Ski tour to the Forcella del Cristallo

This challenging ski mountaineering tour in the Cristallo mountain massive leads us to one of the most beautiful mountain passes in the Dolomites.

Driving through the Valle di Landro near Dobbiaco until Carbonin, we turn off left towards Misurina. After about 1 kilometre we reach a parking space on the right side of the road, shortly before the Ponte del Marogna.

From here, we hike on our skis towards South-West, enjoying the view of the impressive Cristallo mountain massive. Having crossed the valley bottom along the Rio Val Fonda we continue towards the narrow “gate“ to the Val Fonda. We cross the river twice until we reach an impressive basin with a gentle gradient. The crux of this tour is a narrow ravine, which we have to cross by foot at its steepest point.

Having passed the crux, we arrive at the Circo Del Cristallo, a beautiful cirque with wonderful powder snow slopes. From here, we have to hike other 700 metres of altitude until we reach our destination between Mount Cristallo and Piz Popena. Having crossed the last steep slope (ski crampons are recommended!), we finally reach the Forcella del Cristallo (2,808 metres asl). We descend on our skis on the ascent route, paying attention not to miss the crux, the narrow ravine, which is the only way back to the Val Fonda.

Please note: This ski tour in the heart of the Cristallo massive is of moderate difficulty. Only the crux of the route, the narrow ravine, is quite difficult for both the ascent and the descent (ski crampons are recommended on the ascent). Since there is an elevated avalanche risk this tour requests very safe snow conditions.

Author: BS

When you plan to do this skiing tour, please inform yourself on the weather and snow conditions and the avalanche risk. It is essential to carefully plan your tour and use detailed maps as well as the right technical equipment (avalanche transceiver, probe, avalanche shovel)!

Starting point: Carbonin/Misurina, Ponte del Marogna (1,478 metres asl)
Level of difficulty: moderate tour to one of the most impressive mountain passes with difficult crux
Trail route: Ponte del Marogna - Val Fonda - Circo del Cristallo - Forcella del Cristallo - Val Fonda - parking space Marogna
Time for ascent: approx. 4 - 4.5 hours
Orientation of the slopes: North, North-East
Altitude difference: 1,330 metres asl
Experienced in: January 2011
More information: tourist board Dobbiaco, tel. +39 0474 972132, e-mail: info@toblach.info