Classic Freeriding around Cortina d’Ampezzo

Find the best powder in the Dolomites with these fantastic freeride routes.

Freeride Skiing Difficult, Severe

Description

This historic ski town nestled in the Dolomites is known for its extensive skiing, lavish amenities and classic Italian charm. The resort is spread across three distinct areas, which all boast long winding slopes, forested terrain and a backdrop of stunning red-tinged peaks. A favourite holiday home hot spot for Milan’s well-heeled, you are more likely to find bustling crowds on the luxury shop-lined streets than you are queuing for the lifts - the relative emptiness on the slopes adds to Cortina’s overall excellent skiing experience.

Here’s a collection of freeride routes for varying ability levels. If you are looking for a classic off-piste line which is suitable for beginners, try Val Orita. Experienced freeriders who love the thrill of a steep descent should head to Tofana di Mezzo, 3244m.

Sources: Thorne, P. (2014) Powder- The Greatest Ski Runs on the Planet. (2014) London: Quercus Editions Ltd. https://www.dolomitisuperski.com/en/Experience/Ski-areas/Cortina-d-Ampezzo

Routes included

Sci 18

After snowfall, this is one of the most popular off-piste runs in Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Difficult Freeride Skiing

Distance: 2 km
Ascent: 1 m
Descent: 753 m

Comate

A great off piste run in Ra Valles, the first part is quite steep before entering the tree line. Parking a second car at the Olympia camp ground is a good idea so that you can quickly return to resort.

Difficult Freeride Skiing

Distance: 3.1 km
Ascent: 8 m
Descent: 1.1 km

Candela di Ra Zesta

Nice, fun line on the sunny side of Ra Valles, you can recognise this colouir by a small rocky tower (the candle) which sticks out in the middle of the couloir.

Difficult Freeride Skiing

Distance: 3.6 km
Ascent: 196 m
Descent: 828 m

Tofana di Mezzo, 3244m

One of the most challenging routes in Cortina d'Ampezzo, it requires very good alpine skills as you have to climb up the challenging via ferrata to the top of mountain and be ready to ski down a very technical, steep and exposed descent. Needless to say, you need a safe snowpack.

Severe Freeride Skiing