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Monte Mondeval

Cortina d'Ampezzo

Minimal effort and technicality, maximum views and ambience!

Ski Touring Moderate

Distance
7.3 km
Ascent
652 m
Descent
652 m
Duration
3-4 hrs
Low Point
2 km
High Point
2.4 km
Gradient
27˚
Monte Mondeval Map

This is an absolutely classic route which should be attainable for ski tourers of virtually all levels. It takes you through some utterly spectacular scenery and provides views of some of the most famous peaks in the Dolomites, but the skiing is straightforward and the objective hazard minimal.

Description

Park on the road between Cortina and Passo Giau. Traverse and then do a tiny descent followed by a gentle climb up to the Forcella Giau (the col from where Monte Mondeval is accessed). A super easy ski down into a bowl is followed by an easy, open skin onto Monte Mondeval. The ascent is fun and so straightforward that you'll be able to soak in the fabulous views without giving too much thought to route finding or hazard avoidance.

The view from the summit is utterly spectacular and you'll be spoiled for choice when figuring out which way to face when sitting having some lunch! There are countless classic Dolomites peaks visible, with the nearby Punta Sorapiss looking particularly spectacular to the north-east. Considering how little effort was required to access the summit, the rewards really are disproportionately high!

When you're ready to descend, simply reverse the ascent route and enjoy the mellow skiing that doing so provides. Depending on the snow conditions, it might be necessary to put your skins back on in order to climb back up to the Forcella Giau, but you might be able to get up to it with a little pushing/side stepping/ boot packing.

Once back at the Forcella Giau glide down to your car.

Difficulty

Moderate

Slopes become slightly steeper at around 25-30 degrees.

Low Exposure (E1)

1 out of 4

Exposure is limited to that of the slope itself. Getting hurt is still likely if the slope is steep and/or the snow is hard.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between January and April

Features

  • Alpine

Equipment required

  • Skins

Guidebooks in this area