Rest points

Ristorante Bar Alla Genzianella - Ristorante Alla Baita

Equipment

Winter clothing, ski touring equipment, rescue kit (Artva, shovel, probe).

Variations

If you prefer to end the itinerary as a roudtour, it is possible to descend the other side of the saddle. The first section is relatively steep and suitable only for expert skiers. From there, you will reach the mountain hut Rifugio Città di Carpi (opened during winter’s weekend) and take the path 120, which will bring you to the ski slopes from where you can make it back to Misurina. In any case, this variation is recommended in spring, as the snow cover conditions are safer (firn).

Info

Slope
N-NE
Length
6 km
Altitude
2471 m
Positive elevation gain
720 m