Heart of Ra Valles
A unique viewpoint in Cortina
At an altitude of 2,475 metres, in the heart of the Tofane mountains, there is a special place from which to admire and photograph the Dolomites: the Heart of Ra Valles.
This heart-shaped installation frames the high-altitude landscape, making it one of the most scenic and photographed viewpoints in Cortina d’Ampezzo. It is an unmissable stop for anyone wishing to admire the Ampezzo Valley from above and take home an unforgettable photograph.
A heart-shaped window onto the Dolomites
The Heart of Ra Valles stands in a typically Alpine setting, surrounded by the rocks and imposing walls of the Tofane mountains. Looking through its frame, the view opens out over the Cortina Valley and the peaks of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is the perfect place to pause, breathe in the fresh mountain air and take a memorable photograph—whether alone, as a couple, with friends or with the whole family. The Heart of Ra Valles is much more than a photo spot: it is an open window onto the Dolomites and an invitation to stop and admire the beauty of Cortina from above.
The scenery changes with every season. In summer, the heart overlooks the vivid colours and clear light of the mountains, while in winter the snow transforms Ra Valles into an even more spectacular landscape.
Travel up to Ra Valles with Tofana – Freccia nel Cielo, discover the most scenic heart in the Dolomites and share your high-altitude photograph!
How to reach the Heart of Ra Valles
The Heart of Ra Valles is easily accessible from the centre of Cortina d’Ampezzo via the Tofana – Freccia nel Cielo lifts. The departure station is located at Via dello Stadio 12, near the Olympic Ice Stadium. From here, take:
- the gondola lift from Cortina d’Ampezzo to Col Druscié, at 1,778 metres;
- the cable car from Col Druscié to Ra Valles, at 2,475 metres.
Once you arrive at the Ra Valles station, the heart is just a short distance away and can be reached without a long hike, even in winter. As this is a high-altitude mountain location, it is important to wear suitable footwear and bring warm clothing, even during summer.
Close to the heart is Capanna Ra Valles, a high-altitude mountain hut and restaurant with a spectacular circular terrace overlooking the Cortina Valley. After taking your photograph, you can stop for lunch, a snack or simply a scenic break. The menu includes pizzas, pasta dishes, main courses, hamburgers, sandwiches and desserts: the perfect opportunity to complete your visit by enjoying the flavours of the mountains.
Summer hike to Cima Giuly
Close to the heart, the Giulia Ramelli Trail leads to Cima Giuly, offering another opportunity to explore the Ra Valles area and admire the Dolomites from a different perspective.
The trail is dedicated to Giulia Ramelli, a Venetian ski instructor and mountaineer who tragically lost her life in an avalanche on the slopes of Mount Nuvolau on the afternoon of 11 January 2023. Giulia had a deep passion for the mountains: she loved walking through the woods and immersing herself in nature.
The Giulia Ramelli Trail begins at Capanna Ra Valles and leads to Cima Giuly, where you will find a summit cross dedicated to Giulia and crafted by Franco Crea, a renowned Venetian master shipwright.
Before setting out, we always recommend checking the trail conditions and wearing clothing and footwear suitable for the mountain environment.
