Monte Cristallo

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Location

Cortina d'Ampezzo
Italy
46° 34' 59.9988" N, 12° 10' 59.9988" E
IT
General info: 

Monte Cristallo (3,221 m) is the highest peak of the Cristallo mountain group in the Italian Dolomites. The mountain group is a long, indented ridge with four summits higher than 3,000 metres. Cima di Mezzo (3,154 m) and Cristallino d'Ampezzo (3,008 m) can be reached by via ferratas, while Monte Cristallo and Piz Popena (3,153 m) both require climbing skills.

ACCESS
A cable lift system starts from Rio Gere in Cortina d'Ampezzo, first a lift to Rifugio Son Forca at the upper end of Val Padeon. The gondola lift up to Forcella Staunies (2919 m), close to Rifugio G. Lorenzi (2.932 m), was built for the Winter Olympics in Cortina in 1956.
Through the eastern part of the massif goes the Dolomite Highway number 3.

VIA FERRATAS
The two via ferratas VF Ivano Dibona and VF Marino Bianchi both start from the top of the cable car at Forcella Staunies. VF Marino Bianchi can be followed to the peak Cima di Mezzo.[4]
VF Ivano Dibona follows the Zurlon-ridge. It is a historical route used in World War I, and later restored and made safe for tourists.[5][6] At the beginning is the longest via ferrata suspension bridge in the Dolomites, the 27 metre long Ponte Cristallo.[4][6]

CABINS (RIFUGI) AND RESTAURANTS
Some of the cabins and restaurants available are the Rifugio Son Forca at 2,235 m; Capanna Guido Lorenzi at 3,003 m (Auronzo di Cadore); Ristorante Rio Gere at 1,680 m; Ristorante Lago Scin at 1,336 m; Ristorante Staulin at 1,370 m; Ristorante Son Zuogo at 1,800 m.

In 1993 the film Cliffhanger was shot on and around the bridge on the Zurlon-ridge, as well as some of the other peaks in the area.

Getting there: 

A cable lift system starts from Rio Gere in Cortina d'Ampezzo, first a lift to Rifugio Son Forca at the upper end of Val Padeon. From there you can take a gondola lift up to Forcella Staunies (2919 m), close to Rifugio G. Lorenzi (2.932 m).

Interesting places nearby

Each time you arrive on the Gitschberg, you'll have to take a break, even if you're a ski or snowboard fanatic. And there's a good reason: to enjoy the view from this panoramic terrace and the feeling of limitless freedom.

BASE: 3215ft
SUMMIT: 6889ft
VERTICAL DROP: 0ft

NO. OF. LIFTS: 6
Gondolas: 1
Chairs: 1
Surface: 4

Well prepared ski-tracks, surrounded from untouched nature, the wide view in the Inntal and on the peaks of the Nordkette – Powder snow and much sun – that’s the panorama-skiing area Glungezer.

No matter whether you prefer the sun or sports: The Tegernsee is always a special experience during the winter season. Enjoy the fresh breeze and the nature of the mountains!

From the city to the mountain: It takes only 8 minutes to get by cable car (with large cabins) to the first stop (village of Goldeck, 1650 m). Here you'll find an easy practice area and a connecting lift.

Ski resort ideally suited for families - the perfectly prepared slopes with snow making systems stretch down into the valley (Vandans) and include deep powder snow as well as a world-cup run.