©www.bandion.it
This easy circular hike allows you to fully enjoy the stunning attractions of this area: a panoramic view that stretches from the Ampezzo Valley to the Marmolada, Pelmo and Civetta mountains; the 5 Torri open-air museum of WW 1 and the oldest refuge in the Dolomites, Rifugio Nuvolau; the Cinque Torri, Scoiattoli and Averau mountain refuges, which are particularly appreciated for their excellent cuisine; flowery meadows and, with a bit of luck, sightings of alpine finches and marmots as well as cute jackdaws.
The hike begins at Baita Bai de Dones, along the Great Dolomites Road - SS 48, just a few minutes from the Falzarego pass at the valley station of the 5 Torri chairlift.
You can reach the first refuge of the route either on foot or with the comfortable 4-seater chairlift with an extraordinary panoramic view. Regardless of your choice, before you start, we recommend a stop at the Bai de Dones lake, just a few minutes away from the Baita.
See the detailed description of this tour, which begins on foot at the Baita Bai de Dones refuge, in the technical sheet.
This is a circular route that you can hike either clockwise or counterclockwise.
You can also get to the Cinque Torri refuge by car via the Great Dolomites Road SS 48, about 11 km from the centre of Cortina, turning left into a small road in the district of Cianzopè.
This road is open in summer, except in August when it is closed from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. During this period, there is a shuttle service available for a charge. Find out more about the opening times of the road that could change by calling the office of the Regole d'Ampezzo: +39 0436-2206.
Recommended equipment
IMPORTANT: always ckeck the opening times of the lift facilities and refuges
You can also get to the starting point of this hike by bus.
Information about the timetables is provided by:
Servizi Ampezzo
Via G. Marconi n° 5 (at the bus station) – Cortina d’Ampezzo
Tel. + 39 0436 867921
biglietteria@serviziampezzo.it
Departure point: Baita Bai de Dones refuge
Arrival point: Nuvolau refuge
Total duration: ca. 4-5 ore/hrs./Std. a/r
Path number: Cai 439 - 441 - 419 - sentiero per trincea Nord
Total difference in altitude: 686
Altitude at starting point: 1889 m.
Altitude at arrival: 2575 m.
Ascent:
From Baita Bai De Dones to the Cinque Torri refuge
A one-hour walk through the forest leads to one of the historic mountain refuges of Cortina d'Ampezzo, where time seems to have stood still: the Cinque Torri refuge (inaugurated in October 1904!), embedded in a spectacular landscape at the foot of the 5 Torri, one of the the most famous natural climbing gardens in the Dolomites. The hike starts at the square next to the 5 Torri chairlift; follow the signposts of the hiking trail Cai 425; The route is easy and leads slightly uphill through a larch and spruce forest. After about an hour you come out of the forest and a breathtaking view opens up. It was not for nothing that mountaineers from all over the world, princes and rulers visited this place and frequented the Cinque Torri refuge. In addition to the favourable position, this refuge offers a renowned cuisine: it is an excellent stop for lunch or dinner (on reservation) for those who want to experience the atmosphere of years gone by and enjoy the dishes of the past, skilfully reinterpreted by the chef Massimo. Try the "Casunziei", ravioli filled with vegetables of the season: beetroot, peppers, potatoes or pumpkin.
Time required: 1 hour
See the detailed description of this route here >>>>>>>
From the Cinque Torri refuge to the Scoiattoli refuge
A short and easy hike leads from the Cinque Torri refuge to the Scoiattoli refuge. Both mountain refuges face the 5 Torri, a paradise for climbers from all over the world. At the Cinque Torri refuge, take path 439. In less than 30 minutes, you reach the mountain saddle, from which you already see the Scoiattoli refuge. From the panorama terrace of this refuge, you can admire the climbers in action on the walls of this natural climbing garden. From this refuge, you can reach the 5 Torri open-air museum of WW 1 in a few minutes (the entire visit takes about an hour).
Time required: 1 hour
See the detailed description of this route here >>>>>>>
From the Scoiattoli refuge to the Averau refuge
The path leading uphill from the Scoiattoli refuge to the Averau refuge allows viewing the Cortina Delicious area towards the Giau Pass and Val Fiorentina, a landscape shaped by the mountain giants Civetta and Marmolada. The Averau refuge is known for its excellent cuisine. The menu offers dishes where the Ampezzo tradition meets the Friulian one. The “Cappelli dell’Alpino”, the “Cialsons” and the aromatic pheasant and broccoli timbale are particularly popular. In the well-stocked wine cellar, there are up to 170 fine Italian and European labels to choose from. Two special selections could not be missing from the Rifugio Averau wine list: the wine range is named after the author of the Italian wine renaissance, Giacomo Tachis and there is also one dedicated to the Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGP. Delicious homemade desserts for a sensational snack or are never in short supply here.
Walking time: 30 minutes
Please note: you can also reach the Averau refuge from the Giau pass with the Fedare chairlift.
See the detailed description of this route >>>>>>>
From the Averau refuge to the Nuvolau refuge
It seems incredible but you can reach an altitude of 2,575 metres in just 30 minutes with an easy walk. The destination is Nuvolau refuge, the oldest refuge in Cortina and probably in the Dolomites (built in 1883!). Following the signs and traces in the rock, walk up the ridge from the Averau refuge. As soon as you reach the Nuvolau refuge, all you can do is admire the stunning panorama: the view encompasses the mountains Marmolada, Pale di San Martino, Agner, Civetta, Pelmo, Antelao, Sorapis, Cristallo, Tofane, Lagazuoi, Monte Pore and Cernera. Downhill, the high meadows of the beautiful Giau pass shine in an intense green.
Time required: 30 minutes
See the detailed description of this route here >>>>>>>
From the Nuvolau and Averau refuges through the northern trench to the Scoiattoli hut and back to Baita Bai De Dones
On the way back, we suggest a detour that allows you to walk through a recently restored WWI trench. From the Nuvolau refuge, walk back to the Nuvolau gap and Averau refuge as on the way there. Then take the CAI hiking trail 441 on the southwest slope of the Averau mountain and reach the Averau saddle at an altitude of 2435 meters in 10 minutes. Here, you should definitely take a break to admire the breathtaking view. Continue for a few dozen meters on the hiking trail n° 419 and soon you will see the signposts to the northern trench of WW 1. Walk through this trench until it joins again the trail n° 440 and from there reach the Scoiattoli refuge. You can return to the Baita Bai De Dones refuge either by chairlift or on foot.
Time required: about 2 hours
