With this snowshoe hike, you can reach an altitude of 2,575 metres above sea level in less than one hour*. This not particularly demanding route begins at the Averau refuge and leads to the Nuvolau refuge, known as the Eagle's Nest because it towers majestically on the summit of Mount Nuvolau and offers a breathtaking view of all the surrounding Dolomite peaks.
* Estimated walking time
** If you don't have snowshoes and poles, you can rent them at the Sports Equipment Rental Pocol. The equipment will be provided to people who book the snowshoe hike with the accompaniment of Cortina’s Mountain Guides.
© Alessandro Campo
The tour begins at the Fedare chairlift, directly below the Giau Pass on the Colle Santa Lucia side at 2000 metres of altitude.
Adjacent to the chair lift, we recommend a stop at the Fedare refuge to try the excellent homemade cakes from the Troi family. The Fedare chairlift takes you directly to the Rifugio Averau, a beautiful refuge at 2,413 m above sea level, which has won several international awards for its excellent cuisine. Their delicate “Cappelli d’Alpino”, the “Cialsons” and the aromatic pheasant and broccoli timbale, as well as the delicious homemade desserts, are very popular.
From the Averau refuge, the way leads up diagonally the east ridge to the summit of Mt. Nuvolau, where Cortina's oldest refuge rises toward the sky. The Nuvolau refuge is closed in winter, but even if you can not walk in for a break, the effort of the ascent is definitely worth it because up there, the view sweeps freely over the peaks of Marmolada, Pale di San Martino, Agner, Civetta, Pelmo, Antelao, Sorapis, Cristallo, Tofane, Lagazuoi, Monte Pore and Cernera.
Alternative routes: you can also start from the Fedare refuge beside the piste and follow path n° 464. In this case, you have to add 2.2 km to the length of the route, 413 m to the ascent and 1 hour and 45 minutes to the walking time.
Another option is to start with snowshoes from Bai De Dones or take the 5 Torri chairlift to reach the Scoiattoli refuge. From there, you hike towards the Averau refuge and reach it in about 30 minutes.
Return on the same way.
If you missed a stop at the Fedare refuge on the way there, we recommend that you pop in on the way back to enjoy the genuine taste of Ivan’s dishes such as Pappardelle with deer ragout, polenta prepared with flour from Storo, sausage from the Selva butcher and cheese from Lentia. Those who love sweets will enjoy Ivan's delicious cakes.
