Hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop

This is a spectacular and majestic undertaking, completely different from hiking it in the summer. In the winter, you can hike or snowshoe and witness the amazing, expansive views of snowcapped mountain peaks. The contrast between the dark mountains and the pure white snow is breath-taking and absolutely awe-inspiring.

The route you'll follow is the same as the summer route. Starting at Rifugio Auronzo, follow the path (101) to the right and begin the counterclockwise trek around the peaks. The whole trip you'll have them to your left and in view, so you'll know if you follow the wrong path and take a wrong turn. Continue around the bend, passing by Cappella degli Alpini and ending up at Rifugio Lavaredo. Face the front of the Rifugio and take the path directly to the left (still 101), leading up the steep slope towards the Three Peaks and taking you to a ridge between two valleys. Head down the other side facing north with the Three Peaks behind and to the left of you, hiking til you reach Rifugio Locatelli (Dreizinnenhütte). From here, follow the path (102) descending into the valley and then at the intersection follow signs for Path 105. You'll continue up the ridge on the other side of the valley to Malga Langalm, a small mountain cabin. From here continue to climb and make your way around the Peaks until you reach the parking lot at Rifugio Auronzo, where you began.

As a summary:

-Rifugio Auronzo past the church to Rifugio Lavaredo (1.7km)

-Rifugio Lavaredo up the ridge and back down the other side to Rifugio Locatelli (2.8km)

-Rifugio Locatelli steeply down to the valley then back up a ridge to Malga Langalm (3.2km)

-Malga Langalm up and around the Three Peaks back to Rifugio Auronzo (3.2km)

For a google map of this loop, provided by Anywhere We Roam, Click Here!

Be sure to travel with companions and always stay on the path. I recommend also having paper copies of the map as I found cell and GPS services to be quite spotty. Plan your trip well and make sure you have more than enough daylight to complete the trip. It typically takes 3-4 hours to complete when the trails are clear, so be sure to add extra time to account for snow slowing you down.

Between June and October, you can pay 30 euro to drive straight up to Rifugio Auronzo and start this hike right away. After October, you'll have to park at the gate and add on the approach hike which is an additional 8.7 miles and 2000 ft gain. I recommend going in October when the temperature isn't too cold but there is still snow around, and you can still drive right up to the Three Peaks. To be clear though, I also don't think you can go wrong with adding more adventure on here with the approach hike!