Rifugio Averau among nature and breathtaking views

Why is Rifugio Averau one of the most suggestive places in the Dolomites?

Rifugio Averau is one of the most fascinating viewpoints in the Dolomites, located at Forcella Nuvolau, in the area between Lagazuoi - 5 Torri - Passo Giau, straddling the municipalities of Colle Santa Lucia and Cortina d'Ampezzo. Its spectacular position allows visitors to admire some of the most iconic peaks of the Dolomite arch, making the visit a memorable experience for hikers, skiers, and mountain lovers.

What makes Rifugio Averau special is its authentic and traditional character: a place where the mountains are truly experienced, away from the chaos and fully immersed in nature. The warm and welcoming atmosphere of the refuge, combined with the breathtaking view of the Cinque Torri and the Ampezzo basin, attracts tourists from all over Europe every year.

A fundamental detail: the refuge is not reachable by car, a choice that preserves its authenticity and allows visitors to experience the mountains in their purest form.

How to reach Rifugio Averau in winter?

Reaching Rifugio Averau in winter is an exciting adventure, made possible by the ski lifts and groomed trails.

During the winter season, it is possible to park in several strategic points:

Bai de Dones (5 Torri Chairlift) Passo Falzarego Rifugio Fedare on the Giau side

Where to park starting from Cortina d'Ampezzo

Following the SR 48 of the Dolomites towards Passo Falzarego:

At 8.6 km: Son dei Prade parking, then Cortina Skyline cable car. At 12.5 km: Bai de Dones parking / 5 Torri Chairlift. At 17.4 km: Passo Falzarego parking.

Where to park coming from Val Badia

Traveling along the SP 24 of Valparola to Falzarego, then:

Stop at the pass or Descend 4.8 km towards Cortina to Bai de Dones parking.

Where to park coming from Alleghe

Traveling along SR 203 and then SP 20 to Selva di Cadore, then SP 638 of Passo Giau for 7 km. The recommended parking is at Rifugio Fedare.

How to arrive by ski

Rifugio Averau is one of the central points of the famous Great War Tour:

From Cortina: ascent from Tofana, then Skyline cable car and 5 Torri lifts. From Val Badia: clockwise route. From Civetta: counterclockwise route. From Arabba: both directions possible.

How to arrive by lifts

From Son dei Prade: Skyline cable car ➜ Bai de Dones ➜ 5 Torri chairlift ➜ Rifugio Scoiattoli ➜ short ascent of 1 km (elevation gain 188 m, 30 min). From Bai de Dones: 5 Torri chairlift ➜ Rifugio Scoiattoli ➜ groomed trail. From Rifugio Fedare: Fedare lift.

How to arrive on foot, with snowshoes or skins

From Bai de Dones: trails 425 and 439, 4 km, 524 m elevation gain, 2h15. From Rifugio Fedare: trail 464, 2.2 km, 413 m elevation gain, 1h45. From Cianzopè: 6 km, 720 m elevation gain, 2h30. From Rifugio Scoiattoli: 1 km, 188 m elevation gain, 30 min.

How to reach Rifugio Averau in summer?

In summer, the refuge is reachable on foot or by lifts, starting from various panoramic points in the Dolomites.

Where to park

Bai de Dones (5 Torri Chairlift) Passo Falzarego Passo Giau Rifugio Fedare Cianzopè

Starting from Cortina d'Ampezzo

Continuing on SR 48 towards Passo Falzarego:

Park at Bai de Dones at 12.5 km. Or continue to Falzarego parking. Alternatively: Cianzopè parking.

From Val Badia

Same winter itinerary to Falzarego, then Bai de Dones or parking at the pass.

From Alleghe

SR 203 to Caprile ➜ SP 20 ➜ Selva di Cadore ➜ SP 638 of Giau ➜ Fedare or Passo Giau parking.

Summer hiking trails

From Bai de Dones: trails 425 and 439, 4 km, 524 m elevation gain, 2h15. From Passo Falzarego: trail 441, 3.8 km, 312 m elevation gain, 1h45. From Passo Giau: trail 452, 2 km, 177 m elevation gain, 1h45. From Rifugio Fedare: trail 464, 2.2 km, 413 m elevation gain, 1h45. From Cianzopè: trail 439, 5.3 km, 693 m elevation gain, 2h30. From Rifugio Scoiattoli: trail 439, 1 km, 188 m elevation gain, 30 min. From Rifugio Lagazuoi: trails 401 ➜ 402 ➜ 441, 6.5 km, 647 m descent, 312 m ascent, 3h30. From Andraz: trail 441, 4.3 km, 274 m elevation gain, 2h. From Ponte di Ru Curto: 437 ➜ Rifugio 5 Torri ➜ 439, 3.9 km, 718 m elevation gain, 2h45.

What is the experience like at Rifugio Averau for those who love trekking, skiing, and unique views?

Rifugio Averau is a paradise for those who love the mountains in all their forms. In winter, it is a perfect spot for skiing in the 5 Torri - Lagazuoi - Col Gallina area, among panoramic slopes and trails linked to the history of the Great War.

In summer, it becomes the ideal base for excursions to Nuvolau, Cinque Torri, Passo Giau, Lagazuoi, and the open-air museums of the First World War.

The view from the refuge's terrace is among the most famous in the Dolomites, with a breathtaking panorama that opens up to Marmolada, Civetta, Pelmo, Tofane, and Croda da Lago. Every moment of the day offers different colors, from the red of the enrosadira to the starry skies of the night.

What activities can be done around Rifugio Averau?

There are numerous activities suitable for all ages:

Panoramic trekking. Historical itineraries of the Great War. Climbing on the Cinque Torri. Via ferratas in the Lagazuoi - Nuvolau area. Mountain biking along technical and panoramic routes. Adrenaline descents towards Fedare. Ski connections to Lagazuoi and the famous Armentarola.

Mountain biking

From Alleghe, along the Strada della Vena. From Cortina, a ring route: Falzarego ➜ Cianzopè ➜ 5 Torri ➜ Forcella Nuvolau ➜ Fedare ➜ Passo Giau ➜ Cortina. From Fanes, as a stage of the Transalp Dolomiti.

Jeep shuttle

Service available by reservation during peak periods.

Helicopter

Scenic transfers possible from Val Badia and Val Gardena.

Why is Rifugio Averau a must-visit for tourists?

Rifugio Averau represents one of the most genuine experiences in the Dolomites: a place reachable only on foot or by lifts, where nature, views, and tradition blend uniquely. Its privileged position between 5 Torri, Passo Falzarego, and Passo Giau makes it an extraordinary viewpoint and a crossroads of spectacular paths for hikers, skiers, and mountain lovers.