Antelao Mountain

Address: Monte Antelao (Dolomites), Veneto, Italy

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

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.

• 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.