Tofana di Mezzo via Cable Car
Riding the Freccia nel Cielo — Arrow in the Sky — cable car from the centre of Cortina to the summit of Tofana di Mezzo delivers one of the most jaw-dropping 360-degree Alpine panoramas in all of Europe. On a clear morning the jagged silhouettes of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Marmolada glacier and Pelmo rise like a painted backdrop across the horizon.
The Ascent
The three-stage gondola departs from Ra Valles station just west of the town centre and climbs through pine forest, bare scree and finally raw rock to the Col Druscié and Ra Valles mid-stations before reaching the summit terrace at 3,244 metres.
Each stage reveals a completely different landscape — the transition from lush meadow to lunar dolomite is startling and happens within minutes, making the ride itself as memorable as the destination.
At the Top
The summit terrace hosts the Rifugio Lorenzi, a simple mountain hut where you can warm up with a bowl of barley soup and a glass of local Lagrein while staring straight at the Lagazuoi massif.
In summer, paragliders launch from the ridge just below the cable-car station, and watching them spiral down toward the valley while you sip coffee is an experience that feels almost surreal.
Practical Tips
The cable car operates in summer (late June to late September) and during the ski season (December to April); it closes in spring and autumn for maintenance, so always check the Cortina website before planning your day.
Arrive before 9 a.m. to beat queues and catch the best light for photography — the early sun hits the south-facing Dolomite walls in warm amber tones that disappear by mid-morning.
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