Climb the highest peak in the Dolomites and then ski an exciting north-facing bowl and an epic canyon.

Statistics

5 - 6

hrs

1,326

m

1,716

m

47

max°

Difficulty

FATMAP difficulty grade

Severe

Description

This adventure is about as good as Dolomites ski touring gets - it takes you over the highest mountain in the entire range and down a fabulous north-facing bowl. Start out from the dam at Lago di Fedaia where there's parking and a bar.

The lift just above the bar is - unfortunately - being removed now so you've got to skin the whole way.

Follow the old piste towards the top of the lift, where there's a refuge called Pian dei Fiacconi - which is open from end of February onwards - you can stay there to break up this trip if required. From the refuge climb the easy slopes to the beginning of the glacier, which starts just below a rock face on the left.

There are also some seracs on the right.

It's hard to tell exactly when you've reached the glacier but be aware of the now-present danger of crevasses. Skin up the steepening glacier to the foot of a steep slope leading onto the mountain's north ridge.

There's a via ferrata to get you onto a ridge but it may be snow covered.

Climb up wearing crampons and with an axe onto the ridge. Climb the ridge easily, usually on skins but staying on crampons if conditions are poor.

The top section should always be skin-able regardless of conditions below.

The summit itself is wonderful - big, flat and the highest point in the whole of the Dolomites.

The view across the Marmolada south face is particularly epic.

Ski north-west off the summit to a hanging col on skier's right.

Drop right into a small bowl and keep pushing right to a short gully (40 degrees) which might contain rocks in lean conditions.

Descend the amazing, open valley below to one of the most unique features on a ski tour - the Marmolada canyon.

Ski through this ( which is easy but spectacular) then go left and ski down fabulous open terrain to some flat terrain beneath the Col Da Baranchie.

Pole across this and shuffle up to a snow covered track. Follow the road down between some spectacular cliff bands.

There are no other options here unfortunately - the topography means that you have to take the road.

Follow it out to the hotel Villetta Maria where there is typically excellent Italianfood available.

With full bellies, call a taxi on 00390462601292 and head back to the start to collect your car.