
SNOWSHOEING AT NUVOLAU PEAK
Snowshoeing at Nuvolau peak along the snowy ridge
A summit to reach in winter, a castle of towers where to wander, two mountain hut for a break and countless trees. Snowshoeing at Nuvolau peak can be made using a chairlift or with your own strength.

Rifugio Nuvolau is the first mountain hut of the Dolomite, built in 1883. It was decided to built it on a summit well renowned for the landscape: on one side you can admire the valley of Cortina and the Cadore region, on the other side the mountains and the valleys of Fodom and Alleghe.
Another natural attraction that has always amazed hikers, mountaineers and tourists are the 5 Towers, a group of monoliths of stratified dolostone that stand like bastions of an old castle. With the snow they acquire a particular charm, the noises are muted, the snow is glued to every ledge, vertical and angular rocks are contrasted by the soft roundness of the snow-covered ground.
Even today the position and modern facilities make the top of Nuvolau a popular destination in every season; in winter the refuge is closed, however the view from the terrace is always “open”.
Don’t worry, in the area there are other shelters that allow you to eat, drink and rest: the Averau shelter is located on the fork, the Scoiattoli shelter is very close the 5 Towers; both have kitchens and cellars ready to satisfy every palate.
The descent allows you to “rewind the tape” of the vegetation, passing from bare rocks to meadows and alpine pastures, we enter a sparse woods of slender larches and imposing stone pines and then we descend to the spruce strip, and finally to the waters of lakes and streams that evoke the echoes of ancient legends.
Itinerary Details
WHEN – Winter and spring. Also in the other seasons without the snowshoes.
WHY
- landscape
- World War 1
- geology
- mountain huts
HOW – Check the mountain equipment page.
NOTES – Possibility to have lunch (or dinner) in the mountain hut.
Using a chairlift
LEVEL: OO MODERATE
7 KILOMETRES
+400 m GAIN ELEVATION
-800 m LOSS ELEVATION
By fair means
LEVEL – OO ONLY THE BRAVE
12 KILOMETRES
1000 m GAIN ELEVATION
1000 m LOSS ELEVATION