CORTINA D'AMPEZZO HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Vertical Play at the Cinque Torri: A Family's First Day on Real Rock in Cortina
A six-hour, guided introduction to rock climbing at the Cinque Torri—designed for families and beginners and led by a UIAGM Alpine Guide.
Vertical Play at the Cinque Torri: A Family's First Day on Real Rock in Cortina.
Adventure brief
Vertical Play at the Cinque Torri: A Family's First Day on Real Rock in Cortina
Immersed among the jagged towers and green meadows of the Cinque Torri, this guided day introduces families and beginners to the thrill of rock climbing. Under the attentive supervision of a Guida Alpina, participants of all ages can sample routes tailored to short, easy pitches while taking in one of the Dolomites’ most scenic high-altitude crags.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Dolomites, Giovanni Orlando’s family-friendly climbing experience at Cinque Torri invites adventurers of all ages to engage with these iconic limestone towers like never before. Located in Località Bai de Dones, just outside Cortina d'Ampezzo, this guided rock climbing session introduces beginners and children to the vertical world in one of Italy’s most celebrated mountain landscapes. The Cinque Torri, a series of five sharp pinnacles carved by millennia of geological forces, stand amidst alpine meadows and rugged trails offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
What makes this offering truly special is its accessibility and expert guidance. The routes selected are ideal for first-timers and families, combining manageable heights with solid rock and varied terrain that keeps everyone challenged but safe. With a UIAGM-certified alpine guide leading the day, safety and personalized attention come standard, making it a reassuring choice for parents and young climbers. The activity typically lasts about six hours, giving ample time to experience both the exhilaration of climbing and the natural grandeur.
Reaching Cinque Torri is straightforward: visitors can take a chairlift from Bai de Dones to Rifugio Scoiattoli or drive up to Rifugio Cinque Torri directly, with a shuttle service available in high season. This ease of access combined with a stunning environment means families can focus on making memories without the hassle.
Beyond climbing, the area offers fascinating historical layers, with the towers once serving as strategic sites in World War I. Today, the place remains a vivid reminder of human resilience amid nature’s permanence. Giovanni Orlando’s program fosters respect for the environment and the fragile mountain ecosystem, ensuring a responsible and enriching outdoor pursuit.
Whether it’s a first climb or a family outing, this trip crafts an approachable, unforgettable alpine experience, making the Cinque Torri a standout destination in the Veneto region’s outdoor adventure map.
Route Schematic
Route Schematic & Key Stops
The outing centers on access to the Cinque Torri crags and a sequence of guided climbs and instruction sessions.
Bai de Dones / Seggiovia to Rifugio Scoiattoli
One common approach is to take the chairlift from Bai de Dones up to Rifugio Scoiattoli to gain easy access to the Cinque Torri area.
Rifugio Cinque Torri (drive or shuttle)
Alternatively participants can reach Rifugio Cinque Torri by car; note that in high season the access road may be closed to daytime traffic and a shuttle service runs instead.
The Climbing Sector at Cinque Torri
At the crag the group will sample a selection of short, accessible routes under the guide’s supervision—routes that make the area particularly appropriate for children and beginners.
This is a guided activity with a minimum participant age of 6 years and a maximum group size of five people; the guide supervises all safety and route selection.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Dolomite Towers and Panoramic Vistas
The Cinque Torri are a striking high-altitude falesia in the Dolomites, offering spectacular views from sharp limestone spires and surrounding alpine meadows—an ideal setting for a first day on rock.
An Array of Short, Family-Friendly Climbs
The sector hosts numerous routes ranging from very easy to extreme; its many short, accessible itineraries make it particularly suitable for children and beginners to try climbing in a safe environment.
Supervised Learning with a UIAGM Alpine Guide
A certified Guida Alpina oversees the day, managing safety, leading instruction, and fitting personal protective equipment where needed—letting parents and kids focus on the fun and challenge of their first climbs.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
Expect a relaxed, playful pace across a six-hour outing: gear-up with a guide, approach the towers, and rotate through short routes suited to newcomers while the guide manages belays, safety checks and instruction. Laughter and small victories—both for children and adults—are the through-line of the day amid dramatic mountain scenery.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this day is built for—and who it’s sized to serve.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Wear mountain-appropriate active clothing (including a rain jacket), trekking boots or sturdy hiking shoes, and bring a daypack with water and energy snacks.
Access is possible via the Bai de Dones chairlift to Rifugio Scoiattoli, or by driving to Rifugio Cinque Torri (note: in high season the road may be closed to daytime traffic and a shuttle service is active).
The outing is a six-hour guided experience.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the outing?
The guided activity lasts approximately six hours.
What is the minimum age to participate?
Participants must be at least 6 years old.
How large are groups?
Groups are limited to a maximum of five people.
What does the price include?
The fee covers the UIAGM Alpine Guide service, liability insurance (RC), use of common safety equipment, and personal safety equipment (harness and helmet) for those who need them.
Are lift tickets or shuttle fees included?
No—costs for the Bai de Dones–Rifugio Scoiattoli lift or the shuttle service to Rifugio Cinque Torri (when active) are not included in the outing price.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-28T02:45:42.268Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.