Rising high above Cortina d’Ampezzo, Cima Tofana is one of the most accessible high-altitude viewpoints in the Dolomites. Thanks to the iconic Freccia nel Cielo cable car, you can reach over 3200 meters without a demanding hike. This makes it a must.visit for both casual travelers and experienced mountain lovers.
In this Cima Tofana guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit. From what to expect at each stop of the Freccia nel Cielo cable car to practical tips, ticket information, and the best tiem to go. Whether you’re visiting for the views, photography, or a relaxed alpine experience, this guide will help you make the most of it.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DISCLAIMER: Did you know? This blog uses affiliate partnerships. When you click and book or make a purchase through one of my blog posts, I may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting The Travelling Hiker!
WHAT IS CIMA TOFANA?
Cima Tofana is the highest peak in the Tofana mountain group, towering above the famous alpine town of Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Italian Dolomites. Reaching an altitude of 3244 meters, it offers some of the most expansive panoramic views in the region, with iconic peaks like Marmolada and the Cinque Torri visible on clear days.
The Tofana group actually consists of three main peaks: Tofana di Mezzo, Tofana di Dentro, and Tofana di Rozes. Among them, Tofana di Mezzo is the highest and only one you can easily reach without technical climbing, thanks to the Freccia nel Cielo cable car.
This is actually what makes Cima Tofana so special, it is very accessible. Many other Dolomites peaks require long hikes or via ferrata routes but this summit can be reached in just a few cable car rides. And what’s even better, it is less crowded than other famous peaks in the Dolomites, like Marmolada.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION ABOUT FRECCIA NEL CIELO CABLE CAR
WHERE IS FRECCIA NEL CIELO CABLE CAR?
The bottom station of the Freccia nel Cielo cable car is located in Cortina d’Ampezzo, so it is really accessible. I have pinned the exact location on the map a the end of this blog.
If you’re driving, you’ll be glad to know there is a large parking area right next to the cable car station. However, this parking lot is a paying one (like most parking lots in Cortina). You can find the latest prices in the official website.
TICKET PRICES & OPENING TIMES
Ticket Prices
Tickets for the Freccia nel Cielo can be purchased directly at the lower station or online in advance. Prices vary depending on how far you want to go, with options to ride to individual stops or all the way to the summit of Cima Tofana.
Prices in 2026 are:
- Round trip to Col Druscie: 25 €
- Round trip to Ra Valles: 35 €
- Round trip to Cima Tofana: 45 €
Do you need to buy your ticket in advance? We visited Cima Tofana at around 2 or 3 pm in August and we just bought our tickets directly at the cable car. There was literally nobody there. We actually rode all three cable cars alone. Not sure if we were just lucky or it is always like this, but for us it was not neccesary to buy it in advance.
Opening Hours
Opening times vary throughout the year.
During the summer months, the first ride from Cortina departs at 9:00. As for the last rides, here are the different timings.
- From Cima Tofana, the last ride departs at 16:50.
- From Ra Valles, the last ride departs at 17:00.
- From Col Druscie, the last ride is at 17:10.
During the winter months, only the first two sections operate to serve the skiing slopes that are here. However, the last section to Cima Tofana does not run in the winter.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT CIMA TOFANA?
The best time to visit Cima Tofana is during the summer months, usually from June to September. This is when the entire Freccia nel Cielo is fully open, allowing you to reach teh summit at overe 3200 meters.
Summer Season 2026: The summer opening of Freccia ne Cielo in 2026 will be on June 13th.
For the best experience, aim for a clear day with stable weather. Visibility makes a huge difference up there, and on a good day, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most spectacular views in the Dolomites.
TIPS FOR VISITING CIMA TOFANA
Visiting Cima Tofana and Freccia nel Cielo is a straightforward experience, but a few simple tips can make your visit even better.
- Dress in layers. Temperatures at the summit can be very different from those at the valley. A windproof jacket is essential.
- Try to arrive early in the day. The chance of clear skies is higher in the morning. You’ll also have more time to enjoy Cima Tofana. We got there around 14:30 and we had to rush a bit to make it in time to the last ride at 16:50. We would not have minded an hour extra or so.
- Take your time at each stop. The different stations offer completely different perspectives and are part of what makes this experience so unique.
- Keep an eye for the weather forecast. Conditions in the mountains can change quickly, and visibility at the summit can disappear just as fast.
FRECCIA NEL CIELO CABLE CAR - STEP BY STEP GUIDE
Freccia nel Cielo Cable Car will bring you from Cortina d’Ampezzo all the way up to Cima Tofana, but this is not a single ride. To get to the top, you’ll ride a total of three cable cars. In this section, I will explain the route you’ll follow, and the things you can do at each stop.
You can choose to either ride directly to the top and stop on the way down or vice versa. We choose the first option just because we were visiting in the afternoon with limited time before closure of the cable car. We wanted to make sure we reached the summit and not get too distracted along the way. If I was to go back there, I would get there with some extra time and take my time at each stop before heading to the summit.
CORTINA D'AMPEZZO (1224 M) TO COL DRUSCIE (1778 M)
The first gondola ride will take you from Cortina d’Ampezzo (located at 1224 meters) to Col Druscie (located 1778 meters above sea level). This is a small gondola that fits approximately 6 people and it is constantly running. There is an intermidiate stop at Colfiere, but you just stay in your gondola all the way to the top. The ride takes something between 5 to 10 minutes.
THINGS TO DO AT COL DRUSCIE
Visit the Astronomical Observatory Col Druscie Helmut Ullrich
The Astronomical Observatory Col Druscie Helmut Ullrich is one of the highest observatories in Italy and it is equipped with a modern 40 cm diameter Ritchey Chretien telescope .
If you’re interested in astronomy, it is possible to join a guided visit. They also organize sessions to observe the sun during the day or to observe stars and space during the night. Its privileged position, makes it an ideal place to observe the stars due to the low luminic pollution.
Learn more about how to visit on their official website.
Walk the Path of the Planets
At Col Druscie, you can also go on a short walk (approximately 1,5 km) around the observatory with informative signs of the different planets in the Solar System. It is the perfect activity to do if you’re visiting with kids.
Grab something to eat at Col Druscie Restaurant
Right next to the Col Druscie Gondola Station, you’ll find Restaurant Col Druscie 1778. This restaurant, and its terrace, have beautiful views over Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Due to time limitations, we had to skip most of the things in this stop, but we would have loved to stop here for a coffee and a sweet treat.
COL DRUSCIE (1778 M) TO RA VALLES (2475 m)
Once you’re done exploring Col Druscie, it is time to hop on a second gondola that will bring you to Ra Valles Station, located at 2475 meters above sea level. Unlike the first gondola ride that is constantly running, the section between Col Druscie and Ra Valles, only runs every 15 minutes.
The capacity of this gondola is around 80 people and the ride between the two stations takes under 3 minutes.
THINGS TO DO AT RA VALLES
Admire the views of Cortina d'Ampezzo
At Ra Valles, you get excellent views of Cortina d’Ampezzo. There is a panoramic viewpoint where you can relax and enjoy the best views you can get of this super famous alpine town and the valley it sits in. Of course you can also see Cortina from Tofana di Mezzo, but in my opinion, this viewpoint was more special. We just sat here and enjoyed these views for a while.
Walk to Croda da Lago Mountain Range viewpoint
From Ra Valles, you can do a short walk (approximately 600 meters long) to a viewpoint with amazing views of the Croda da Lago mountains. The trail is not too difficult but you do have to cross an exposed area, so only attempt it if you are confident with heights and walking on rocky areas.
We followed the Giro Funivia Cima Tofana Trail in the AllTrails app. This short trail takes you to Mt Giuly Summit and to the Croda da Lago viewpoint. We only did the part of the Croda da Lago viewpoint, so I can’t really say if the short summit trail is dangerous or not.
Eat at Pizzeria Ra Valles
Next to Ra Valles gondola station, there is a Pizzeria with the most epic views over Cortina d’Ampezzo. We would have loved to have dinner here with these views. Unfortunately, this restaurant closes at 16:30, so you can only have lunch here and not dinner.
RA VALLES (2475 M) TO CIMA TOFANA (3244 M)
The last section of the Freccia nel Cielo cable car will take you to Cima Tofana station, located at 3244 meters above sea level. This is the steepest section of the cable car and it is the most impressive ride of the 3.
The gondola that connects Ra Valles and Cima Tofana is a bit smaller than the one that runs between Col Druscie and Ra Valles. It has a capacity of 50 people per gondola and the ride takes less than 3 minutes to reach the summit. This gondola operates every 15 minutes and departures are usually timed to match arrivals from the middle section of the Freccia nel Cielo cable car.
THINGS TO DO AT CIMA TOFANA
Hike to Tofana di Mezzo summit
Tofana di Mezzo is the highest peak in the Tofana group and third highest peak in the Dolomites. From the Cima Tofana station, you will have to do a short hike to its actual summit.
Important: This trail has some exposed cliff edges, and you will have to scramble to the top on loose gravel, so if you’re not a confident and experienced hiker, I would not attempt this short hike.
We decided to skip to the summit scramble and only hiked to the two viewpoints. If you do, decide to attempt the summit, at the top, you will find a metallic cross, signaling the summit.
Hike to Tofana di Mezzo viewpoints
From the viewing terrace, you can also do a short hike of approximately 1 km to two viewing points. We followed the Tofana di Mezzo via Rifugio Tofana trail in the AllTrails app. However, the trail is quite straight forward.
Important: This trail also has some exposed cliffs so again, only attempt to this walk if you are confident with walking in this environment.
From the viewing terrace next to the cable car station, you’ll first have to go up some stairs. Once at the top, the trail does some zigzags to gain elevation.
At some point the trail will split into two. I recommend that you go both ways, the views are amazing from the two different lookouts. We first, hiked to left trail and reached a viewpoint with incredible views. If you’re lucky and have a clear day, you can even see Marmolada in the distance.
Once you’re done admiring the views. Retrace your steps and head to the other part of the trail to reach the second viewpoint. The views from this side are also quite impressive. The only downside about this second viewpoint is that there is no sign showing you which peaks are in front of you.
Relax and enjoy a drink at Bar Cima Tofana
At Cima Tofana there is also a nice viewing terrace where you can relax and get a drink while you enjoy the views. Make sure you leave some extra time to enjoy this terrace and relax if you’re lucky to get a beautiful sunny day like we did.
From this viewing terrace, you can also get amazing views of the nearby Dolomites peaks. We actually got to see the places we would be hiking on the next days from here!
IS CIMA TOFANA WORTH IT?
Absolutely! This was one of our favorite experiences we had in the Dolomites. The views were amazing and we were almost alone up there. If you’re choosing between going up to Marmolada or Cima Tofana, I would definitely choose Cima Tofana. Yes, you will not be visiting the highest peak in the Dolomites but the views are better.
With that being said, I would only do this activity if you’re absolutely certain that you’ll have clear skies. Otherwise, visibility will be close to zero.
CIMA TOFANA: FAQ
HOW HIGH IS CIMA TOFANA?
Tofana di Mezzo, the highest peak in the Tofana mountain group, reaches an altitude of 3244 meters. The Freccia nel Cielo cable car brings you to a viewing platform just a few meters below its summit.
DO YOU NEED TO HIKE TO REACH THE SUMMIT?
No and yes. The Freccia nel Cielo cable car takes you almost to the top in a series of gondola lifts. However, if you really want to reach the summit you will have to hike on a short but really exposed hike. The views from the viewing platform are amazing, so only attempt the short summit hike if you are really confident with exposed hiking and rock scrambling.
HOW LONG DOES THE CABLE CAR TAKE?
The full journey takes approximately 15 minutes if you go directly to the summit without stopping. However, I do recommend that you take some time at the intermediate stops as the views are also great from there.
CAN YOU VISIT CIMA TOFANA IN WINTER?
Yes, but you will not be able to reach the summit. During the winter months, the final section of the cable car is closed. Only the first two sections until Ra Valles are open.
IS IT SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS OR NON-HIKERS?
Absolutely, but I only recommend that you hike to the actual summit if you have some experience hiking. However, the views from the viewing terrace make it worth it nontheless.
WHERE TO STAY CIMA TOFANA?
The Freccia nel Cielo departs from Cortina d’Ampezzo, so ideally you should find some accommodation in this town. However, Cortina d’Ampezzo is one of the most expensive towns in the Dolomites. If you’re looking to save some money, I recommend you look for an accommodation that is just outside the city.
Hotel Olimpia - Cortina d'Ampezzo
Hotel Olimpia is a modest hotel located right in the center of Cortina. The rooms are simple but it’s modesty is compensated by its prime location.
Photos from Booking.com
Hotel Croda Rossa - Carbonin
Hotel Croda Rossa is located half way between Cortina d’Ampezzo and Misurina. Since it is located outside of Cortina, it is much more affordable than other accommodations in town.
Despite its more remote location, this hotel has a premium situation in the middle of a valley with beautiful views to Monte Cristallo. The rooms are simple but comfortable. This hotel is ideal if you want to visit the Dolomites without spending a fortune. We stayed here for 6 nights and we were really happy with our choice.
MAP WITH ALL LOCATIONS
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Click the star next to the map title to add this map to your google maps account. To view it on your phone while traveling, open Google Maps, click on the menu button and go to “Your Places”, click on Maps and you’ll see this map in your list.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Visiting Cima Tofana is one of the easiest ways to experience the dramatic beauty of the Dolomites without having to go on a demanding or long hike. The journey on the Freccia nel Cielo is more than just a means of getting to the top, it’s an experience in itself, with each stop offering a complete different perspective of the mountains.
If you’re planning a trip to the Dolomites, this is one experience that’s well worth adding to your itinerary, especially if you’re looking for incredible views with minimal effort.
OTHER ARTICLES ABOUT THE DOLOMITES
- 12 DAY ROAD TRIP ITINERARY IN THE DOLOMITES
- THE 17 BEST HIKES IN THE DOLOMITES
- TRE CIME DI LAVAREDO HIKE
- THE ICONIC LAGO DI BRAIES
- THE BEAUTIFUL LAGO DI SORAPIS HIKE
- HIKING AROUND CINQUE TORRI
- RIFUGIO NUVOLAU HIKE
- ADOLF MUNKEL TRAIL
- GUIDE TO FINDING THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN THE DOLOMITES
- BEST THINGS TO DO IN BOLZANO
- CRODA DA LAGO HIKE
PIN THIS GUIDE FOR LATER!
