Marmolada, a holiday for ski mountaineers, mountaineers and hikers

Marmolada, the "Queen of Dolomites", is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and imposing places to spend your holiday.

In winter it offers many kilometers slopes, perfectly covered with snow from the end of November to May. One of the most important is the historic slope called "la Bellunese", 12 km long and known as the most beautiful of the Alps.

At the foot of the massive you will find the Padon area, with slopes for both experts and beginners and areas for the whole family. Furthermore, this area is located in the heart of the Dolomiti Superski and is an ideal transition point for those wanting to reach Sella Ronda from the Veneto region or for coming from the central dolomite valleys and wanting to ski in the Marmolada area.
The Marmolada is not only one of the best places in the world for alpine skiing: in fact, cross country skiers will have at their disposal a 7,5 km track, and there are also telemark and snowboard slopes and snowshoe paths through the forests Val Pettorina.
This is also a stage of the First World War Ski tour, a tour at the foot of famous peaks and groups such as Civetta, Pelmo, Tofane, Lagazuoi, Conturines, Settsass, Sassongher, Sella and Marmolada.
There are also many surprises for children, such as the tour called "The fox looks at you", discovering the old traditions and activities, and the ski school Marmolada.

Marmolada is also a paradise for mountaineering: in fact this peak was one of the protagonists of the first climbs, and since that time it is visited by climbers coming from all over the world, attracted by its famous South face, called the "silver face", which has become a part of the history of mountaineering. More than 100 climbing routes, and furthermore the Dolomites High Route n. 2 as well as many other opportunities for hikes and walks in the mountains. Some of them also have an historic and cultural importance: in fact, the tunnels and the bays excavated by the Italian soldiers during the First World War in Serauta are really worth a visit. One of the best known climbing paths is the Via Ferrata of the Western Peak, starting from Forcella Marmolada. With favourable conditions you can reach the peak in five hours and enjoy an all-encompassing view of the Dolomites.

Marmolada is also an ideal place for motorcyclists and cyclists: these can follow the most beautiful laps of the bicycle race Giro d'Italia, but also beautiful mountain bike tours.

History, art and nature on the Marmolada

In Serauta you will have the opportunity of visiting the First World War Museum, with mementos and stories about the First World War. At the foot of Marmolada you will be charmed by Rocca Pietore (1143 m), one of the most picturesque tourist resorts in the High Agordino, and by its hamlets Malga Ciapela and Sottoguda. The Marmolada cableway starts in Malga Ciapela, whereas Sottoguda is famous for the wrought iron manufacturing.

Between Rocca Pietore and Malga Ciapela there is a natural wonder you cannot miss: the Serrai di Sottoguda, a narrow 2 km long canyon. In winter you can go ice climbing on its frozen waterfalls, whereas in summer you can take part to the striking torchlight processions.

The flavors of Marmolada

In the Marmolada area you can taste many typical products: salami, speck, cheese, grappa, casonziéi, turtole (batter discs fried in boiling oil), bale or balòte (Knödel) and menéstra da orz or panicia (barley soup with smoked pork shin). There are also many cakes you should try, such as fiorostide and tortei da pom.

Some numbers

The Marmolada massif rises between the Cordevole stream and the Val di Fassa valley, and with an height of 3.343 m is the highest mountain of the Dolomites. Its eastern side is an impressive cliff wall, a challenge for mountaineers from all over the world, while its western side is a gentle slope forming a basin covered by the largest glacier of the Dolomites. At the foot of its southern side stretches the beautiful and charming Val Pettorina valley, with the village of Rocca Pietore and its picturesque hamlets. Its northern side is crossed by the Fedaia road, between Canazei and Caprile, and at its food lie the Fedaia Lake, collecting the waters of the glacier, and the Fedaia Pass (2.057 m), dividing the Trentino South Tyrol region from the Veneto region.