Cristallo (mountain)

Monte Cristallo rises to 3,221 metres just north-east of Cortina d'Ampezzo, a long crenellated ridge of the Ampezzo Dolomites whose bright limestone gleams above the Tre Croci pass. Its jagged crest is a defining feature of the skyline around the famous resort.

Like its neighbours the massif was a front line in the First World War, and the scars of that conflict shaped its most famous route. The Via Ferrata Ivano Dibona traverses the crest past wartime tunnels, fortified positions and a long swaying suspension bridge, a spectacular protected itinerary that has featured in films and remains a magnet for ferrata enthusiasts.

That ferrata is long and airy but only moderately difficult, suited to fit walkers with a via ferrata kit and no fear of exposure; allow a full day for the traverse and carry a headlamp for the tunnels. The true summits, Cristallo di Mezzo and Cima di Cristallo, involve steeper protected climbing and short glacier remnants graded toward the harder end. Rock quality is typical brittle Dolomite, so helmets are essential and rockfall is a constant concern.

A cable car from Cortina shortens the approach to the ridge, and the Lorenzi refuge area sits high on the mountain near the ferrata start. The dependable window is July to September, once the tunnels and ledges have thawed and dried. Cortina is the valley base, with guides available for those wanting support. The panorama takes in the Tofane, the Sorapiss, the Cadini and, on clear mornings, the distant Marmolada glacier, making the traverse as rewarding for its views as for its climbing.