First World War Tour: skiing between history and nature

7/8 hours long, it covers the skiing resorts of Civetta, Cortina (Lagazuoi, 5 Torri, Giau Pass), Alta Badia and Arabba, and it can be done clockwise (blue arrows) or counterclockwise (red arrows) in one day, starting within 8.30 a.m. It’s recommended for expert skiers and snowboarders only. From Val di Fassa, the access points are Fedaia Pass or Pordoi Pass/Arabba, reachable by car or skiing from Canazei-Col dei Rossi. 

Both directions include the ascent by cable car from Falzarego Pass to Lagazuoi, at 2,752 m of altitude. During the ascent, you can catch sight of the Italian mine tunnel’s embrasures and of Tre Sassi Fort at Valparola Pass. On the ridge of Piccolo Lagazuoi, you’ll find the Austrian stationing Feldwache 4, the only one in the front line reachable on ski and that can be visited during winter as well. 

First World War ski route clockwise (red): length 80 km; skiing about 40 km. The 8.5 km red slope descends from Lagazuoi’s summit to Armentarola, in Alta Badia. From Capanna Alpina hut, you get pulled by horses for 1.5 km up to Ponte Sarè, then proceed towards Piz Sorega. The Serrai of Sottoguda are closed.

First World War ski route counterclockwise (blue): length 78/100 km; skiing 25/41 km. Marmolada, the Queen of the Dolomites, is one of White War’s symbols, with its legendary Ice City. The 8 km slope descends along the sides of the glacier from Punta Rocca, at 3,240 m of altitude, the tour’s highest point, to Malga Ciapela, with an elevation difference of 1,184 m. 

Dolomiti Superski ski pass required. Skibus and horse-pulled stretches are for a fee (tickets can be bought on site).