Monte Pelmo stands at 3,168 metres to the southwest of San Vito, visible from the valley as a great isolated massif — a vast, level-topped plateau of pale dolomite cut by vertical walls on all sides. It was formed as a single reef in a tropical sea around 230 million years ago, and its distinctive table-like profile distinguishes it immediately from the spiky ridges of surrounding peaks. Many Dolomites regulars consider it the most beautiful mountain in the range.
The standard route up Pelmo, the via normale via the Staulanza pass, is a long but non-technical day in good conditions, with a final section across steep scree to the summit plateau. The panorama from the top takes in the entire arc of the eastern Dolomites from the Tre Cime to the Civetta. From San Vito the mountain is best approached via Vodo di Cadore and Forcella Staulanza. The Rifugio Venezia at the base of the mountain provides food and accommodation for those approaching from the Zoldo valley.