A 2025 Review: Snowshoe Hike to the Cinque Torri

Frankly, there’s a certain feeling of winter wonder that you just can’t find in many other places, you know? It’s kind of about that moment you finish attaching those big, awkward-feeling snowshoes for your hike to the Cinque Torri. And then, well, you take that first step off the packed-down trail. You, at the end of the day, find yourself in a world that’s gone almost totally quiet, covered in a really deep layer of fresh powder. It’s a very different kind of silence from your day-to-day routine, and honestly, that’s where the real adventure begins. You just feel the cold air on your face, and pretty much everything around you is colored in shades of white and blue. This walk is more or less about finding that quiet space and just being present with the towering rock formations ahead of you.

Getting Yourself Ready for a Day in the Snow

So, preparation is a really big deal for having a good time out here. I mean, nobody likes being cold and miserable, right? You will want to dress in layers; that’s actually the most solid advice anyone can give you. We started with a base layer that pulls sweat away from the skin, then, you know, added a fleece for warmth. On top of that, we wore a waterproof and windproof jacket, which was a real lifesaver when the wind picked up near the top. As a matter of fact, your choice of pants is just as important; snow pants are pretty much a must. You don’t want wet legs, seriously. We saw some people trying to do it in jeans, and, to be honest, they looked like they were having a really bad time.

Your feet are your vehicle for the day, so you really have to treat them well. You need some pretty solid, waterproof hiking boots. The snowshoes, of course, strap right onto them. And please, wear good wool socks; actually, maybe pack an extra pair in your bag. By the way, a warm hat, gloves, and a neck gaiter or scarf are completely non-negotiable. The sun reflecting off the snow is incredibly bright, so you absolutely need sunglasses or goggles. We also brought a small backpack with some water, hot tea in a thermos, and some high-energy snacks like nuts and chocolate. Okay, that little bit of planning beforehand makes the whole experience much, much better.

Renting Gear or Bringing Your Own?

Now, a question we get asked a lot is about the gear. You can, of course, find plenty of places in Cortina d’Ampezzo or nearby towns to rent snowshoes and poles. Honestly, the quality is usually very good. We decided to rent ours, and the process was actually pretty simple and not too expensive. The staff at the shop were incredibly helpful, making sure everything fit just right. For instance, they made sure our poles were the correct height. Anyway, if you are an avid snowshoer and have your own gear, that’s great too. Just make sure it’s in good shape before you head out. Basically, you just need to have equipment you feel comfortable with for a few hours of walking.

The Trail: A Walk Through a White Paradise

The hike itself starts fairly gently, which is, you know, a nice way to get your body warmed up. You’ll likely start your walk from near the main road or a ski lift base area, like at the Bain de Dones. First, you will find yourself moving through a forest of pine trees, their branches just heavy with snow. It’s almost completely silent in there, except for the soft crunch-crunch-crunch of your snowshoes. It’s a very rhythmic and, in a way, meditative sound. Occasionally, you might hear a chunk of snow dropping from a branch above. The path is sometimes marked, but honestly, having a map or a GPS track is a very smart idea. Getting turned around in the snow is sort of an easy thing to do if you aren’t paying attention.

As you start to gain a little bit of height, the trees begin to thin out. That, my friends, is when the views really start to happen. The landscape just opens up, and you get these incredible, wide-open looks at the surrounding peaks of the Dolomites. It’s really hard to describe the feeling. You feel so small, in a good way, standing in this massive, snowy bowl. The air up here is just so clean and crisp. We stopped more than a few times, you know, just to turn in a circle and take it all in. Frankly, you’ll want to do the same. These are the moments that stick with you long after your legs stop aching a little.

The Arrival: Standing Beneath the Five Towers

And then, you finally see them. The Cinque Torri, or Five Towers, appear almost out of nowhere. They just rise up from the snowy plateau, these massive, jagged spires of rock against a deep blue sky. It’s honestly a jaw-dropping sight. You walk right up to their base, and they are so much bigger up close than you’d think. We spent a good bit of time just walking around the area, looking at them from different angles. Each tower has its own character, its own unique shape. You can literally spend an hour just exploring the small paths that wind between them. At the end of the day, this is the reward for all your effort getting here.

You know, as I was saying, standing there, you also feel a deep sense of history. This entire area was actually the front line between Italian and Austro-Hungarian troops during World War I. You can still see the restored trenches, machine-gun posts, and shelters that make up the Open Air War Museum. Seeing these remnants in the quiet of winter, covered in snow, is a very moving experience. It’s a stark reminder of the past, right here in this place of incredible natural beauty.

Helpful Pointers for Your 2025 Hike

Okay, so let’s talk about some practical stuff for your trip. For example, the weather in the mountains can change in a flash. You should absolutely check the local forecast and the avalanche report before you even think about setting out. Safety has to be your top priority, obviously. If things look uncertain, it’s just not worth the risk. There will always be another day to hike. We chose a day with bright blue skies, and it made the experience a hundred times better. A clear day gives you the most amazing views and, frankly, better light for pictures.

Timing your day is also kind of important. We recommend starting your hike in the morning, maybe around 9 AM. This gives you plenty of daylight to complete the circuit at a comfortable pace without feeling rushed. In other words, you can stop for photos, have your thermos of tea, and just soak in the scenery. The whole loop, with stops, will likely take you around three to four hours, more or less. In the winter, the sun sets early, and you definitely want to be back at your car or the bus stop before it gets dark and the temperature drops really fast. Likewise, the Rifugio Scoiattoli, a mountain hut right by the towers, is typically open in winter. Still, it’s a good idea to check its opening times for the 2025 season ahead of time. I mean, the thought of a hot meal and a warm drink at the top is a pretty good motivator.

Check Conditions: Always check the weather and avalanche bulletin before you go.
Start Early: Begin your hike in the morning to make the most of the daylight.
Layer Up: Dress in layers you can add or remove as you warm up or cool down.
Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water and maybe a warm drink. You get dehydrated even in the cold.
Respect History: Take time to explore the Open Air Museum, but please be respectful of the site.
Take Your Time: The beauty is in the experience, so don’t just rush to the top and back.

Read our full review: [Snowshoe hike Cinque Torri Full Review and Details]

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