Summer activities
Cortina d’Ampezzo is a true paradise for the most varied summer activities. Trekking and via ferrata lovers will have a vast choice at their disposal, and there is no shortage of spectacular itineraries for bikers either.
The Tofane area can boast the presence of some via ferratas considered rightly among the most beautiful in the Dolomites, as well as a dense network of trails suitable for both beginners and experts, and the Duca d’Aosta refuge is the ideal base for those who want to spend a few days in the mountains a few steps from the beauties and emotions offered by these historical and/or naturalistic routes. Below is a brief list of the via ferratas and excursions in the area of the three Tofane.
Via Ferrata
Via ferratas are routes equipped with metal cables, ladders, and other fixed anchors such as wooden walkways and suspension bridges. By clicking on the following link, you will find all the information about the via ferratas.
Here is a list of the via ferratas that are easily accessible from the Duca d’Aosta refuge.
Tofana di Mezzo
- Olivieri eqipped path: easy. Description.
- Ferrata Giuseppe Olivieri: difficult.
- Ferrata Gianni Aglio e Cima Tofana: difficult.
Tofana di Rozes
- Ferrata Lipella: medium difficulty.
- Grotta di Tofana: easy.
From the Duca d’Aosta refuge, the shortest route to visit the Grotta di Tofana is by first following the Ferrato Astaldi Trail (see below) and then reaching the base of the imposing Tofana di Rozes, proceeding alongside it until you find the signs for the Grotta di Tofana. Description. - Scala del Minighel: easy but very exposed.
This is the first via ferrata built in Cortina d’Ampezzo and originated in the distant 1907 thanks to the ingenuity of Luigi Gilarduzzi Minighel.
It allows the connection between Val Travenanzes and Majarié (near the Giussani refuge). We recommend taking it uphill. Description of the Scala del Minighel via ferrata.
Tofana Terza, or di Dentro
Ferrata Formenton: medium difficulty.
Sentiero Astaldi
This is an easy equipped trail that runs along a ledge crossing a layer of Raibl rock, characterized by red, gray, green, and purple rocks, extremely interesting from both a geological and landscape perspective. Embark on trail no. 420, ascending to the Pomedes refuge, until you encounter on the left (southwest) the signs for the Dibona refuge and/or the Astaldi equipped trail. Description of the Astaldi Trail.
Ra Bujela
Via ferrata Maria e Andrea Ferrari: medium difficulty.
This via ferrata ascends “Ra Bujela” (the needle in the Ampezzo dialect), the northernmost of the two huge monoliths between which the chairlift from Duca d’Aosta to the Pomedes refuge passes.
From the Duca d’Aosta refuge, ascend the Vallon slope for about 100 meters, then turn left and reach the base of the pinnacle in two minutes, where the start is located.
The route is named “Via Ferrata Maria e Andrea Ferrari” and allows you to climb Ra Bujela with the help of steel cables, two footbridges, and some rungs that facilitate the ascent in the steepest sections. Description.
Ra Pegna
This via ferrata ascends “Ra Bujela” (the needle in the Ampezzo dialect), the northernmost of the two huge monoliths between which the chairlift from Duca d’Aosta to the Pomedes refuge passes.
From the Duca d’Aosta refuge, ascend the Vallon slope for about 100 meters, then turn left and reach the base of the pinnacle in two minutes, where the start is located.
The route is named “Via Ferrata Maria e Andrea Ferrari” and allows you to climb Ra Bujela with the help of steel cables, two footbridges, and some rungs that facilitate the ascent in the steepest sections. Description.
Hikes
The hikes and trails winding through the mountain massif of the Tofane are truly numerous, and for this reason, we will only highlight a few of these routes here. Additionally, here at the refuge, we can provide you with all the necessary information to plan your trip.
For those who are more curious, you will find a rich bibliography on the subject in local bookstores.
From the Duca d’Aosta to Lake Ghedina
Easy hike that takes us from the Duca d’Aosta refuge to Lake Ghedina. From the refuge, descend to Piè Tofana along the “Chamois Trail“. In this area, fortunate observers may spot chamois inhabiting the region. Alternatively, descend using the chairlift. Walk along the comfortable dirt road (trail no. 410) heading north. This stroll is dedicated to Indro Montanelli, who enjoyed taking it when staying in Cortina.
After an initial flat stretch, the trail descends to Lake Ghedina, a beautiful body of water hidden in the forest. On the shores of this splendid water feature, an elegant restaurant stands out.
From here, along the asphalt road (but lightly traveled), ascend to Piè Tofana.
Loop of Tofana di Rozes
From the refuge, descend along the drivable road until you encounter the asphalted road. From here, turn right and head towards the Dibona refuge. Ascend to the base of the Tofana di Rozes and take the almost flat trail no. 404. It is possible to reach this point more quickly by using the equipped Astaldi trail (which is a via ferrata, although an easy one).
Continue until you reach Forcella Col dei Bos and descend along the Val Travenanzes to Cason de Travenanzes (altitude 1965m). Now, veer to the right (east) and take trail no. 403, which ascends the Majarié and leads to the Giussani refuge.
From Giussani, descend to the Dibona refuge, from where you can return to the Duca d’Aosta refuge (in this case, it’s more convenient to descend from Giussani only to the Ferrato Astaldi trail, follow it, and regain the Duca d’Aosta). Description.
Ascent to Tofana di Rozes – 3225 m
Medium-difficulty hike.
The panoramic view from the summit of Tofana di Rozes is indescribable and unparalleled. The ascent to the top of Rozes, if undertaken in optimal weather conditions, does not pose significant difficulties. However, it is not a route suitable for beginners but requires a certain level of experience and the ability to navigate mountain terrain confidently.
From the Duca d’Aosta refuge, head to the Giussani refuge, and from there, follow the obvious trail marks leading to the summit. The descent follows the same route taken on the ascent.
Cengia Paolina
Difficult, for experts only! Demanding hike along the ledges and terraces that cut across the Val Travenanzes side of Tofana di Dentro. The route is quite long, not always well-marked, and requires experience. Consider the possibility of undertaking it with an Alpine guide.
This itinerary unfolds in a magnificent and evocative environment, largely following the wartime paths of Italian and Austrian soldiers who wrote a somber chapter of our history in these highlands.
From the Giussani Refuge, hugging the base of Punta Giovannina, you reach the Sabelli ledge. Continue along the ledge, circumventing the Nemesis. Here, the ledge is almost 700 meters high above Val Travenanzes and, despite being highly exposed, provides relatively easy passage. Proceed over scree until you reach the base of the nearly vanished Potofana Glacier. Descend slightly and continue along another ledge to finally reach the Orte de Tofana and the Forcella del Valon de Ra Ola. Now, traverse the long and steep Canalon de Ra Ola, from its end continuing to Fiames – Cortina. Description of Cengia Paolina.
Mountain Bike
Those who love two-wheelers will find more than one worthy route in the Tofane area. In fact, the Cortina Bike Park Dolomiti is part of the Veneto Bike Park circuit and extends into the Socrepes and Tofana areas.
Mountain bikes can be transported by the Freccia nel Cielo cable car, which ascends from Cortina to Col Drusciè. Already here, you’ll find an interesting and technical Bike Park. From Col Drusciè, descend to Piè Tofana, then take the chairlift to Duca d’Aosta (the chairlift accommodates bikes). From Duca d’Aosta, there are various possibilities; for details, we refer the reader to dedicated websites on this topic and specialized publications.