Ski tour to the Cristallo saddle

Driving through the Landro valley near Dobbiaco until Carbonin, we turn off left towards Misurina. After about one km we reach a parking space on the right side of the road, shortly before the Marogna bridge.

From here, we hike on our skis towards southwest, enjoying the view of the impressive Cristallo massif. 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 key passage of this ski tour is a narrow ravine, which we have to cross by foot at its steepest point.

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

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

Author: BS