With the arrival of autumn, the mountain setting changes, and so does the way people experience it. As the days become clearer, the woods start to turn yellow and red, and the trails become quieter, giving rise to a desire for a slower and more regenerative type of tourism. The phenomenon is known as “quiet-cation”, from the fusion of the English words “quiet” and “vacation”, with more and more people choosing places immersed in nature, away from noise, to find time, silence, and well-being.
Exploring the Dolomites
Around the Cortina Skiworld area, which includes the ski areas of Cortina d’Ampezzo, Auronzo-Misurina, and San Vito di Cadore, there is a network of panoramic and less frequented trails, easily accessible thanks to the lift facilities, allowing visitors to experience the Dolomites immersed in the magic of foliage.
Starting from the center of Cortina and taking the Faloria-Cristallo cable car, it’s possible to reach the 2,123 meters of the Monte Faloria and hike the Dolomieu trail, dedicated to the geologist Déodat de Dolomieu, from whom the Dolomites take their name.
The trail follows part of the CAI 212 path, developing between panoramic terraces and rocky stretches overlooking the Ampezzo valley, with a view of Becco di Mezzodì, Croda da Lago, Tofane, and Pomagagnon.
Hiking Trails
The hike that connects Ra Valles to Cortina crosses some of the Tofane scenarios. Using the Freccia nel Cielo cable car and the second section of the Tofana cable car, it’s possible to reach Ra Valles, the starting point of a predominantly downhill itinerary, about 4 hours of walking.
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The trail initially follows the ski slopes towards Forcella de Ra Valles, at an altitude of 2,300 meters, and then continues through the woods until reaching Lago Ghedina.
From there, the CAI 410 trail continues towards Cadin and the center of Cortina, presenting a negative elevation gain of about 500 meters.
At the foot of the Tofane, the Piè Tofana – Duca d’Aosta chairlift leads to the starting point of the Sentiero dei Camosci (CAI 405), a medium-difficulty hiking trail that develops at the foot of the Tofane until Piè Tofana.
The path crosses scree, wooded stretches, and typical high-mountain environments, offering views of the Ampezzo basin.
Naturalistic Trails
From the same starting point, it’s possible to choose the naturalistic trail between the Rifugio Duca d’Aosta and Pomedes, which accompanies hikers in the discovery of the Dolomite environment through panels dedicated to geology, flora, and fauna of the Tofane.
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This trail is also suitable for families.
In the Monte Agudo area, the Malon – Monte Agudo chairlift in Auronzo di Cadore allows you to reach an altitude of 1,573 meters, the starting point of some less frequented panoramic walks compared to the major itineraries of the Tre Cime.
One of these itineraries connects Monte Agudo to Malga Maraia, following forest roads and stretches of the CAI 110 and 125 trails, through alpine pastures and larch woods.
The path develops with moderate elevation gains along an easy hiking itinerary, particularly suitable for families and non-expert hikers.