The 3,343-metre Marmolada is the undisputed Queen of the Dolomites. Here in summer, the paths of the Great War and the via ferrata assisted trails tell of landscapes and memories that are part of European history. A cable car leads to Punta Rocca, where the panoramic terrace seems suspended, giving a unique view of the glacier and rock faces; from here the legendary La Bellunese track starts, 12 km downhill to the Fodom Valley.
Going down to the valley, the landscape opens up to reveal the Castle of Andraz, an ancient fortress of the eleventh century, a strategic garrison along the transit routes that today reminds us of the military and administrative past of these lands. Around the castle lies the valley, known in Ladin as ‘Fodom’: here the language, legends and traditions remain alive in the community.
Colle Santa Lucia appears on its panoramic altar, with the silhouette of the Civetta in the background, while Livinallongo del Col di Lana preserves the memory of a mountain that became a symbol of the First World War.
At the centre of the valley is Arabba, the heart of the area for sports lovers. In winter it is one of the ski capitals: the slopes that descend from Porta Vescovo connect to Sellaronda and Marmolada, offering technical descents and spectacular views. In summer, the mountain itself becomes a starting point for hiking, trekking and cycling routes that stretch to the great Dolomite passes – Pordoi, Campolongo, Falzarego – places that have always inspired the dreams of travellers and sports enthusiasts.