Pelmo Tour

Description

Monte Pelmo is the fourth highest mountain in the Dolomites, after the Marmolada, the Antelao and the Tofane and was the first Dolomite peak to be climbed (in 1857). Its peculiar appearance, represented by two monoliths, is a distinctive feature of this mountain, known by the locals as "al caregon de'l Padreterno", "the throne of God", due to the wide depression of the glacial cirque visible from its eastern side, resembling a chair. From Cortina you can take a tour around this spectacular mountain, admiring it from different angles. From Cortina d'Ampezzo bus station, follow the road towards Passo Falzarego for about 5 kilometres. Once in Pocol, past the Hotel Argentina, turn towards Passo Giau on the provincial road 638. The most challenging part of the route begins here: 15 kilometres of ascent and hairpin bends to get to the Passo Giau, at an altitude of 2,236 m - from here you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Dolomites and admire a beautiful large flowery pasture. From here, continue downhill for 10 kilometres and turn left towards Passo Staulanza, crossing the villages of Selva di Cadore and Santa Fosca shortly after. You’ll find yourself in front of a magnificent view of the imposing Monte Pelmo and you’ll begin the climb towards the Staulanza Pass, along the slopes of Monte Crot. Once you reach the top of the Pass (1,783 m) you will find the welcoming Rifugio Passo Staulanza and you can take a break while admiring the Pelmo. Continue in the direction of Forno di Zoldo and again towards the picturesque village of Cibiana di Cadore, at the foot of Monte Rite. In Cibiana it is advisable to take a walk among the famous murals, large frescoes on the walls of the ancient stone houses, which has given the town the name of "Village of Murals" as the set of murals transforms the town into a real open-air museum. Descend to the bottom of the valley and, once you arrive in Venas di Cadore, turn left towards Cortina along the state road 51 of Alemagna. You’ll reach the starting point after 20 kilometres. Along the way you can admire the Pelmo again, on your left, from a different angle, the Rocchette, the Tofane on the left and the magnificent Antelao, on your right. Points of interest: Muraglia di Giau, typical Val Zoldana architecture, Cibiana di Cadore murals.