Cinque Torri

Take the SS48 towards Passo Falzarego and leave the car in the Cinque Torri chairlift car park (about 12km from Cortina).

Take the chairlift up to Rif. Scoiattoli at 2260m.

Rif. Scoiattoli acts as an excellent lookout point onto the Cinque Torri not far below; after having taken in the view walk left towards the small leaning Torre Inglese. Walk through the tunnel formed by the Torre Quarta Alta and Bassa to enter a labyrinth of twisted, broken towers and pinnacles. These are the remains of the giant prehistorical collapse of Monte Averau high above. These enormous rocks have continued to fracture and break up throughout time to create the current, fantastic formations. Zigzag beneath the walls to locate the numerous pegs and bolts used by the thousands of climbers in summer. It is here that Cortina Mountain Guides teach climbing to beginners, initially on small boulders, before then progressing to the steeper walls opposite. Continue east past these towers towards the Cinque Torri refuge and admire the isolated stone pine trees. Their distinctive, seldom linear shape is the direct result of nature’s overpowering force. From the refuge now descend along the road for about 300m to the sign for path no.439 “Cian Zopè”. Follow this to reach the typical mountain hut “Cason de Claudio”. After a brief rest admiring the Croda da Lago towers continue along path no. 439 and traverse along the “Boa di Cinque Torri” to enter the wood proper. Walk down through this to hit on the road that leads easily to “Cian Zopè” and the Passo Falzarego road.

Return via shuttle bus service to the car park. This runs every half-hour during the winter skiing season.

Normal equipment for winter walking, snowshoes and poles.

No obvious danger. The itinerary can also be carried out during snowfalls.