Marmolata

However, the ridge is not satisfied with just one three-thousander - numerous other peaks exceed the magical mark and prove that the name "Queen of the Dolomites" is not without reason.

Between the Italian provinces of Trentino and Belluno, the peaks of Punta Rocca, Pizzo Serauta, Gran Vernel, and Piccolo Vernel rise from the reef limestone. Their name is said to come from this rock. The similarity to shiny marble reveals a noticeable difference from the dolomite rock.

On the north side of the massif is the only major glacier in the Dolomites, where skiing was once possible even in the summer months. However, this has now been discontinued for environmental reasons.

The first attempts to climb the peaks can be traced back to the beginning of the 19th century. However, they were not successful or could not be proven. The actual first ascent of Punta Rocca was achieved by the Viennese mountaineer Paul Grohmann in 1862. Two years later, he also conquered Punta Penia.

In the 1880s, Dolomite mountaineering became very popular and led to the construction of mountain huts.

Darkness clung to the Marmolata during the time of the First World War when the frontline ran here. To seek protection from bombardments, avalanches, and the icy weather, tunnels were blasted into the glacier, and gradually a real "ice city" was built inside the mountain massif. In the 10-kilometer-long tunnel network, there were not only shelter and storage rooms, but also a medical station and a bar. The multimedia museum in the Serauta cable car station, which is probably the highest museum in Europe at an altitude of 2,950 meters, provides insight into this hard life.

Speaking of the cable car: This takes you from Malga Ciapela (1,467 meters) via Banc/Coston d’Antermoia (2,350 meters) and Serauta to Punta Rocca (3,265 meters).

From the Punta Rocca mountain station, it is not far to a small chapel in a rock grotto, dedicated to the Madonna della Neve. Pope John Paul II once visited and consecrated the sanctuary personally.

A 1- to 2-hour hiking trail on the southeast side of Punta Serauta leads to the caves, tunnels, and observation posts of the First World War. The narrow path is well marked, but at exposed points, it is only secured with a wire rope.

To the west of the glacier, the Dolomite High Route No. 2 runs. On the south side, you can climb Punta Penia via a via ferrata from the Contrinhaus over the Marmolatascharte and the West Ridge. However, remember to bring appropriate glacier equipment. Another beautiful hiking route is from the foot of the Marmolata South Wall from Malga Ciapela via the Ombretta Pass and the Contrinhaus to Alba near Canazei.

In winter, the Marmolata impresses with its connection to the ski area of Arabba and as part of the ski region network Dolomiti Superski. The Bellunese, one of the longest ski runs in the Alps, leads 12 kilometers from Punta Rocca over the Passo Fedaia to Malga Ciapela.