Introduction
Let's discover together the most beautiful winter walks in Cortina d'Ampezzo, along groomed snow roads. From the walks close to the town center, to those leading to easily accessible mountain lodges. You could also consider descending by sledding or ascending with ski mountaineering or on a fat bike.
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Overview
In this first chapter we collected a summary of our favorite winter walks, listed in order of difficulty, from the easy walks on the snow to rather more challenging winter hikes.
In the closing part of the article, you can find some recommendations about how to dress and how to equip yourself. The most important things are to always bring snow crampons for your shoes, a torch, water, and something to drink, for any eventuality.
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The Former Railway
Map
Path of the Hike
The opening of this page can only be a walk along the road of the former Cortina railway. It's super easy, it's suitable even for those who are not equipped with winter shoes or those who cannot walk on snow and ice, and it's also quite scenic.
The route follows the old dismantled railway line that connected the town of Dobbiaco with Calalzo and crosses Cortina along its entire length.
This pleasant walk is suitable for everyone, on a paved road that is regularly cleared of snow and mostly lit, with negligible elevation gain and several access points throughout the town. The most convenient starting point is the former train station, from which you can head north towards the locality of Fiames or south towards the village of Zuel. In both directions you can walk for about three and a half kilometers, or two miles, for a total length of seven kilometers, a little more than four and a quarter miles.
If we were to walk it only once in our lives, we'd probably choose to head south, as it's the more scenic direction. If you have any mobility issues, consider that heading north gives you a slightly downhill return.
This walk is ideal if you prefer to avoid more demanding hikes. It's a rather scenic, fairly busy, and comfortable route, as you can turn back at any time. If you'd like more information, we invite you to visit our page on the subject:
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Rifugio Mietres
Map
Path of the Hike
This winter walk will let you reach the Rifugio Mietres mountain lodge, starting from the locality of Guargnè. It is a slightly challenging walk but still suitable for everyone who can easily walk uphill.
The easiest way to get there is using a car, which can be left in the free parking area of the former swimming pool.
Another option is to take bus n°4 to reach the bus stop of Verocai. From there, you will reach the parking area with a ten-minute walk. For more information and to purchase tickets, you should contact the ticket office, which is located in the same office as the Tourist Information Center. It may be closed during lunch.
Leaving the parking lot and the former swimming pool behind you, take the beaten path that starts near the wooden hut of the ski school.
This winter walk goes along the only road of groomed snow in a north direction; it is virtually impossible to take a wrong turn. After about fifteen minutes, you'll reach the former chairlift of Col Tondo, currently closed to the public.
Continue walking up for another forty minutes, always keeping an eye on the horizon because of snowmobiles and ski mountaineers who may descend at high speeds.
Once you reach the sign where Path 204 and Path 211 are marked, after a slight right turn, you are almost there. We don't want to discourage you, but the final climb is quite steep, though it's short. Don't be fooled by the view of the mountain lodge; it's farther away than it appears.
Once you reach your destination, you'll be welcomed by a cozy mountain lodge and a breathtaking view, as well as the opportunity to eat and drink something on the scenic terrace or inside the mountain lodge. If you wish, you can climb this winter hike with mountaineering skis, or you could bring a sledge to go down sledding along the slope.
The Rifugio Mietres also provides service in the evening by reservation, with the possibility of going up on a snowmobile. For this kind of request, you should contact the structure, visiting the official website of the restaurant Mietres. In the peak season in Cortina, you should always reserve a table when possible. In the low season, check if it is actually open.
If you want to have a better idea of how the trail progresses, you can see the path on Google Maps by clicking here.
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Malga Ra Stua
Map
Path of the Hike
This winter walk, which will allow you to reach Malga Ra Stua, is a simple hike for anyone who can easily walk uphill.
The starting point is the Sant'Uberto parking area, which can be easily reached with less than a 15-minute car ride. We recommend you leave early in the morning to have a better chance to find some free car spaces, especially in peak season.
If you prefer to use public transport, you can take bus n°445 towards Dobbiaco and get off at the bus stop of Podestagno. From there, you'll need to walk back ten minutes along the main road until you reach the Sant'Uberto parking area.
Unfortunately, buses do not run very frequently; there's approximately one bus every two hours. The number may increase during peak season, but it's not one of the best-served routes. For more information, we recommend contacting the ticket office, located inside the tourist information center in the town center. Be aware that it may close during lunch break.
Once you reach the parking lot, head towards the barrier that blocks the passage of cars, where you can also see the wooden table of the Regole d'Ampezzo, which is worth stopping to read, as it's interesting and very well made.
The hike goes uphill through the woods for almost an hour on a road where the snow is packed. The path is the only one beaten, so it's almost impossible to get it wrong.
Most of the walk is a constant and not too steep ascent until the last part. While you climb, try to keep to the side of the road throughout the ascent, especially on blind turns, as there may be alpine skiers and sleds.
Towards the end of the hike, on the left, you'll see the waterfall of Ra Stua, almost completely frozen. If you decide to approach it to take some pictures, be very careful; the risk of slipping is very high.
One more little effort and you will reach Malga Ra Stua. This restaurant offers about forty seats inside and sixty outside; the menu is centered on typical dishes of the area. In addition to the restaurant, this mountain lodge also offers bedrooms with shared or private bathrooms.
Further information can be found on the official website of Malga Ra Stua. In peak season, booking is recommended; in the low season, you should check if it's actually open.
If you are willing to walk more, you could continue towards the Rifugio Sennes. This is a hike that is usually done on ski mountaineering, but it's also possible to do it walking. If you'd like to know more about this path, you can read its specific chapter.
If you want to have a better idea of how the trail progresses, you can see the path on Google Maps by clicking here.
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Rifugio Dibona
Map
Path of the Hike
The Rifugio Dibona of Cortina d'Ampezzo is one of the favorite destinations for both locals and tourists who want to take a nice winter walk at high altitude. It is not a difficult walk, but it is only suitable for those who can walk more than one hour uphill without difficulty.
To reach the mountain lodge, you have to go up with the car along the Passo Falzarego for about nine kilometers, or five and a half miles, and park on the gravel parking of Fedaròla, which is on the left as you go up.
Parking is unfortunately one of the critical points for those who want to walk to the Dibona mountain lodge. Leave early in the morning to increase your chances of finding a free parking lot. If the parking is full, you can proceed for one and a half kilometers, or one mile, and you might find a spot in the lay-by named Cianzopè that is also free of charge.
If you don't have the car, it won't be easy to get there with public transportation; there are very few bus rides, only in the peak season, and they are filled with skiers.
Although we discourage it, you should take the skibus n°30-31 towards Falzarego Pass and ask the driver if he's willing to let you get off at the bus stop named Cason dei Caai, which is better known as the stop for the Rifugio Dibona.
As this is strictly a summer stop, he may refuse; in this case you have to get off earlier, at the bus stop Son dei Prade, and walk up one kilometer and a half, or a mile. Consider that there's only one bus ride that takes you back to the center.
For more information and to purchase tickets, you should contact the ticket office, which is located in the same office as the Tourist Information Center. It may be closed during lunch.
Once you get to the starting point, head towards the start of the road to the Rifugio Dibona, easily recognizable by the many signs and the wooden structure.
After about ten minutes of walking, you'll reach the alpine pasture of Fedaròla. The name of this place derives from féda, which in the dialect of Ampezzo means sheep. In fact, in these pastures, the farmers brought their sheep to graze in the past.
Another little curiosity: the locality of Armentarola, on the Falzarego Pass, takes its name from the dialect word arménta, which means cow. As you can imagine, in that case it was a cow pasture.
Continue along the road, which, besides being the only road where the snow is packed, is always well marked. Keep in mind that it's not a very long climb, but in some parts it could be quite steep, so go ahead with a slow and constant pace.
During the first part of the climb you'll be immersed in the woods, but at a certain point the panorama will open up, giving you a splendid view of Mount Tofana di Rozes. In about an hour you should see the mountain lodge, which will welcome you with a simple but high-quality menu.
In the past, the Rifugio Dibona used to organize dinners going up with snowmobiles, but since 2022 it has decided to stop. The decision has been made to allow guests to have a better relationship with nature, with as few noises from motor vehicles as possible.
As a result of this decision, the closure of the mountain lodge has been anticipated at 4 PM, and dinners are organized by reservation only.
Even if it is widely open, we recommend you visit the Facebook page of Rifugio Dibona for more info. In peak season, we recommend checking whether it is possible to book; in the low season, check whether it is actually open.
The descent from the mountain lodge may be along the same road, or you may descend with a sledge if you bring one with you. If you decide to reach the structure with ski mountaineering, it's also possible to connect to the ski slope of the Tofanina, from which you can reach the locality of Socrepes.
If you want to have a better idea of how the trail progresses, you can see the path on Google Maps by clicking here.
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Lake Ajal
Map
Path of the Hike
The hike to Lake Ajal is a quite challenging walk through the woods that will allow you to visit the suggestive Lago d'Ajal. It is not an excessively long walk, but it is definitely steep.
If you have the car, you can leave it in the large parking lot Parù de Col, but we chose to park further down the road, in the parking lot of the hydroelectric power plant of Campo di Sotto, at the beginning of the steep climb that leads to Lake Pianozes.
You could also decide to walk from the town center to Campo di Sotto in thirty minutes without a car. Another option is to take bus n°2 and get off at the stop of Campo di Sotto. For more information and to purchase tickets, you should contact the ticket office, which is located in the same office as the Tourist Information Center. It may be closed during lunch.
If you decide to park at Campo, you'll have to walk up the first climb, which is quite steep. Watch out for cars, and if the road is icy, on the edge of the road there's usually some gravel.
Once you reach the top of the climb, at the crossroads, keep right, continuing towards the Parù de Col parking area. Here is where you may have decided to park if you chose to avoid the first climb, getting about fifteen minutes closer to the destination.
Just beyond the parking lot you will find a well-marked crossroads; you must take the road that is straight ahead of you or, in different terms, the one on the right, which is also the steepest and least inviting.
Follow the only path with packed snow. After about thirty minutes, you will see a side path to the right, which would lead to Mortisa. Avoid it and continue straight, following the sign for Lago d'Ajal. At this point, you are well over halfway through the route.
Continue walking for about a kilometer, or two-third of a mile, along the last steep climb. Once you have overcome it, there will be a flat stretch. When you reach the crossroads of the Cason del Macaròn and Ciòu del Conte, turn left.
A few meters later, if the snow is not too high, you will see the restaurant appear behind a small hill. The lodge is accessible for most of the winter, but if you want to be sure it's open, we recommend calling ahead. Alternatively, you can find more information on the restaurant's Facebook page.
If you are considering the descent with the sled, be aware that it is a very steep road with a terrible surface. We recommend avoiding it. Maybe you could consider going down on ski mountaineering, but only if you are an expert mountaineer and the snow is still soft.
If you want to have a better idea of how the trail progresses, you can see the path on Google Maps by clicking here.
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Malga Federa
Map
Path of the Hike
The climb towards Malga Federa from Campo di Sotto is quite a challenging walk. In about two hours, you will gain seven hundred meters, or two thousand feet, in elevation in a constant ascent. The reward will be one of the most scenic mountain lodges in Cortina.
The best way to reach Campo di Sotto is by car, which you can park for free nearby the hydroelectric power plant, or you may prefer to get closer, driving up the steep road until the wide Parù de Col parking lot.
In peak season, both parking lots are taken by storm, so we recommend leaving early in the morning, even if you risk arriving at your destination too early. You can bet that drinking a glass while waiting for lunch with a view of the valley will not make you regret this choice.
If you don't have a car, you can walk from the town center to Campo di Sotto in about half an hour. Another option is to take bus n°2 and get off at the stop of Campo di Sotto.
For more information and to purchase tickets, you should contact the ticket office, which is located in the same office as the Tourist Information Center. It may be closed during lunch.
If you parked at Campo, you'll have to walk up the first climb, which is quite steep. Watch out for cars, and if the road is icy, keep to the edge of the road, where there's usually some gravel.
Once you reach the top of the climb, at the crossroads, keep right and continue towards the Parù de Col parking lot. This is the place where you can decide to park if you want to avoid the first climb and get about fifteen minutes closer to the destination.
Once you reach the parking lot, continue for a few meters until you reach the crossroads between Federa and the lake Lago d'Ajal. The signage is very clear; they should leave no room for doubt. However, turn left, following the wider and better-beaten road.
A long and steady climb awaits you, with some very steep sections and others almost flat, where you can catch your breath.
There is not much to say about the direction to follow; it is the only beaten path; you cannot go wrong. Try to remember to stay on the side of the road; in case there are sleds or skiers coming down, you will reduce the risks.
After walking for about an hour and a half, the forest will begin to thin out, and you will see Mount Becco di Mezzodì with its unique shape. This announces that you have almost reached your destination.
One last effort, and Malga Federa will be there to welcome you, with a traditional menu of excellent quality and a bar service open until the afternoon.
During peak season, the restaurant offers the possibility to have dinner, but in this case, we always recommend making a reservation. You should also check on the website of Malga Federa for availability during peak season and actual opening times during low season.
As already mentioned above, you may opt to go down with ski mountaineering or sledding; the latter is really fun, especially at night. You may want to avoid taking the sled if the snow is a sheet of ice.
If you want to have a better idea of how the trail progresses, you can see the path on Google Maps by clicking here.
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Rifugio Sennes Hütte
Map
Path of the Hike
The winter hike leading to the Sennes Hütte, the Austrian German name of the Rifugio Sennes, is quite demanding, so it's suitable only for those who are reasonably trained and have some experience with winter excursions. Due to a few very steep sections, it's advisable to bring ice crampons for your shoes.
The starting point of the hike is the Sant'Uberto parking area, which can be easily reached in about fifteen minutes by car. The parking lot is quite large, but it still fills up quickly because it's a very popular spot. We recommend getting there early in the morning, especially during the peak season.
If you prefer to use public transport, you can take bus n°445 towards Dobbiaco and get off at the bus stop of Podestagno. From there, you'll need to walk back ten minutes along the main road until you reach the Sant'Uberto parking area.
Unfortunately, buses do not run very frequently; there's approximately one bus every two hours. The number may increase during peak season, but it's not one of the best-served routes. For more information, we recommend contacting the ticket office, located inside the tourist information center in the town center. Be aware that it may close during lunch break.
Once you reach the parking area, head toward the barrier that blocks vehicle access. From here, there's only one groomed road; follow it, and you can't go wrong. While you walk up toward Malga Ra Stua, watch out for ski mountaineers or sleds that may be coming downhill.
This first part of the climb is very pleasant and should take around an hour and a half. It runs mostly through the forest, but just before the alpine pastures, the view opens up, offering a splendid panorama over the wide valley where Malga Ra Stua lies.
After passing the alpine hut, where you can take a short break, the path continues across the snow-covered pastures that would host grazing cows in the summer. There is only one groomed track, so as before, there's no risk of taking the wrong path.
Once you reach the junction of Ciampo de Crósc, continue straight toward Val Salata, along the generally most beaten trail. From here, the hike changes pace: the slope becomes quite steep and remains so for about forty minutes. If there's ice, remember to put on the crampons on your shoes.
After completing this challenging uphill section, the climb becomes gentler, and you'll be greeted by some breathtaking views. In our case, we were lucky enough to find a perfect day, which allowed us to take some truly striking photos.
Keep walking for another forty minutes along the only groomed road until you reach a junction that would lead you to the Rifugio Biella. This mountain lodge is closed in winter, but you may see some ski mountaineers heading in that direction. Ignore those tracks and continue straight ahead for the final ten minutes to your destination.
The Rifugio Sennes remains hidden behind a small rise until the very end, then appears on your left. It's a very popular spot, so we recommend arriving before peak hours if you want to find a table. This mountain lodge also offers overnight accommodation; for more information and to check opening periods, you can visit the Rifugio Sennes official website.
The return follows the same road you took on the way up and will take about two hours. If you plan to descend by sled or ski mountaineering, keep in mind that the road is very steep, so it's recommended only for experienced users. Also keep in mind that there are often hikers walking on the road.
If you'd like to take an overview of the route, you may check our track on Google Maps by clicking here.
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Go Down by Sled
Descending by sled from the mountain lodge is possible on almost all the hikes we have recommended. A fun ride can turn a simple winter walk into an unforgettable experience, but there are a few tips we'd like to share with you.
First of all, it's important that the sled has a strap. This makes it easier to carry uphill and allows you to hold on during the descent. We also recommend having a small carabiner and a piece of rope to attach to your backpack or around your waist during the climb.
Steering the sled is easy: to turn, use your heel and shift your body weight to the inside of the curve. To brake, simply use both feet. On steeper sections, it’s important to sit further back and pull the sled upward, braking not only with your feet but also by pressing the rear runners into the snow.
The required equipment is simple: a pair of good ski goggles and winter clothing. If you don't want to end up with your legs full of snow, try to use pants with an elastic cuff at the ankle. If you decide to go for a night sled ride, always remember to bring a powerful headlamp, fully charged and with spare batteries. If you don't consider enough the protection of the ski googles, you should also bring a ski helmet. For more safety recommendations, please refer to the final chapter.
If recent snowfall has been abundant, sledding will be fun and fairly safe, but if the snow is scarce and icy you need to be extremely careful! An icy surface makes it much harder to brake and turn, increasing the risk of hitting trees or persons. Be cautious, you can get hurt pretty badly on a sled, especially when the surface turns into a sheet of ice.
If you prefer to avoid the uphill walk, in some cases you can call the mountain hut and arrange an ascent by snowmobile, although fewer and fewer places offer this service. If you're interested, we recommend calling ahead to check whether the service is available.
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Fat Bike and Ski Mountaineering
The winter hikes we have discussed above do not necessarily have to be climbed by walking. For ski mountaineering enthusiasts, all four climbs to the mountain lodges can also be done on skis. This way, the descent will be much more fun. However, remember to pay attention to those who are walking up, especially behind the blind curves.
Check if the route is icy. If so, you need to be very careful, especially when you go down. If you are a beginner, always try to get someone with more experience to accompany you.
If you love two wheels, fat bikes make cycling enjoyable even in winter. All the climbs to the mountain lodges we described can also be ridden.
However, due to the slopes, you'll likely need a pedal-assisted bike and some experience with this sport. Remember to check that the conditions are ideal for cycling; if there is ice, studded tires are essential.
If you want to try ski mountaineering or fat biking but have neither the experience nor the equipment, before spending the money to buy it, you may want to visit a rental service, where they will provide you with everything you need to try.
In case you want to venture to less touristy places, due to the different risks related to snow and its conditions, we strongly recommend that you be accompanied by an alpine guide.
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Final Thoughts
In this final chapter, we want to deepen the topic of winter hiking with some useful advice for those who are not used to going to the mountains in winter. First and foremost, when walking in the snow, it is important to have proper footwear. Shoes should be warm and comfortable, with a sculpted sole, and designed for walking on snow.
... shoes should be warm and comfortable ...
Socks must be warm and long, and the clothing must be indicated for winter, not too heavy, and with the possibility to remove one layer if you feel too warm. If it's very cold, remember to cover your hands and head with gloves and a cap. Since you'll be very dressed, it's likely that you will sweat a lot. Always bring a spare shirt.
It's often possible to find ice; to avoid slipping, we strongly recommend the purchase of snow crampons for your shoes in a specialized sports store. Sometimes the use of snowshoes is suggested. We recommend you use this accessory only in case you want to walk in plenty of fresh and soft snow. If you walk on packed snow, they are not recommended because they only make walking more difficult; use snow crampons instead.
Consider that the ascent in the snow is more tiring than the ascent on asphalt, so bring with you water and a snack, even for short trips. If you plan to stop in a mountain lodge to have fun, always take a head flashlight; the days are short, and you may lose track of time, especially when the grappa starts arriving.
We always recommend calling in peak season to book if the facility allows it and in low season to check the actual opening. In less crowded months, many activities are only open on weekends. If you have not booked, we recommend bringing something to eat in your backpack. If by chance there is no place immediately available, at least you will not go hungry.
... it is forbidden to use ski slopes by any means, including on foot, with skimo, or on fat bikes. ...
When walking on the groomed snow tracks, be aware that there are also snowmobiles, skiers, and sleds. Remember that it is forbidden to walk and ride fat bikes along the ski slopes and also to go up with ski mountaineering along downhill trails. Try to walk on the edge of the road. For the rest, the suggestions are the same that we have given on this page for beginner hikers, which you can find below:
When it has recently snowed, especially with heavy precipitation, the parking lots will probably not be clean. You should also remember that the snow on the roads for the mountain lodges may not have been packed. As always, before having any nasty surprises, make a phone call first.
Always be responsible, and when in doubt, stop. CiaoCortina cannot be held responsible for any damage to things or people, variations, wrong paths, errors, or inconveniences that may occur along the route.
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Conclusion
We hope you liked this page about the best winter hikes in Cortina. Before saying goodbye, we would like to mention that you can find other amazing hikes in Cortina and its surroundings by clicking here.
If you want to thank us, you can read the page Support Us. If you only want to suggest a change, propose something, or just say hello, in the section Contacts and Info, you'll find all the ways to reach us.