Ra Gusela
A sharp peak.
Eric Kilby — CC BY-SA 2.0 · kallerna — CC BY-SA 4.0 · kallerna — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ximonic (Simo Räsänen) — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Dylan Quarisa — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Giau Pass is a high mountain pass in the Dolomites, province of Belluno, Italy, at 2,236 metres, about 9 km from the centre of the Dolomites hub in a straight line. It links Cortina d'Ampezzo with Colle Santa Lucia and Selva di Cadore. The pass sits in the middle of a vast mountain pasture at the foot of Nuvolau, 2,574 metres, and Averau, 2,647 metres. It looks west to the Pale di San Martino and Marmolada, north to Ra Gusela and east to the Cortina valley. Archaeologists have found Mesolithic stone tools in the area. The road up from Selva di Cadore has 29 hairpin bends and three avalanche tunnels. The sharp rock tower of Ra Gusela rises above the green meadows of the pass, glowing orange and gold at sunset. Wide pastures dotted with old wooden huts spread around it, and famous Dolomite peaks line the horizon, including the ice-capped Marmolada. Visitors arrive by car, the Cortina side being the easier approach, and stop at the pass for photos and walks on the surrounding trails. The road is winding and mountainous and may close in winter because of snow. Summer and autumn sunsets are the finest times.
A sharp peak.
Wooden huts.
On the horizon.
Between Cortina d'Ampezzo and Colle Santa Lucia, Belluno, Italy
It may close for snow.
Summer and autumn sunsets.