Almost everyone knows the Tre Cime from the south side — comfortable and busy, accessible by road all the way to the Rifugio Auronzo. The north face is another matter entirely. Climbing from the Val Fiscalina above Sesto, the Cima Grande (2,999 metres), the Cima Ovest, and the Cima Piccola appear as three dark, vertical towers, and their north walls are among the most celebrated in the Alps, the stage for feats that have shaped the history of climbing. This is the less tamed side, the one that truly conveys the scale of the monument.
The classic itinerary is the CAI 102 trail, which starts from the Val Fiscalina valley floor, follows the stream, and grows increasingly rocky as it climbs to the Rifugio Locatelli at roughly 2,450 metres — a good three hours of walking with around 1,000 metres of elevation gain, from which the most spectacular frontal view of the three towers opens up. Along the route and around the hut, trenches, tunnels, and positions from the First World War remain, for this was one of the highest and harshest front lines of the entire conflict. Leave early, bring proper boots, and dress in layers: the weather changes quickly at altitude.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference from the south side?
The south side is reachable by car to the Rifugio Auronzo and is very heavily visited. The north side, from the Val Fiscalina, requires a more demanding ascent on foot along trail 102, but rewards you with the frontal and most imposing view of the north faces.
Are there traces of the Great War?
Yes. Along the trail toward the Rifugio Locatelli and in the surroundings of the group, trenches, tunnels, and positions from the Dolomites front of the First World War are still visible, having run here across the rock at over 2,000 metres.