Cinque Torri and Nuvolau

The Cinque Torri (Five Towers) are one of the most famous places in the Dolomites and this is one of the most classic snowshoe hikes. The variety of landscapes, the magnificent views, the low difficulty and the high number of visitors make this snowshoe hike perfect for beginners, but also very satisfying for the more experienced. I love this excursion, especially in winter, so much so that it has become my favourite snowshoe hike to take clients on. Nowadays, I do it on average 3-4 times a week in winter! Despite this, I never get tired of it. The views are always exciting, different every time due to the different snow accumulation, the different light and the different company.

One of the reasons why I prefer this excursion when accompanying my clients is its flexibility: I can adapt it to suit the people I am with, deciding how far to go and when to turn back. I have taken fit clients to the top of Nuvolau, while other times I have only climbed as far as the Scoiattoli refuge, then descended by chairlift. But even just doing the shorter route is very satisfying! Another point in its favour is the presence of refuges. This may seem strange to those who frequent the mountains, but for those who are not used to it, having a toilet available is essential! Moreover, it is almost always a safe place from avalanche risk. When I don't trust going elsewhere, I feel more at ease here (with the necessary precautions!). Finally, and not to be overlooked, it allows those arriving from the other side of the world to see the best of the Dolomites with relatively little effort!

I therefore believe that this is the ideal snowshoe hike for those who have never been to the Dolomites (or know little about them), are fit but have little experience, and want to experience the best of the best in one day. That doesn't mean it isn't a wonderful experience for more experienced hikers too, who can enjoy a day that isn't too demanding.

Length: 12 km

Elevation gain: 750 m

Difficulty: medium

Estimated time: 5/6 hours

Minimum altitude: car park, 1880 m

Maximum altitude: Nuvolau mountain hut, 2575 m

Support points: Scoiattoli mountain hut, Averau mountain hut

Itinerary

The starting point for this excursion is the car park at the Bai de Dones mountain hut. Driving up from Cortina to Passo Falzarego, after about 20 minutes of hairpin bends, you will see lots of flags and a photo of the Cinque Torri on your left. The car park is large, but it fills up quickly at weekends and on public holidays, so it is best to arrive before the chairlift opens. Parking is free (at least for now, in 2026), and you can have a coffee and use the refuge's bathroom before putting on your snowshoes.

With the restaurant in front of you and the car park behind you, you will need to climb the first few metres of the ski slope on your left, heading straight towards the woods. This path is very popular, so it is always well trodden, unless it has snowed a few hours earlier. Follow the tracks of other hikers entering the woods. The trail is number 424, and you will find clear red and white markings on the trees. In a very short time, you will arrive at Lake Dones, which is only a small pond but very picturesque due to its reflection: from the side where we are, we can see Mount Averau, which we will reach, reflected in the water, while if we walk around the lake, we will see the Tofana di Rozes reflected.

A little further on, we will find a signpost and a fork in the road: ignore the path that descends (it rejoins the main road and could be a good starting point if the chairlift car park is full) and continue straight on along path 425. A little further on, you will find another unmarked fork in the path, with one path leading straight up a steep climb and the other going around it to the left. I have often seen people hesitating at this point, but choose whichever you prefer, as they rejoin a little further on!

We now pass under the cable car, an excellent vantage point for a photo of the Tofana. We now begin a steeper climb, so if you have heel lifts on your snowshoes, now is the time to try them out! The trail continues pleasantly through the woods, alternating between a few steep sections and gentler stretches. The woods here are magnificent, especially when covered in white snow. Can you tell the difference between larch, fir and the majestic Swiss pine?

At around 2,050 metres, the trail joins a wider road. We are now on the carriage road that leads to the Cinque Torri mountain hut. Yes, you heard right: in summer, you can drive up here! We follow the gently sloping road to the hut. The first 'wow moment' of the day comes when the forest suddenly opens up, revealing the view before us. Here, it is essential to take a break to take photographs and admire the peaks of Croda da Lago, the Lastoi di Formin plateau and the pyramid of Antelao. To our left, we can see Torre Grande, and if we look closely, we can already see the summit of Nuvolau! It will take about 1 hour/1 hour and a half to get here.

Once past the Cinque Torri refuge (closed in winter), there are two options: one faster and one more scenic. The first option is to follow the forest road (trail 437), which takes about 45 minutes to reach the Scoiattoli refuge. Although it is a forest road, it can be treacherous in places. Be careful in case of avalanche risk on the slope above, which could cause a slide. Furthermore, if there is a lot of accumulated snow, the road may become a narrow path cutting across the snowy ridge, which is a bit difficult to walk on with snowshoes and risky in case of avalanche danger.

The second option involves passing between the Towers. This path is very picturesque, but should be avoided in case of avalanche risk or heavy snow accumulation. It should also be avoided in spring: in winter, large icicles form on the Towers, and you don't want them to break just as you pass underneath! Leave it alone if you are not familiar with snowshoes, as there are a couple of points that require some experience. Finally, it is not easy to identify the trail, so if you are not familiar with the area, I recommend it only if there are already tracks. So, if conditions are good, climb directly towards the Torre Grande above you (signs for the rock climbing area), and then skirt the towers on the right-hand side. The view here is magnificent, and the trail is poetic. After the winding climb, head straight towards the heart of the Towers and, after passing a short but very steep section, slip between two of them. Once you come out on the other side, continue along the trail to the refuge. If the snow allows it, you can reach the best vantage point on the Towers and see the war huts.

Whenever possible, I choose to ascend via the second route and descend via the first. Once we reach the Scoiattoli refuge, we find ourselves catapulted into another world: we are now in the Cortina of luxury and pleasure: the music is loud, skiers stop for a spritz or bombardino, and many tourists take the chairlift up here just to take a photo of the Towers. The restaurant is very good, but I don't recommend stopping for too long if you want to continue climbing! Now we have to walk along the ski slope, following a path that is specially groomed for hikers and ski mountaineers and leads to the Averau refuge in about 45 minutes. However, pay attention to the skiers: some want to experience the thrill of 'off-piste' skiing and speed down the path reserved for hikers.

Once you reach the Averau refuge, a new view opens up: you now have the Marmolada and Civetta mountains in front of you. To the left of the refuge, you can see a clear rocky step topped by a long slope. We now have to climb this step and follow the slope to its top. This last stretch (about 45 minutes) is truly exciting: the Averau behind us is magnificent, the Torri now seem tiny, and you can see the centre of Cortina and distinguish its church with its green roof. There are often many tracks here, so choose the one that seems easiest and head for the top. Do not get too close to the overhangs on the sides, as you do not know how big the snow cornice is! The last few metres to the refuge, where in summer there is about 10 metres of space between one cliff and another, can become treacherous with large accumulations of snow, turning into a narrow and very exposed stretch. If it has snowed heavily recently or there is a risk of avalanches, do not be tempted by the proximity of your destination: give up.

The arrival at the Nuvolau refuge, an eagle's nest at 2,575 metres, is truly thrilling. The view stretches 360° and encompasses all the most beautiful and famous Dolomites: it feels like being on top of the world. The descent follows the same route as the ascent.

Can I do it in other seasons?

The itinerary proposed here is a snowshoe hike, so the best time to do it is from December to March. Obviously, every season is different. I have done this route in early May with snowshoes and in late January without them. Always assess the weather conditions and the amount of snow before setting off. You can walk this trail in any season, taking the necessary precautions. However, in the absence of snow, there are other routes that I consider better, especially for the possibility of doing circular routes.

To see the Cinque Torri and Nuvolau in summer or autumn, I suggest three different itineraries: from Passo Giau, wonderful, moderately frequented, of medium difficulty; from Passo Falzarego, more tiring and challenging, less frequented; from De Dones with a circular route, the best known, perfect if you want to skip a section using the chairlift.

As for spring (April-May), it is generally passable, perhaps excluding the climb to Nuvolau. Remember that spring is a season of avalanches, and you must pay the utmost attention. However, I recommend routes at lower altitudes.

The mountain huts are open from around the beginning of June to the end of September (all 4) and from the beginning of December to the end of March (only Scoiattoli and Averau).

Variants

In addition to the summer routes mentioned above, there are no other safe paths to reach the Towers in winter. The only alternative is to walk the entire length of the road leading to the Cinque Torri refuge, but I don't think it's worth it.

The descent along trail 440 is not recommended, nor is trail 452 from Passo Giau (which I often see people taking, to my horror. A few years ago, someone died on this stretch, so don't take the risk!).

Instead, a valid alternative is to climb up to the Averau refuge starting from the Fedare refuge (but skipping the Towers).

Map and route

If you want a paper map, I recommend Tabacco 003, Cortina. However, I suggest a good mobile app with GPX tracking.

Cinque Torri e Nuvolau.gpx

Download GPX • 75KB

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With the guide

Why take this guided tour if you already have all the information? First of all, if you are not familiar with snowy environments, if you do not know how to assess avalanche risk, if you do not know the area and if you have never worn snowshoes, I do not recommend venturing out into the snow alone. The mountains in winter are dangerous and a mistake can be fatal. During the winter season, there are many mountain rescues, knowledge of the environment and respect for one's limits are increasingly neglected, so even thinking 'I'll follow the others' does not keep you safe. A guide, on the other hand, is an expert on the area and will guide you safely on this or other routes according to the conditions at the time and your level of preparation. If they consider this route dangerous, they will suggest an alternative one, so you don't waste your day!

In addition, the guide will accompany you beyond simply admiring the landscape: they will show you, teach you and explain what surrounds us. What mountain is that? What animals live in the forest? Why are the Dolomites special? The guide will answer your questions and help you discover the history and unique features of the place. This way, your day in the Dolomites will not just be a walk in the snow but a real experience that you will remember forever.

The guide will help you choose the right equipment and can hire you snowshoes and poles, as well as advise you on where to hire hiking boots and clothing. For certain locations, I offer a transport service from your hotel. This means you don't have to worry about driving, the route or equipment, and you can enjoy the day without any worries!

To book this or other excursions with me, visit the TAILOR-MADE EXCURSIONS page.

Disclaimer

This post was written based on my personal experience in the mountains.

You can use the information provided and the GPX track at your own risk; I accept no responsibility. Remember that the mountains are unforgiving.

Before setting off on your own, study the route carefully, check the weather and snow conditions, and make sure you have the appropriate equipment and clothing. If you are not an expert, do not go alone, but contact a guide.