10 scenic snowshoeing tours in Cortina
There are many snowshoeing tours in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Known as the Queen of the Dolomites, Cortina is the perfect destination for those who love the mountains in winter. Its majestic peaks, enchanted forests, and snow-covered valleys offer a unique setting for those who want to explore nature with snowshoes – or “ciaspe” as they are also called.
Updated for the 2025/2026 winter season.
Besides skiing, Cortina offers many other winter entertainment options and opportunities to connect with nature, including snowshoeing. Snowshoes, or “racchette da neve” in Italian, are devices that attach to shoes and allow walking on snow without sinking, either following beaten paths or creating your trail. Snowshoeing is suitable for everyone, including children, and does not require specific technical skills—just a desire to discover the mountains in all their beauty and breathe fresh air.
In this article, I suggest ten snowshoeing tours in Cortina d’Ampezzo, among the most beautiful and captivating in this area. Each excursion has its charm and difficulty level; however, all are relatively easy and offer breathtaking views of the Dolomite peaks and snow-covered forests. Before embarking on these adventures, remember to check the weather conditions and avalanche bulletin, and rely on an experienced mountain guide if you are unsure about the route to follow. If you want to delve deeper into the topic, here’s an article on snowshoeing.
1. Fedare
I begin this brief list with a short walk accessible to everyone yet still located in a magnificent Dolomites area. The green meadows of Fedare (from the Ladin word “fèda,” meaning “sheep”) covered in a pristine snowy blanket in winter are situated just below Passo Giau, heading west. Although we venture beyond the borders of Cortina d’Ampezzo, we won’t stray too far.
The route unfolds across open and sunny terrain, offering ample possibilities for more or less extended variations.
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 180 meters
Average Time: 2 hours
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2. Pousa Marza
The Pousa Marza area is located on the eastern edges of the Dolomiti d’Ampezzo Natural Park. A snowshoeing excursion to Pousa Marza is among Cortina’s most beautiful snowshoeing tours. A less frequented location, it offers dreamlike scenery.
The initial ascent has a significant incline; however, you shouldn’t be discouraged, as the steep section is short. As we know, some time is needed to tune muscles and the “engine.”
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 990 feet
Average Time: 2.5 – 3 hours
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3. Refuge Dibona from Cian Zopè
Among the must-try snowshoeing tours in Cortina, the itinerary from Cian Zopè to the Dibona Refuge stands out. Nestled at the base of the imposing south wall of Tofana di Rozes, this adventure ranks among the classic outings in Cortina. It provides the opportunity to encounter agile chamois, which are particularly abundant in this captivating Dolomite area.
With luck and frequent glances at the sky, you might even be fortunate enough to spot the golden eagle, which has chosen to nest in this splendid territory. Prepare yourself to embark on an extraordinary journey through breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable encounters, fully experiencing the essence of snowshoeing in Cortina.
Difficulty: Easy ascent but steep – Very steep descent
Elevation Gain: 1200 feet
Average Time: 3 hours
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4. Becco and Muraglia di Giau
Another magnificent snowshoeing journey, ideal for exploring the hidden corners of the Dolomites, is undoubtedly the one leading to Becco Muraglia and the evocative remains of the Muraglia di Giau.
This route, immersed in the tranquility of nature, unveils the beauty of the landscape, while the Muraglia di Giau, now embraced by vegetation and marked by time, even when buried in snow, adds a touch of mystery and history to the experience. It is an unforgettable journey to discover the lesser-known treasures of Cortina for those who wish to fully embrace the magic of snowshoeing in this mountain paradise. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful snowshoeing excursions in Cortina.
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 660 feet
Average Time: 2 hours
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5. From Pezié de Parù to Cortina city center
I add to this brief list another beautiful snowshoeing tour: a charming walk through the woods at the foot of Becco d’Aial. This excursion is perfect when snow falls and weather conditions do not allow for high-altitude routes.
Indeed, when clouds envelop the sky and obscure the spectacular views of the Dolomites, limited visibility can turn into a risk due to difficulties in orientation. In these circumstances, choosing one of the numerous paths winding through the quiet coniferous forests surrounding the Cortina Valley is preferable. With a bit of luck along the way, you might also have the opportunity to encounter the noble inhabitants of the forest: roe deer.
Difficulty: Easy
Descent Elevation: 890 feet
Average Time: 2.5 – 3 hours
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6. In the Val Fonda
The snowshoeing excursion in Val Fonda is an excellent alternative for those seeking a non-steep path, free from fatigue and orientation issues. However, it’s important to note that if you are looking for the sun’s warmth, this route may not be the most suitable choice, as it winds through the bottom of Val Fonda in the shadow of the imposing peaks of the Monte Cristallo group that dominate the valley.
The itinerary’s flexibility is a strength, as it is not a loop trail, allowing everyone to decide how far to proceed or backtrack at any given moment.
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: Maximum 820 feet (the elevation gain varies depending on how far we want to venture into Val Fonda)
Time: 1 hour – 2.5 hours (the time varies depending on how far we want to venture into Val Fonda)
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7. Monte Piana and Monte Piano
Monte Piana (Flat Mount), located in the Belluno Dolomites, is a fascinating destination thanks to its 360-degree panorama that embraces the most beautiful peaks. This mountain, standing at 2,324 meters, lies on the border between the provinces of Belluno and Alto Adige. It is a place of memory and history of the tragic events of the last century, where more than 14,000 soldiers lost their lives during the Great War.
A snowmobile transport service allows reaching the starting point of the snowshoeing tour to Monte Piana. Of course, one can also hike up, but considering the 560 meters of elevation gain and the trail length (6 km), I suggest using the snowmobile. This way, you can spend more time on Monte Piana walking in a magnificent environment. The descent can then be done on foot, by snowmobile, or with a sled, provided and included in the transport price (25 Euros per person – year 2024).
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain from Rifugio Bosi: Approximately 160 meters.
Time: 2 hours (time varies depending on how much we want to wander around Monte Piana and Monte Piano).
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8. Snowshoeing in the Great War Sites
Embark on a serene and captivating snowshoe adventure through the remarkable Great War sites, leading you to Edelweiss Stellung, known as the “Alpine Star Outpost.” This historic site once served as a military village, home to several barracks strategically positioned in the mountains. Thanks to the unwavering dedication of local volunteers, six of these barracks have been carefully reconstructed, allowing visitors to glimpse life as it once was.
Although access to the interiors remains closed during the winter months, the experience of wandering through these war-torn landscapes on snowshoes is both moving and enriching. The serene, snow-covered surroundings offer a perfect backdrop to reflect on the past while immersing yourself in the incredible natural beauty of the Dolomites. This snowshoeing tour is a journey through history and an opportunity to connect deeply with the land that once witnessed such a significant chapter in history.
Difficulty: Easy
Descent Elevation: 290 feet
Average Time: 2 hours
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9. With snowshoes in the shadow of Col Drusciè
This low-altitude route can be enjoyed even after light snowfalls, as the area’s limited exposure to sunlight prevents the snow from melting quickly, ensuring an excellent base layer for walking.
The trail mainly winds through the shaded slopes of Col Drusciè, surrounded by the towering conifers that populate the peaceful forests at the foot of Tofana di Mezzo and the Crepe de Cianderòu. In this enchanting corner of nature, you’ll also find the beautiful mirror-like waters of Lago Ghedina, adding a touch of magic to the hike. If weather conditions prevent higher-altitude routes, this forest walk—especially while snow is falling—offers a unique experience. Ideal for snowshoeing tours, walking in the hushed silence of falling snow creates a captivating atmosphere, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature, making this route a worthwhile and fascinating alternative.
Difficulty: easy (moderate with deep snow)
Elevation gain (descent): approximately 1,500 feet
Duration: 2.5 – 3.0 hours
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End of the list of the 7 snowshoeing excursions in Cortina.
This is just a brief list of easy snowshoeing excursions in Cortina, but there are truly numerous itineraries. On this page, I have highlighted some of the easiest ones, but those who are more experienced will find numerous challenging snowshoeing excursions in Cortina. Have fun!
10. Snowshoeing at the Tre Cime
A snowshoeing hike at the Tre Cime di Lavaredo is a unique experience that immerses you in the Dolomites’ unspoiled beauty, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In winter, this stunning area is not very crowded, offering an atmosphere of tranquility and serenity. In contrast, in summer, the Tre Cime are overrun by a flood of tourists that invade the area, distorting its natural beauty.
The hike is suitable for everyone and provides a unique opportunity to admire the majesty of these mountains in an untouched environment, far from mass tourism. It is an adventure that offers unforgettable emotions amid nature, history, and spectacular landscapes.
Difficulty: easy
Elevation gain: about 390 feet
Duration: 2.5 – 3.0 hours
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FAQ – Snowshoeing in Cortina
No, you don’t need any experience. The routes are chosen according to the group’s level, and the mountain guide ensures a suitable pace, safety, and proper orientation at all times.
It depends on snow conditions, but snowshoeing is usually possible from December to March. The guide evaluates the conditions day by day to ensure safety.
Yes, the mountain guide provides snowshoes and poles. You only need warm clothing, gloves, a hat, and winter hiking boots.