Tofane in Cortina d'Ampezzo

The Tofane are one of the most spectacular and best-known mountain groups in the Eastern Dolomites. They dominate the Cortina d'Ampezzo valley with their impressive rocky walls and three major peaks rising above 3,000 metres: Tofana di Rozes, also known as Tofana de Fora (3,225 m), Tofana di Mezzo (3,244 m), and Tofana de Inze, or Tofana di Dentro (3,238 m).

Located west of Cortina, between Falzarego Pass and Val di Fanes, the Tofane are one of the most popular destinations in the Dolomites. Each season offers a different experience: in summer, they are an ideal destination for hikers, mountaineers and via ferrata enthusiasts; in winter, they become one of the great skiing areas overlooking the Cortina valley.

But the Tofane are not simply mountains to admire. They are a landscape to be explored at a leisurely pace, following panoramic trails, reaching mountain huts at high altitude and discovering places that were once the scene of battles during the First World War.

The Three Great Peaks of the Tofane

The Tofane group is dominated by three main peaks, all rising above 3,000 metres.

At 3,225 metres, Tofana di Rozes is probably the most recognisable and spectacular of the three. Its enormous vertical walls rise above the Cortina valley and offer some of the most impressive routes in the entire group.

At 3,244 metres, Tofana di Mezzo is the highest peak of the Tofane and one of Cortina's iconic mountains. Its summit can also be reached using the mountain lifts, but for hikers and mountaineers it is above all a magnificent panoramic destination overlooking the surrounding Dolomites.

Tofana di Dentro, or Tofana de Inze, reaches 3,238 metres and completes the great trio of peaks. Its more remote and wild environment still preserves numerous reminders of the history of the mountains and the First World War.

During the 20th century, the small glaciers found at the highest elevations of the Tofane underwent a dramatic reduction and have almost completely disappeared. This change is also a testimony to the profound transformation taking place in the Alpine environment.

A Land of Nature and History

The Tofane are mountains of great natural beauty, but they are also one of the most historically significant areas of the Dolomites.

During the First World War, between 1915 and 1918, the Tofane group was the scene of fierce fighting between the Italian and Austro-Hungarian armies. Trenches, tunnels, military positions and wartime paths can still be found in various parts of the mountains.

Walking through the Tofane therefore means experiencing an extraordinary landscape while also retracing part of 20th-century history. Some routes allow visitors to discover the remains of the war at high altitude, always taking care to assess the conditions of the terrain and to remain on marked trails.

Recommended Hiking Routes in the Tofane

The Tofane offer a wide variety of routes. Some are suitable for well-trained hikers, while others require mountaineering experience, specialist equipment or the ability to tackle exposed sections.

The Tofana di Rozes Circuit

The Tofana di Rozes circuit is one of the best hikes for discovering the mountain's surroundings without necessarily climbing to the summit. The route offers different views of the imposing Tofana walls and leads to some of the most fascinating locations in the massif.

It is an excellent choice for those who want to experience the mountains at their best, combining panoramic views, the Dolomite landscape and historical remains.

Rifugio Dibona – Rifugio Giussani

The route connecting Rifugio Angelo Dibona and Rifugio Camillo Giussani is one of the classic itineraries in the Tofana di Rozes area.

The ascent gradually leads into increasingly rugged and rocky surroundings, reaching the area of Forcella Fontananegra. Rifugio Giussani is also an important base for mountaineering routes and for climbing Tofana di Rozes.

It is one of the recommended hikes for those who want to discover the heart of the Tofane without necessarily tackling a via ferrata.

Val Travenanzes

Val Travenanzes is one of the most fascinating and wildest valleys around Cortina. The route leads into a more secluded environment surrounded by the great walls of the Dolomites.

It is a particularly interesting choice for those looking for a hike away from the busiest trails and wishing to discover a landscape rich in history and nature.

Tofana di Mezzo

Reaching Tofana di Mezzo means arriving at the highest summit of the group, at 3,244 metres.

The possibility of using the mountain lifts makes the summit more accessible than many other Dolomite peaks. Nevertheless, it is essential to take altitude, weather conditions and any exposed sections into consideration.

When visibility is good, the panorama from the summit is extraordinary, extending across a vast area of the Dolomites.

Via Ferrata Routes in the Tofane

For experienced hikers, the Tofane offer some of the best-known equipped routes in the Dolomites.

Among them, the Via Ferrata Lipella is one of the most famous. It is a demanding and lengthy route in a high-mountain environment, requiring good physical fitness, via ferrata experience and appropriate equipment.

Other equipped routes include the area around Punta Anna and the walls of Tofana di Rozes. These are spectacular routes, but they must be approached with great care: technical difficulty, exposure and mountain conditions may make it advisable to hire a mountain guide.

Those without suitable experience are advised to rely on a professional guide and always check the latest conditions of trails, via ferrata routes and mountain lifts before setting out.

Mountain Huts in the Tofane

Mountain huts are an essential part of the Tofane experience. In addition to offering refreshments and, in some cases, overnight accommodation, they provide strategic bases for hiking, via ferrata routes and mountaineering itineraries.

Rifugio Angelo Dibona

Located at the foot of the imposing walls of Tofana di Rozes, Rifugio Angelo Dibona is one of the main points of reference for exploring this part of the massif.

Its location makes it an ideal base for numerous hikes and for mountaineering and via ferrata routes in the area. It is also a particularly spectacular place to stop and admire the great Dolomite walls surrounding the hut.

Rifugio Camillo Giussani

Rifugio Camillo Giussani is located at approximately 2,580 metres, in the Forcella Fontananegra area, between Tofana di Rozes and Tofana di Mezzo.

It is one of the most important mountain huts for those tackling the normal route of Tofana di Rozes and several other itineraries in the heart of the massif. Its elevated position offers a typical high-mountain Dolomite environment, surrounded by impressive walls and pinnacles.

Rifugio Pomedes

Rifugio Pomedes, at approximately 2,303 metres, enjoys a panoramic position at the foot of Punta Anna.

It is a popular destination in both summer and winter. During the warmer months, it is an important base for hikers and via ferrata enthusiasts; in winter, it is part of the Tofane ski area.

Its location is ideal for enjoying magnificent views over the Cortina valley and the surrounding mountains.

Rifugio Duca d'Aosta

Rifugio Duca d'Aosta is located at approximately 2,098 metres in the Tofana di Mezzo area.

It is a point of reference for hikers in summer and skiers in winter, thanks to its proximity to the lifts and ski slopes of the Tofane area.

It is one of the more convenient destinations for those wishing to combine a day in the mountains with a break at a mountain hut, without necessarily undertaking a particularly long hike.

Bivacco Baracca degli Alpini

The Bivacco Baracca degli Alpini is a small shelter located at high altitude on the northern ridge of Tofana di Dentro.

The structure is linked to the area's military history and serves as a reference point for more demanding routes in a high-mountain environment. Given its location and the nature of the route, it is a destination for experienced hikers and should only be approached after carefully checking current terrain conditions.

The Tofane in Summer

Summer is the ideal season to discover the Tofane from a hiking perspective. Trails lead to panoramic mountain huts, across valleys and mountain passes, and towards the great Dolomite walls.

For a first experience, visitors can choose routes to Rifugio Dibona, Rifugio Pomedes or Rifugio Giussani. More experienced hikers can tackle longer routes, such as the Tofana di Rozes circuit or itineraries towards Val Travenanzes.

Those with suitable experience can take on the many via ferrata routes in the group, including the famous Via Ferrata Lipella. In this case, a helmet, harness and approved via ferrata set are essential, together with adequate preparation and careful assessment of weather conditions.

The Tofane in Winter: Skiing and Snow

During winter, the Tofane become one of the great skiing landscapes of Cortina d'Ampezzo.

The ski slopes extend across the mountain's slopes and are connected by an extensive network of lifts. The Freccia nel Cielo cable car provides access towards Tofana di Mezzo, while the Ra Valles area offers spectacular high-altitude slopes and panoramic views.

The area is particularly popular with skiers thanks to the variety of its slopes and the opportunity to spend a day on the snow surrounded by some of the most beautiful mountains in the Dolomites.

When Should You Visit the Tofane?

The best time to visit depends on the type of experience you are looking for.

In summer, the Tofane are ideal for hiking, trekking, via ferrata routes and climbing. The summer months generally offer the best conditions for enjoying the mountains, although weather conditions can change rapidly at high altitude and some routes may still have snow early in the season.

In autumn, the mountains take on particularly beautiful colours and the trails are often quieter. However, shorter days and lower temperatures require greater care when planning excursions.

In winter, the Tofane become a paradise for skiing and snow sports. It is the ideal time for those who want to experience the Dolomite landscape from the ski slopes, with the opportunity to reach some of the most panoramic high-altitude areas using the mountain lifts.

An Experience in the Heart of the Dolomites

The Tofane are one of the most complete destinations in the Cortina d'Ampezzo area. The great peaks, mountain huts, trails, via ferrata routes and reminders of the First World War create a landscape where nature, adventure and history come together.

Whether you choose a simple panoramic walk, a hike to a mountain hut, a more demanding route or a day on the ski slopes, the Tofane always offer a different perspective on the Dolomites.

Before setting out, it is always important to check the trail conditions, mountain hut opening dates, the current status of via ferrata routes and the operation of the mountain lifts, as this information may vary depending on the season and weather conditions.