Cortina d'Ampezzo - Les voyages de Ninve

The road leading to Cortina d'Ampezzo is no walk in the park! Once again, we’re surprised that a 45-kilometer drive takes us more than two hours on these winding roads. At first, the sun was still out, lighting up the road, the mountains, and the beautiful scenery we were passing through. But it quickly disappeared behind the mountains before setting for the day. So we found ourselves winding our way through the landscape for what felt like hours on end.

We arrived at the Passo Tre Croci Cortina B&B around 10 p.m., exhausted and worn out from the drive. After unloading the car and discussing the next day’s hike, we collapsed onto the bed!

Lago di Sorapis

We realized that the trailhead was just a few meters from the hotel! That’ll be a nice change! On paper, the hike is only 10 km; the weather was relatively pleasant—nice without being hot—so perfect for a walk.

We start off on easy, flat terrain between two small meadows. This doesn’t last long, though, as we’re already heading deeper into the forest, where the terrain becomes increasingly rocky and the elevation gain begins to rise gently. Until the trail starts to climb steeply. It climbs on and on, and only then do we realize just how challenging it is.

The altitude is already impressive even before we reach the mountain’s peak.

Located 12 km from Cortina d’Ampezzo, the lake sits at an elevation of 1,925 meters. It gets its turquoise color from the dust of the surrounding glacier. The lake is accessible only on foot or by helicopter.

At times, we even have to climb using our hands—slips could be deadly! People pass us by; it seems like they’re in a hurry! They have no connection to nature. It feels more like they’re racing to catch their bus, especially since they’re talking so loudly that it’s assaulting my ears. All three of us felt the same way. That’s how oppressed we feel by these hikers.

When we finally reached the lake, our mood shifted thanks to its beauty; it was cold there, but after that long climb, it didn’t bother us. We’d brought some food with us. We settled down a little further away, on a flat spot, to have lunch.

We continued on our way and walked around the lake, but the weather changed—the wind picked up and it grew colder and colder. We were worried about rain because some parts of the trail during our ascent had been dangerous and already slippery, even without being wet!

No sooner had we finished our walk around the lake than we heard claps of thunder; the earth rumbled, and we found ourselves in a light rain—for now.

Our steps grow faster and faster; we’re hurrying. But the faster we walk, the harder the rain comes down.

The terrain is becoming increasingly difficult to navigate—slippery and extremely dangerous, as there’s almost no footing, and the smooth rock turns into an ice rink. At times, we’re on the verge of falling from an altitude of 2,000 meters.

Finally, finally, after descending some stairs, the forest is there to shield us from the wind and rain, but the rain persists all the way to the edge of the woods.

We’ve finally made it, happy to be unharmed and to have done it. A nice hot shower and a little rum await us because we’re freezing!

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