The remains of the Conturines bear were found on the Piz Cunturines or Conturines, the highest peak of the Fanes group
Image gallery: Piz Cunturines
The 3,064-m high Piz Conturines in the Fanes-Senes-Braies nature park is the highest summit of the Fanes group in the Dolomites. The Piz Lavarela, an other impressive peak, rises north of the Piz Cunturines. It was first scaled in 1880 and today it can be climbed via the famous sentiero Conturines or the via ferrata Tru-Dolomieu on the eastern rock wall.
The tour starts in San Cassiano in Val Badia where this mountain is known as Piz dles Conturines. The path leading up to the summit leads past the Capanna Alpina (1,726 m a.s.l.) and through the high-alpine valle Conturines with the eponymous lake and can be completed in 7.5 hours of walking. As you approach the peak the typical foresummit of the Piz Conturines comes into sight. A via ferrata runs along the final section.
Besides being a sought-after destination for passionate alpinists, the Piz Cunturines is also a famous for being the highest excavation site for the remains of cave lions and bears in the world. Also the remains of the Ursus ladinicus, which are now exhibited in the Museum Ladin – Ursus Ladinicus in San Cassiano were found here in 1987.
