Oltre le Vette – Metaphors, Men and Places of the Mountains
The historic Belluno festival dedicated to the mountains, featuring mountaineering, culture, cinema, and science
About Oltre le Vette
The Belluno Mountain Festival
'Oltre le Vette – Metaphors, Men and Places of the Mountains' is a cultural review that Belluno has dedicated to the world of high-altitude regions since 1997. It is one of Italy's longest-running and most recognized mountain festivals, skillfully weaving together mountaineering, literature, cinema, photography, art, science, and anthropology into a single, rich program.
Dozens of Events, Free Entry
The heart of the festival is Palazzo Crepadona, complemented by other cultural venues in the provincial capital. Each edition offers dozens of events—exhibitions, screenings, documentaries, theatrical performances, concerts, conferences, and book presentations—all with free admission, though booking is recommended. The festival collaborates with leading organizations like the Trento Film Festival and awards the Premio Silla Ghedina for the best ascent of the year.
A Theme Each Year
Each edition revolves around a theme that adds depth to the narrative of the mountains: from the wordplay 'Filo, philos, filò' in 2024 to the question 'Neve?' (Snow?) in 2025-2026, which addressed the future of the mountains in an era of climate change and the Olympic Games, coinciding with Milan-Cortina 2026. Among the guests in recent editions were mountaineers and authors such as Nives Meroi, Romano Benet, Telmo Pievani, and Paola Favero.
Belluno: Capital of Mountain Culture
Organized by the Municipality of Belluno, 'Oltre le Vette' is much more than a review; it's how the Dolomite capital, the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites, reflects on its mountain identity and shares it with a broad audience. It is a national event that attracts thousands of visitors to Belluno each year.
Oltre le Vette — edition 2026
The 29th edition of 'Oltre le Vette' took the theme 'Neve?' (Snow?), questioning the future of the mountains in an era marked by climate change and the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Games. The festival took place from October 2025 to January 2026, with its main ten-day phase from January 9th to 18th, 2026, in Belluno.
With over 40 free events and more than 4500 attendees, the edition reaffirmed the festival's role as a national benchmark for mountain culture. Among the guests were mountaineers and scholars such as Nives Meroi, Romano Benet, Giorgio Daidola, and philosopher Telmo Pievani. The 30th edition, celebrating the festival's thirtieth anniversary, is anticipated for autumn 2026.
Programme Oltre le Vette 2026
29th edition — theme 'Neve?' (Snow?) — main phase January 9-18, 2026 in Belluno (Palazzo Crepadona and other cultural venues). Over 40 free events.
- Exhibitions: 'Sguardi e Orizzonti' by Roberta Cadorin (Palazzo Crepadona); 'Dolomites: Walking Through the Geology of Wonder'; 'Cadore, Photographs of Change'; 'The World of a Mint'
- January 10 — scientific meeting on snow and climate change; theatrical performance 'Allegro Bestiale' with Telmo Pievani
- Film screenings in collaboration with the Trento Film Festival
- Award ceremony for the Premio Silla Ghedina for the best ascent
- Meetings with mountaineers and authors: Nives Meroi, Romano Benet, Giorgio Daidola, Gianni Gianeselli
Curated by Valeria Benni, Flavio Faoro, Diego Cason, and Francesco Vascellari. Full program at oltrelevette.it.
Highlights Oltre le Vette 2026
Prices Oltre le Vette 2026
Practical information — Oltre le Vette
Getting There
Belluno is reachable by train and car via the SS50 state road. The festival venues are located in the historic center, starting with Palazzo Crepadona.
When
Traditionally held in autumn and winter (between October and January, with a main phase of about ten days). Check the official website for the program.
Admission
Free entry to all events, with booking recommended.
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Where does it take place — Oltre le Vette
Palazzo Crepadona e luoghi culturali di Belluno
Palazzo Crepadona, Via Ripa, 32100 Belluno