The Ampezzo Dolomites stretch out around Cortina d'Ampezzo – an area that brings together several Dolomite massifs and offers some of the most spectacular peaks in perfect contrast to leisurely hikes and stunningly beautiful valleys. Although the Ampezzo Dolomites are not actually in South Tyrol, they border directly on it and can be reached quickly from both Val Badia and Toblach.

As in many places in the Dolomites, countless traces of the First World War front can be found here. But this area in particular has many well-preserved galleries, tunnels and trenches that have been restored and can be explored on beautiful hikes or via ferratas. Away from the busy trails, you can still find plenty of relics such as ammunition and shell fragments from this dark chapter of history.

Besides being a mecca for via ferrata enthusiasts, the Ampezzo Dolomites also offer alpine climbers an almost endless choice of alpine climbing routes. There is plenty to do, from perfectly bolted classic routes and alpine adventures in easy terrain to long undertakings on truly big Dolomite faces. The south face of the Tofana di Rozes is one of the best-known faces in the entire Dolomites.

Long-distance hikers, too, will pass through the Ampezzo Dolomites on several variants of the Dolomite High Routes and spend the night in wonderfully located huts.

Another highlight of this region in winter is undoubtedly the so-called Great War Ski Tour. This circuit on groomed pistes takes you around the Col di Lana, which gained sad notoriety in the First World War when, in a surprise attack through tunnels dug underground, the entire summit was blown up together with the enemy positions. Today, with a single ski pass – the Dolomiti Superski – you can ski around the whole region on some of the most beautiful and spectacular pistes in the Dolomites. This even includes a horse-drawn tow that pulls skiers along the flat stretch from the Capanna Alpina to Armentarola.

The Ampezzo Dolomites are an area full of possibilities. To make sure you do not miss the best of them, a mountain guide can be of great help and pick out exactly the right tours to suit your wishes and requirements.