Ski tour through the backcountry of Cortina d’Ampezzo, exploring the dramatic Dolomite Mountains, where magnificent towering peaks give way to long descents. Far from the lift lines and crowds, you’ll feel like you have these mountains all to yourself!
Highlights
- Ski through the Dolomites – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – experiencing its distinctive geology
- Explore Cortina d’Ampezzo’s backcountry on skis, surrounded by magnificent, towering peaks, forming incredible couloirs and long powder descents
- Enjoy superb skiing with our Professional UIAGM/IFMGA Ski Guides, who will show you the best of the Dolomites backcountry on skis!
- Tour from hut-to-hut, staying in cozy mountain rifugios with the civilized comforts of a warm bed and the delicious hearty cuisine the Dolomites are known for
Itinerary
Host to the Winter Olympics in 1956 and repeated Ski World Cup championships, and co-host to the forthcoming 2026 Winter Olympics, Cortina d’Ampezzo has a fabulous reputation for resort skiing. But did you know that there is also excellent backcountry touring and ample off-piste skiing here as well? The Dolomite Mountains seem to have a never-ending supply of impressive off-piste ski descents. Long ski runs down remote valleys and bowls, and fresh powder hidden in couloirs sandwiched between towering limestone cliffs... While there is a tremendous amount of lift accessible off-piste terrain, for those who are willing to skin and hike, an entirely new world awaits!
On this exciting itinerary, you’ll spend four days skiing Cortina’s backcountry, touring across meadows surrounded by magnificent, towering peaks, skinning and hiking to incredible passes searching out the best descents. You’ll move from hut-to-hut each day, enjoying cozy accommodations and hearty meals in remote mountain rifugios – the best in all the Alps! You’ll be skiing mostly in the Veneto region of the Dolomites, with its traditional Venetian-influenced Italian culture and traditions – and mountain-influenced Italian cuisine to fuel your days on skis!
Renowned as one of the most stunningly beautiful mountain ranges on the planet, the Dolomites offer dramatic skiing to match. Whether from skinning up alongside towering limestone cliffs, skiing down what seem to be never-ending valleys, or the stunning landscape surrounding you – this UNESCO World Heritage Site will surely take your breath away. Skiing in the backcountry, far from the lift lines and crowds, you’ll feel like you have these mountains all to yourself!
Programma ( 6 )
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Day 1
Arrival in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Dolomites
Arrive in Cortina d’Ampezzo (1,224m / 4,016') with a group transfer at 02:00 am from VENICE AIRPORT (included) and check into your hotel.Cortina d’Ampezzo is a charming alpine resort town surrounded by stunning peaks. Host to the 1956 Winter Olympics, Cortina enjoys a reputation for great skiing in winter, and in the summer attracts hikers and climbers who challenge the rocky faces of the nearby mountains. This chic Venetian town also caters to the high society crowd, offering many year-round social activities, shopping, and fine dining.In the afternoon meet your Guide for trip briefing and orientation, as well as maps, and everything necessary for your guided adventure.Dinner in town (not included) -
Day 2
Croda da Lago
In the morning, meet your local English speaking UIAGM/IFMGA ski guide in the lobby of the hotel for a trip briefing and equipment check. Before you depart, you’ll need to prepare your backpack with your personal belongings for the next three nights.Take a private transfer and skin up to Forcella Ambrizzola (2,277m / 7,468'). You will be immersed in the unspoiled valley at the foot of Croda da Lago, with its dramatic peaks, pinnacles and vertical rock-faces, surrounded by the spectacular views over Mount Nuvolau (2,575m / 8,446').A final, exciting descent in powder snow will lead you to your rifugio for the night.Enjoy a delightfully dinner, included.(~11 km / 6,6miles, 825m / 2,706’ ascent on skins, 521m / 1,710' descent. -
Day 3
Cinque Torri, Lagazuoi, and Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park
Enjoy a hearty breakfast, skin up to the foot of Mount Averau (2,649m / 8,688’) and make your way to Rifugio Lagazuoi (2,752m / 9,029'), one of the highest rifugios in the Dolomites. On its patios you feel as though you're sitting at the edge of the world – with 360° views of the surrounding mountains, including the peaks of Pelmo, Civetta, Marmolada, and Croda da Lago.After the exciting descent on the famous Armentarola slope, test your skills on kick turns as you ascend to Forcella dal Lago (2,486m / 8,156’). The views from the top are simply stunning! Descend into the idyllic Val di Fanes and skin on flat terrain, with soft ups and downs for about 2 hours to your rifugio for tonight. Dinner included.(~15 km / 9miles, 656m / 2,153’ ascent, 1,166m / 3,825’ descent) -
Day 4
Ski touring day in the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park
One of the largest Nature Parks in the region, Fanes-Sennes-Braies extends across 25,680 hectares, and offers superb panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks. Depart your rifugio this morning and choose the best tour with your guide depending on your abilities and weather conditions. There are many options available -
Day 5
Ski Tour from Sennes to Lago di Braies
Explore a new area of the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park and descend to one of the most popular lakes in South Tyrol, Lake Braies. In summer, its fresh, emerald green water reflects the image of surrounding mountains. In winter, the lake is completely covered in snow and ice.Skin up to Forcella Cocodain and enjoy the off-piste descent in powder over to Lake Braies for your private transfer to your hotel in Cortina D'Ampezzo.Dinner at leisure (not included).(~10 km / 6 miles, 297m / 9750’ ascent, 957m / 3,140’ descent) -
Day 6
Departure
After breakfast departure at 09:00 to VENICE AIRPORT with group transfer (included)
More information
Participants minimum:
6 people
Technical Equipment for Backcountry Ski Touring Trips
• Ski crampons: most randonnee bindings have ski crampons specifically designed for the binding. We always carry these just in case. Fritschi now make them an integral part of their ski binding and although there were some initial teething problems, the newer models are now working well.
• Ski skins: fitted skins are recommended especially if you have very wide skis.
• Boot crampons: Ideally lightweight aluminum with ‘quick fit clip-on bindings.'
• Climbing harness: a simple lightweight climbing harness. The key feature should be that it has fully adjustable leg loops for putting on over ski boots, crampons, etc.
Boot/ski crampons and climbing harness can be rented locally at an extra cost, your guide will advise according to the local conditions and activity.
Remember it is not enough just to carry this equipment; you have to know how to use it. Most mountain resort areas offer courses where you can learn and practice these skills. If you are not familiar with this equipment, are unable to attend a course before your trip, or simply would like a refresher, we can provide training for you as part of your trip!
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