Antelao
Mountain Prominent Dolomite peak renowned for rugged limestone faces
A towering Dolomite peak in Veneto, Antelao offers steep limestone faces, high-alpine ridges and technical routes. Climbers and experienced hikers come for multi-day ascents, via ferrata access and winter ski-tour opportunities.
Monte Antelao is a major Dolomite summit in the Veneto region of northern Italy, notable as the second-highest peak in the Dolomites. It rises to roughly 3,264 metres and forms a prominent massif in the Province of Belluno.
Steep faces and sharp ridges make Antelao a destination for experienced hikers and mountaineers rather than casual walkers. From summits and ridgelines visitors get wide views across the Dolomites, including sightlines toward the Marmolada and neighbouring Dolomite groups.
The mountain is composed of dolomitic limestone typical of the Dolomites and was shaped by alpine glaciation and tectonic uplift during the Tertiary. It has a long history of mountaineering since the 19th century as alpine climbing developed in the region.
Antelao stands in the Province of Belluno in northeastern Veneto, within the Dolomite mountain range. The massif sits among the high Dolomite peaks east of Cortina d’Ampezzo and dominates the surrounding valleys.
- Elevation and ranking: rises to about 3,264 metres and is the second-highest peak in the Dolomites, after the Marmolada
How to Get to Antelao #
Antelao is approached from towns such as Cortina d’Ampezzo and Pieve di Cadore. Local roads lead to trailheads and alpine refuges (rifugios) that provide base camps for summit attempts; hire a mountain guide for technical routes.
Tips for Visiting Antelao #
- If climbing or attempting alpine approaches, hire a local mountain guide knowledgeable about Dolomitic terrain and via ferrata routes.
- Visit in late June-September for the clearest approach to Rifugios and to avoid heavy winter snow.
- The summit offers dramatic views of Cortina and the highest Dolomites; early starts help avoid afternoon storms.
Best Time to Visit Antelao #
Summer months are best for hiking and climbing; winter requires alpine experience.
Weather & Climate near Antelao #
Antelao's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -12°C to 8°C. Abundant rainfall (1342 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -11°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -7°C and lows of -12°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -11°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -9°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (145 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -8°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -10°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
