Ditch the brutal slog and take the Scoiattoli chairlift straight to these jagged rock spires. Spend two hours walking through the restored WWI open-air trenches—it is heavy history that hits different. If you have the budget, the $165 guided rock climbing session gets you on the walls without lugging your own gear. End the afternoon with a heavy pour of Aperol at the rifugio. Bring a jacket, the alpine winds bite even in July.
Rising sharply from the alpine meadow, these five distinctive rock towers serve as a rugged centerpiece for anyone exploring the Dolomites. Rather than attempting a grueling vertical ascent on foot, most visitors opt for the efficiency of the Scoiattoli chairlift, which deposits you directly near the base of the spires. This location provides direct access to a network of reconstructed WWI trenches and defensive positions, offering a sobering look at mountain warfare that feels far more grounded than typical historical sites. Standing amidst these jagged limestone formations, one gains a visceral understanding of the challenging terrain faced by soldiers a century ago. Navigating the mountain requires careful planning, specifically regarding unpredictable weather patterns. Always aim for an early arrival before the afternoon clouds roll in, as heavy mists frequently obscure the towers after midday, making the paths slippery and visibility poor. Allocate three to four hours to fully traverse the trench systems and reach the Rifugio Averau for lunch. Skip the crowded bottom stations and drive directly to the Baita Bai de Dones parking lot to board the lift immediately. Wear layers, including a windproof shell, because the altitude produces a persistent chill even during the warmest summer weeks. Visitors often err by staying exclusively near the main lift terminal, missing the quieter, more desolate sections of the historical loop trail that circle the outer edges of the formation. Walking toward the northern ridge reveals significantly fewer people and provides a clearer vantage point for observing the geological composition of the rock spires themselves. Combining this trip with a stop at the nearby Passo Falzarego allows for a more comprehensive afternoon, as the proximity makes it easy to transition from high-altitude history to scenic drives through the mountain passes. The presence of these fortifications stems from the desperate frontline stalemates between the Austro-Hungarian and Italian armies during the Great War. During the winter, the terrain transforms into a ski zone, but the trenches remain the primary draw for those interested in historical context rather than athletics.
You cannot reach the tops of the five spires without specialized climbing gear and technical experience, but the surrounding ridge paths and historical trails provide plenty of perspectives from the ground level.
Afternoons often bring low-hanging clouds and sudden shifts in visibility, so aim to arrive at the chairlift before ten in the morning to ensure you have enough clear time for exploration.
Arriving early at the Baita Bai de Dones base station before the main tour groups arrive remains the most effective strategy for securing a lift seat without a long wait in line.
The open-air trench sections involve uneven, rocky ground and narrow passages, so wear sturdy, non-slip footwear and prepare for some light scrambling if you want to explore the deeper, less-visited defensive tunnels.
Mountain conditions are volatile regardless of the season, so carry a wind-resistant jacket and an extra layer, as the temperature at the top of the lift is consistently lower than in Cortina.