Intermediate
5 h
Freccia nel Cielo cable car - Cima Tofana di Mezzo station
Freccia nel Cielo cable car - Ra Valles station
Via ferrata of medium difficulty that from Tofana di Mezzo reaches the incredible peak of Tofana di Dentro, and then descends to Ra Valles. This via ferrata offers hikers one of the most evocative and magnificent views of the Conca Ampezzana. The route also touches some symbolic sites of the First World War, allowing you to experience history in the Dolomites. From the centre of Cortina, head towards the Freccia nel Cielo cable car, next to the Stadio Olimpico del Ghiaccio, where you can leave your car in a large car park. From here, take the cable car that will take you first to Col Drusciè, then to Ra Valles and finally to the Cima Tofana station at 3,244 m, where the view before you is truly evocative and the view of Cortina is unparalleled. From the cable car arrival station, proceed towards the path leading to the top of Tofana di Mezzo. At the crossroads, about 10 minutes from the start, follow the signs for the Ferrata Formenton. The via ferrata begins with a downhill section and then alternates between long ledge sections and horizontal traverses with fairly moderate exposure until the Forcella della Tofana. From here you can descend towards the Rifugio Giussani or climb back up towards the top of Tofana di Dentro. Climb up through ramps, leaps and ledges. The last part of the route features slightly exposed sections that are located on the crest of the rock and less exposed parts. After about an hour and 30 minutes from the start of the route, you’ll arrive at the summit cross, which at 3,238 m offers a breathtaking view and unusual glimpses: admire the Croda Rossa d’Ampezzo from above on one side and on the other the Antelao, the Pelmo, the Croda da Lago and the Lastoi de Formin, but also the Conca Ampezzana from above, the Lagazuoi and the Marmolada. To conclude the route, descend along the steep gravelly slope until you reach the Bivacco degli Alpini, built as a support point in case of bad weather. Continue to descend: along the way you can admire some remains dating back to the First World War. After passing through a characteristic gap in the rock, continue until the crossroads with path 407 which will take you to Ra Valles, where the circular tour ends. Once you reach the cable car, you can stop at the Capanna Ra Valles, whose terrace offers an enchanting view and a catering service including an excellent pizzeria. Take the cable car back to the car park.
Rifugio Pomedes, Rifugio Duca d’Aosta, Bar Cima Tofana, Capanna Ra Valles
Alternatively, once you reach Ra Valles, you can go around in the opposite direction uphill: go up to Bivacco degli Alpini and then up to Tofana di Dentro, go down to Forcella della Tofana, then go up to Tofana di Mezzo and finally reach the Cima Tofana cable car and from there go down by cable car.
The route does not have particularly difficult sections but is located at very high altitudes, so it is important to pay attention to the weather and possible snow on the north ridge. Also, the descent path is very long and has exposed sections, making it unsuitable for inexperienced hikers. Finally, make sure to check the cable car timetables to avoid the risk of completing the route after the lift has closed.
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Cortina Marketing is the Official Tourism Board for promotion, communication and territorial marketing of the Queen of the Dolomites. It is part of the Società Servizi Ampezzo Unipersonale Srl, a subsidiary of the Municipality of Cortina d’Ampezzo.