Cortina d'Ampezzo she is the queen of Dolomites. Because all around are the most beautiful mountains in the world (the TofaneTHE Crystal FrameTHE FaloriaTHE Five rounds). In the collective imagination, this destination has always represented the most sought-after winter vacation. Because of the valley of the province of Belluno everyone was there: athletes, actors, writers, crowned heads and VIPs.
And because he welcomed the first Italian Winter Olympics (in 1956) and now, seventy years later, he is preparing to Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics of 2026.
To ski far from the busiest slopes, in places with picturesque charm and never too chaotic, which offer a stress-free vacation, one of the most suggestive ski areas is that of Faloria-Crystalthe first space to open and the last to close, thanks to the slopes which overlook well above 2000 meters.
Or, not far from there, the small space at the foot of the Three peaks of Lavaredo, Measuring cup. Although small in size, both ski areas also have quite challenging slopes where it is almost impossible to get bored.
Here's what you need to know about these two white paradises and the ski slopes.
The Cortina d'Ampezzo ski area: Cortina Skiworld
The territory served by Consortium of ski lift operators Of Curtain, Saint Vito, Auronzo And Measuring cuphis name is Cortina Skiworld. A major advantage is that alpine skiing in these regions is the main protagonist of snow holidays, capable of satisfying any type of skier: there are slopes for all levels and slopes also for snowboarders, freestyle enthusiasts and freeride with a bouquet of 13 black slopes.
The other strong point is the quantity of slopes to choose from: 120 km of slopes, equipped with 95% snow coverage scheduled for skiing from November to April; more than 70 ski slopes; of 35 ski lifts.
It can then be useful to know which are the most beautiful slopes.
Faloria-Cristallo ski area: skiing at over 2000 meters
The first space to open and the last to close, thanks to the slopes which overlook well above 2000 meters, is the Faloria-Cristallo ski area. Like two pillars, the Faloria and the emblematic Crystal circumscribe this always snowy paradise: it is one of the largest ski areas in the Curtainwith 30 km of slopes.
Area Faloria-Crystal it can be reached in five minutes directly from the town of Curtain thanks to the historian Faloria Cable Car which takes the skier to an altitude of 2,120 meters. Or by car (10 minutes) to the valley station of Rio Geré he was born in Pian by Ra Bigontina (where there is also a large parking lot).
Here, the area opens up and is served by 5 chairlifts and a ski lift.
The plan with all the equipment and slopes of the Faloria-Cristallo ski area is available on site.
The most beautiful ski slopes in Faloria-Cristallo
The Vitelli Alta trail
There Alta calf track it is (a “black”) equipped with special rest areas along the route to enjoy the view of the most beautiful peaks of the entire Alpine chain. Between one descent and another, you are enchanted by the panorama of the Belluno Dolomitesenjoying slow skiing.
A curiosity: the High calves became famous during the Winter Olympics of 1956 with the victory of the gold medal in giant slalom of Tony Sailer. The total slope is 51% and the total length is 1,169 meters – so it is suitable for more experienced skiers.
The squirrel trail
There Squirrel track, number 68, is a “black” 905 meters long. It develops as soon as the chairlift arrives Pian by Ra Bigontina on the back side Rio Geré and is especially appreciated by athletes and lovers of steep climbing.
Having reached the last “wall”, with a slope of 55%, the view suddenly opens onto the imposing peak of Crystalwhich appears almost “suspended” between the snow and the sky.
The Tondi track
There Tondi Track (a “red”) bears the number 61 and hosts the competitions every year Snowboard World Cup. With skis on your feet, you can reach the mountain Crystalin the zone My name is Forcawhere the off-piste route of the same name begins.
The Stratondi trail
There Stratondi slopenumber 64, is a “breathtaking black” in the words of the local champion Kristian Ghedina; quite long (846 meters), with a regular slope from top to bottom (300 meters of height difference; maximum slope of 51%), it offers a breathtaking panorama.
The Bigontina trail
There Bigontine, number 66, has the particularity of skiing in the middle of the woods and under the chairlift. The length is 756 meters with a height difference of 221 meters; maximum slope 61%.
The Canalone Franchetti
The latest addition: Canalone Franchetti At Faloria, number 63, is a (“black”) slope for those who love skiing and know the technique. The first part is the warm-up, a large snowfield that invites you to run and let your skis curve in wide, sweeping arcs.
We then enter the central part, more inclined and steeper; the last part of the track finally flows towards the plain and allows you to roll your skis again. Length: 1,055 meters; elevation 339 meters; maximum slope 51%.
The refuges of Faloria-Cristallo
The area Faloria-Crystal offers several refuges for a break between one slope and another: the Faloria Refuge (2,123 meters) at the arrival of the cable car, it is famous for its “solarium” terrace with views Dolomites and dozens of colorful deckchairs while, not far away, on the slopes, is the Ski bar calves.
Other refueling points are restaurant Rio Geré and the refuge My name is Forca.
How long is the ski season in Faloria-Cristallo?
The season is very long: it begins in the fall, generally in November, and continues until the end of spring. During the 2023-24 season you will ski until May 1, 2024.
Misurina ski area: the “slow” area at the foot of the Tre Cime
A small space at the foot of Three peaks of Lavaredowhere nothing is missing: those who love skiing will find the chairlift With De Varda which starts from the banks of the picturesque lake and climbs to the refuge of the same name located at 2,115 meters, and to the ski lift The Loitawhich culminates at 1870 meters Lake Antorno (particularly suitable for beginner skiers).
Next to the ski lift is also the start of the cross-country ski ring with two routes of different difficulties.
Although the area of Measuring cup Although they are relatively small, the slopes are wonderful, full of bumps and perfect for showcasing the technical qualities of a real skier.
The plan with all the equipment and slopes of the Auronzo ski area And Measuring cup is available on site.
The most beautiful ski slopes in Misurina
HAS Measuring cup you ski Varda Pass where there are slopes of varying difficulty. The panorama extends from Three peaks At Cadiniof Crystal At Sorapissuntil Tofane.
The altitude of the slopes, from 1,756 at the start to 2,106 meters at Col de Varda Refugeand the southern exposure allow skiing in the sun with excellent snow conditions from December to the end of March.
Pala dei Francesi trail
“Black” sticker, number 76, for the Pala Track (Measuring cup). Once you arrive at the top with the two-seater chairlift Varda Pass the panorama opens onto Lake MisurinaTHE TofaneTHE Five rounds.
The length is 526 meters with a height difference of 175 meters. The maximum slope is 55%: a slope that tests skiers from the start. A curiosity: it's called “French Altarpiece» because the French trained here to Innsbruck Olympic Games of 64.
Variants
From the factory upstream of Varda Pass there is, in addition to the track French Altarpiecefour other variants which take the skier to the valley: Varda; Mazzorane And Toupee.
Auronzo-Misurina: cross-country skiing
Cross-country ski trails are located both Auronzoin the locality Palus Saint-Marcwhich one Measuring cup: they cover different lengths, from 7 to 52 km. HAS Measuring cupThere are two routes in particular: the “Easy Course”, a four-kilometer ring, and the “Difficult Course”, more technical, with numerous climbs and descents, five km long.
The departure and arrival of both takes place at the school camp Loita.
Snowshoes and ski touring
The area of Measuring cup it is also an ideal destination for snowshoeing, skiing or forest walks – to seek direct contact with nature, where there are no noises but only the sounds of the environment.
One of the most evocative (groomed) snow routes – suitable for everyone – begins at Measuring cupclimb towards the refuge Varda Pass and continues towards the refuge City of Carpi.
How long is the ski season in Misurina
The season begins in December and continues until mid-March.
Or sleep
THE “B&B HOTEL” At Pass of the Three Crosses (10 minutes from Cortina d'Ampezzo And 10 minutes from Lake Misurina), at 1,858 meters between Crystal to the north and to Sorapiss to the south, it is the ideal access point in winter to discover the ski area of Curtain; Auronzo-Misurina Or Faloria-Crystal.
Directly opposite the hotel is also the cross-country ski trail with approved competition trails. Pass of the Three Crosses. The hotel, which is part of the international chain with more than 700 properties in Europe and the world, it is surrounded by larch and pine trees and a magnificent view of the Dolomites.
Renovated three years ago, the “B&B HOTEL» has 124 rooms, all furnished with sustainably sourced materials and modern design.
Do you want to stay up to date on the world of travel?
The hotel, open all year round (closed only in November), even in summer, is the ideal starting point for excursions to Crystal Frame or to reach the Sorapiss Lake. Info: B&B HOTEL – Passo Tre Croci Cortina.
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