Passo Falzarego is surrounded by fantastic cliffs and mountains which are home to numerous Via Ferrata, awesome and manageable mid length Alpine Rock Routes, several climbing “palestra”, beautiful walking and splendid views. Not to mention the fascinating historical sites which bring home the bleakness of war in the mountains.
The pass is dominated by Lagazuoi, the summit of which can be accessed by cable car. A trip to the top is worth it in its own right as the panorama afforded is one of the finest in the Dolomites. The mountains incredible history can be actively lived, by climbing or descending the KaiserJaeger Steig or the Lagazuoi tunnels. The latter is a great option on a rainy day.
It looks down upon its diminutive neighbour, Sass di Stria/Hexenstein/Sass di Strega, the site of Austrian trenches and a fascinating open air museum which gains its peaks via the original lines the troops used.
Next down the valley there are two impressive formations, the Falzarego Towers with some mid grade, short to mid length rock excursions, and Col dei Bos with a brilliant Via Ferrata plus a great number of mid length to long alpine rock routes, both bolted and traditionally protected.
On the opposite side of the valley there are the extremely well known training grounds of Cinque Torri. Although in the height of summer it can be incredibly crowded, there are some truly great climbs amongst these 13 towers. It can be the ideal place to acclimatise to the rock and style of climbing, and get there out of season and its a really enjoyable place to be. There are sport routes of all grades and trad routes of varying lengths, mostly well protected with bolts, pegs and natural gear.
When to go
Passo Falzarego is itself quite high, which means the snows abate quite late and return quite early. The main season would be from June until the end of October but it is quite possible to climb as late as November and as early as March providing you select your routes appropriately (i.e. South facing), equip yourself warmly and climb on a sunny day.
How to get there
The pass is easily accessed by car from Cortina, Alleghe and Altabadia via Passo Valparolla. From Cortina there is a bus service during summer run by Dolomitibus.