The drive up to Passo di Giau is an amazing experience - especially in winter, when for the last couple of miles to the top of the pass, the road zig-zags across a vast snow field.
Often the snow will several feet above road level and you're left peering at the mountain views through the tops of the car windows.
One winter, around 2015, they had had massive falls earlier in the season. When we got to the top of the pass, the snow surrounding the car park was around 5 metres high. Entry to the restaurant (on the opposite side of the road) was via a tunnel/archway cut through the snow, leading to the front door.
Overall, it was a pretty surreal experience, sitting on the terrace of the restaurant (open completely as normal) looking at the view of the Marmolada glacier in the afternoon sunshine.
Often the snow will several feet above road level and you're left peering at the mountain views through the tops of the car windows.
One winter, around 2015, they had had massive falls earlier in the season. When we got to the top of the pass, the snow surrounding the car park was around 5 metres high. Entry to the restaurant (on the opposite side of the road) was via a tunnel/archway cut through the snow, leading to the front door.
Overall, it was a pretty surreal experience, sitting on the terrace of the restaurant (open completely as normal) looking at the view of the Marmolada glacier in the afternoon sunshine.