Tofane

Tofane is a prominent mountain massif in the Dolomites, in the Veneto region of northern Italy. It forms a dramatic backdrop to Cortina d'Ampezzo and marks the northern end of the Ampezzo valley.

The massif includes several high peaks, most notably Tofana di Mezzo, Tofana di Dentro, and Tofana di Rozes, with summits around 3,200 meters. The rock is predominantly dolomitic limestone, giving steep faces, sharp ridges, and sculpted towers that are characteristic of the Dolomites.

Geography and landscape: Tofane lies at the northern fringe of the Dolomites and is bordered by surrounding valleys and ridges that connect Cortina with higher refuges. The terrain features ridges, cliffs and alpine meadows, making it a classic destination for climbers, hikers and skiers.

Access and recreation: A network of roads, cable cars and mountain huts around Cortina provides access to the Tofane, offering routes for mountaineering, via ferrata and family hikes. In winter the area is popular for skiing and backcountry touring, while summer activities center on long hikes and climbing.

Conservation and significance: The Dolomites, including the Tofane massif, are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for their unique geology, dramatic scenery and cultural history of alpinism and mountain tourism.

History and nomenclature: The name Tofane appears in local toponymy dating to the early modern period. The area has a long tradition of exploration, tourism and mountaineering, with refuges and trails established in the 19th and 20th centuries.