Nature
Marmolada Glacier
Marmolada Glacier
The Marmolada Glacier sits on the north face of Marmolada, the highest peak in the Dolomites, straddling the border between the provinces of Belluno and Trento. It's the largest glaciated area in the Dolomites, and the appeal is the high-altitude scenery: rock and ice against the lighter-colored dolomite peaks around it, with views that open up across the wider mountain range. This is a destination for hikers, via ferrata climbers, and in winter, skiers, rather than a quick photo stop.
Getting there
There's no city center to start from directly — access is usually via cable car from Malga Ciapela, on the valley floor below the mountain, which carries visitors up toward Punta Rocca near the glacier. Driving up from nearby towns in the valley typically takes 20-30 minutes before you reach the cable car base station.
Time to allow
Plan for at least half a day once you include the cable car ride up and down and time at the top. Hikers attempting routes across or around the glacier should allow a full day.
When to go
Conditions at this altitude change fast, so check the weather before heading up — cloud cover can block the views entirely. Summer offers the most reliable access for hiking; winter draws skiers to the surrounding slopes. The glacier itself has been retreating in recent years, which affects which routes and areas are accessible season to season.
Combine it with
Passo Fedaia (2.4km) is the closest stop, a mountain pass with a lake right at the base of the glacier's north face. Piz Boè (8.2km) and San Pellegrino Pass (8.6km) work well for a broader day covering more of the Dolomites, and Campolongo Pass (9km) is a reasonable add-on for those exploring the pass roads by car.
Updated September 20, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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