Antelao, Mountain peak in Province of Belluno, Italy.
Antelao reaches 3,264 meters elevation and ranks as the second highest peak in the Dolomites, with sheer rocky walls and two small glaciers on its flanks. The dramatic rock faces and steep terrain define this summit's wild, formidable appearance.
The first documented ascent happened in 1850 when local hunter Matteo Ossi reached the summit, followed by a notable climb with mountaineer Paul Grohmann in 1863. These early climbs marked the beginning of its modern mountaineering history.
Local people humorously call the mountain 'the smoking pipe' because clouds regularly wrap around its peak, reflecting its unpredictable weather patterns. This affectionate nickname shows how familiar residents are with this landmark's moody character.
Rifugio Galassi at 2,018 meters elevation serves as the main jumping-off point for climbers, with the summit push typically taking around four hours. Visitors should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions and bring proper gear, as weather can shift suddenly on this exposed peak.
The mountain holds the second largest glacier in the Dolomites, which scientists predict may disappear by the end of the 21st century due to climate change. This shrinking ice serves as a visible reminder of the environmental shifts reshaping the alpine region.
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