Lake Sorapiss
Lake Alpine glacial lake near Cortina d'Ampezzo, vivid turquoise
Sorapiss in the Dolomites sits near Cortina d’Ampezzo and requires a marked alpine trail; hikers come for a glacially fed turquoise lake framed by limestone walls and high mountain routes.
Lake Sorapiss (Lago di Sorapis) is a glacial mountain lake in the Dolomites of Veneto in northeastern Italy, set beneath the Sorapiss massif. It is widely visited for its striking turquoise colour and dramatic mountain backdrop.
A marked alpine trail from the Passo Tre Croci area leads to the lake and is the primary route used by hikers and day visitors. The shore and surrounding ridges provide scenic viewpoints and photographic opportunities.
The lake occupies a cirque carved by glacial action and collects melt and runoff from the surrounding limestone peaks. Its distinctive colour results from rock flour produced by glacial erosion.
Geographically the lake sits in the Sorapiss group east of Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Dolomites, accessed via mountain roads and footpaths that start from the Passo Tre Croci area.
- Turquoise glacial water: The lake sits at high elevation in the Dolomites and is renowned for vivid turquoise water caused by fine glacial rock particles in suspension.
How to Get to Lake Sorapiss #
From Cortina d’Ampezzo, follow SP638 toward Passo Tre Croci and park at the Sorapiss trailhead near Rifugio Vandelli; the hike to the lake is about 2-3 hours depending on pace and conditions. Local buses run to Cortina, from where mountain taxi services can reach trailheads.
Tips for Visiting Lake Sorapiss #
- Start the main trail early-parking at the Sorapiss trailhead fills quickly in summer.
- The final approach involves a narrow, exposed footpath and ladder sections-good footwear and steady nerves are essential.
- Don't try to reach the lake after heavy rain; the rock becomes slippery and the approach is treacherous.
Best Time to Visit Lake Sorapiss #
Summer (June-September) for safe trail conditions and clear weather.
Weather & Climate near Lake Sorapiss #
Lake Sorapiss's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 14°C. Abundant rainfall (1218 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -3°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (145 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (160 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (150 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
