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

Well known for nordic skiing and biathlon, Brusson is a first-level centre for international competitions. The slopes for the cross-country ski develop themselves along the Evançon river up to Extrepieraz, going through the Vollon flat.

The border village Bublava lies in the heart of Krušné mountains. Thanks to its good location with plenty of snow it is a popular tourist center.

In winter we have numerous sport activities. Beginners and experts will find ideal slopes for skiing and snowboarding.

The skiing vacation at the Buchensteinwand, the connnected skiing area of St. Ulrich, St. Jakob and Hochfilzen, has a lot to offer. The Austrian skiing area is special qualified for families.

BASE: 2578ft
SUMMIT: 4265ft
VERTICAL DROP: 1686ft

NO. OF. LIFTS: 2
Gondolas: 0
Chairs: 0
Surface: 2

Wertach is a small and family friendly ski area in Jungholz in southern part of Germany.

BASE: 2952ft
SUMMIT: 4265ft
VERTICAL DROP: 1312ft

NO. OF. LIFTS: 4
Gondolas: 0
Chairs: 0
Surface: 4