5 June marked the official start of summer in Cortina, just over a month after the winter lifts closed. Once the skis were put away, it was time to dust off poles, boots, rucksacks and bicycles.
The first to reopen was the Falzarego Lagazuoi cable car, operating from 5 June to 20 October 2024. Also in the Falzarego area, the 5 Torri chairlift started operating on 8 June, connected to the Tofane via Cortina Skyline, which will be operational from 29 June. In the Tofana area, the lifts opened on 8 June and include the Gilardon-Roncato, Tofana Express, Pié Tofana-Duca d'Aosta and Duca d'Aosta Pomedes chairlifts. From 14 June, the cableway from Cortina to Col Druscié and the cable cars to Ra Valles and Cima Tofana will open. The Faloria cable car will reopen on 15 June, as will the chairlift connecting Rio Gere to Son Forca in the Cristallo area. Finally, in Auronzo, the Taiarezze-Malon chairlift resumed service on 10 June. Cortina's long summer season will end in October.
The Tofane trails
New for 2024 is the 'Sentiero delle Rocce Parlanti' (Talking Rocks Trail), a unique trail that will be opened during the summer. This trail highlights the geological history of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with rocks that look like natural sculptures modelled over millions of years, stimulating the imagination of visitors. The trail starts at Ra Valles at 2,475 metres and arrives at 2,740 metres, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
The Permafrost Trail, opened in 2023, starts at the Ra Valles Hut and leads to the top station of the Tofana Bus chairlift. Along the trail, a series of information panels tell about the Rescue Permafrost project, aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change on the Alps. This trail is an experimental initiative realised in collaboration with experts and the universities of Padua and Bolzano to strengthen ecological awareness.
The Giulia Ramelli trail is an easy route, suitable for hikers of all ages and experience, which overlooks the Ampezzo basin, the 5 Torri, the Sorapis and the Antelao, leading to the suggestive Cima Giuly.
June's events
Yoga, a weekend at Lagazuoi
On the weekend of 15 and 16 June, the Lagazuoi Refuge offers a unique mountain yoga experience, combined with hiking. In the company of mid-mountain guide Carlo Bulfone, walks and yoga sessions will alternate at an altitude of over 2400 metres, with lunches and dinners at the hut, enjoying breathtaking views. The pure air, the sun and the beauty of the Dolomites, especially at sunrise and sunset, invigorate the body and satisfy the spirit.
Lavaredo Ultratrail
On 27 and 28 June, one of the most eagerly awaited trail running competitions in Europe returns. It will cross the area between Cortina, 5 Torri and Croda da Lago. An epic event that embraces the most spectacular places in the Dolomites. The Croda da Lago refuge will host the traditional "pollastrata" with live music on the shores of Lake Federa, organised by the Alverà family to celebrate the runners. The event will be held on 29 June from 12 noon.
