Recently in the Belluno Dolomites one landslide brought to light the ancient glacier of Monte Pelmowhich many thought had now disappeared. This glacier, located between the Boite Valley and the Fiorentina Valley, remained hidden for decades under a large layer of debrisformed by landslides and rocks, which had prevented its total fusion.
However, a debris flow occurred in 2023 exposed part of the glacierat an altitude between 2000 and 2200 meters, revealing its blue and gray ice ridges. It was she who made this discovery a local hiker during a journey in the Val D’Arcia, where the recent landslide removed the accumulated debris, making a portion of the glacier visible again.
Despite the surprise, experts warn that the glacier will resurface is now in a precarious condition: exposed to the sun’s rays and on an inclined planehis survival is at risk. Yet this glacier is very important and we must work hard to preserve it: in fact it represents a relic from the last “little ice age”a period of climatic cooling that ended around 1850. Signs of that era are still visible in a 25-meter-high moraine at the top of the massif.
One of the most majestic peaks in the Dolomites
Monte Pelmo, with its 3,168 meters highis one of the most iconic peaks of the Dolomites, not only for its majesty, but also for the discovery of dinosaur footprints at his feet. Located between the valleys of Zoldo, Boite and Selva di Cadore, it is also known as the “Caregon of the Eternal Father” for its characteristic shape reminiscent of a throne. It is composed of two main reliefs, the Pelmo and the Pelmettoseparated by a deep fissure.
This mountain was the first Dolomite peak to be climbed, in 1857 by the Irish mountaineer John Ball. At the foot of Pelmetto dinosaur footprints were found, a paleontological discovery of great importance for the area.
From a hiking point of view, Pelmo offers a wide range of routes, including the famous one Tour of Pelmowhich allows you to explore its breathtaking landscapes. During the winter, the nearby ski slopes Ski Civetta And San Vito di Cadore they offer splendid views of the snow-capped massif.
Posted in UNESCO World Heritage SiteMonte Pelmo represents a destination loved by hiking, skiing and climbing enthusiastsas well as by those fascinated by the natural beauty and geological richness of the Dolomites.
Unfortunately, however, over the last 150 years the glaciers of the Dolomites, including Pelmo, Antelao and Marmolada, have undergone continued decline due to rising global temperatures. The particular protection given by the debris on Pelmo has allowed this glacier to resist longer than expected. Now, exposed again, as mentioned, it risks dissolving rapidly.
