If you find yourself in the Dolomites region in Italy, we suggest you look up–way up. Of course, it’s impossible to see from the ground, but if you could see 9,000 feet up, you might spot a peculiar little hut on the side of a mountain. And you might wonder to yourself, how did it get there?

A cliffside dwelling a thousand feet from the ground is a real head-scratcher. Imagine seeing such a sight and thinking–we should build another. Well, that’s the exact thought the team from the architectural firm Studio Demogo had! Their recent construction of a second mysterious mountain hut was a bold and wild endeavor. 

The new shelter structure, dubbed the Bivouac Fanton, is a remarkable feat. Situated along the Dolomites’ Marmarole trail at a staggering 8,750 feet above sea level, it is nearly as high up as the iconic hut, the Buffa di Perrero, which stands roughly 250 feet higher. 

The Bivouac Fanton was designed with the needs of hikers and climbers in mind, providing much-needed accommodation for those trekking the route to the tallest peak in the region. But the construction process was not without hardships, and the team at Studio Demogo faced challenges in transporting building materials to the site. 

Plans for delivering building materials to Bivouac Fanton by helicopter were hindered by inclement weather. Though waiting for favorable conditions did add some delay, it was still a faster option than other alternative means of transportation. 

Reaching the Buffa di Perrero requires significant effort–even for well-equipped modern-day hikers and climbers. Visitors to Buffa di Perrero do not have the option of taking a gondola to ease the strain of their expedition. 

Without a gondola at your disposal, visiting Buffa di Perrero is a formidable pursuit that requires a dedicated and considerable amount of time–at least an entire day. Therefore, it is a path that hikers should only attempt if they possess a high level of experience and fitness due to the demanding nature of the journey, including the utter scale of the path. 

Buffa di Perrero is situated along the via ferrata Ivano Dibona, which can be translated to roughly mean “Iron Path” in English. What an apt description for this taxing and treacherous route!

The film in question is none other than Cliffhanger, starring Sylvester Stallone. Many of the action sequences were filmed along Ivano Dibona. For example, the iconic scene of the anxiety-inducing bridge explosion. Though the film didn’t receive great reviews at the time of release, many viewers do agree that the action scenes were intense and visually spectacular. 

The filmmakers made sure to take all necessary safety precautions while filming along the Ivano Dibona, but the location’s nature presented its challenges. Shooting at elevations that reached 13,000 feet meant that even a minor change in weather conditions could force production to halt filming.

Accessing the Ivano Dibona is even harder for those without the benefit of a $60 million budget. Modern-day hikers begin their ascent using a chairlift, but it only takes them to the base of a now-defunct gondola ride. From there, they face the daunting task of a steep climb uphill for 2,300 feet–a real test of endurance. 

Realistically, even reaching the start of the Ivano Dibona trail takes a considerable amount of effort. Hikers must trek for approximately two hours before they even reach the beginning of the trail! Of course, once they reach the starting point, there are still more obstacles to overcome. 

Now, assuming hikers can conquer the metal stairs, ladder, and several short tunnels, they will finally find themselves at the Cliffhanger bridge. There, they can take a moment to rest and recover while taking in the stunning views. And maybe have a bit of fun by reenacting their favorite scene from the movie. 

Hikers can count themselves lucky they are not burdened with the added weight of carrying building supplies. It makes it much more manageable to hike to Buffa di Perrero without it, which becomes all the more evident as they begin their descent through the Dolomites. 

The first step in the final push towards Buffa di Perrero is to climb a ladder to a small peak and then start trekking along the ridgeline. Hikers must closely follow the cables that extend along the route. 

After that long journey, travelers will finally catch a glimpse of Buffa di Perrero. At this point, the adventure will have taken them as long as four hours of hiking, traversing through tunnels, climbing ladders, crossing a perilous bridge, and descending a steep trail. 

The initial sight of Buffa di Perrero might be quite unexpected for visitors, who may be surprised to see a small and picturesque home after hours of navigating the mountain terrain. The hut itself is unusual, as it seems as though it has been carved directly into the face of the cliff, almost giving the impression that the mountain grew around it. 

The unique and unusual structure of Buffa di Perrero is sure to pique visitors’ curiosity, with many feeling compelled to take a closer look and examine the hut in detail. It is clear that the hut is quite old, making it hard to comprehend that it could have been built all those years ago without modern technology–simply remarkable! 

The exterior walls of Buffa di Perrero appear to be made of stone, which blends seamlessly with the surrounding rocks of the mountain–like a natural camouflage. It’s possible these stones were sourced from the mountain, which makes sense. 

The roof of the Buffa di Perrero is also exceptional. It appears to have been fabricated from a combination of wood and stone. The creator of the hut clearly put a lot of time, effort, and resources into making it a secure and safe hideaway in the hills. 

By now, we know the weather conditions in the Dolomites can be very challenging, causing difficulties even for trained crews and movie productions. Therefore, it is not surprising that the same forces of nature that stalled other operations would also affect Buffa di Perrero.

When inclement weather hit the mountain range, a tragic collapse occurred at Buffa di Perrero. The roof buckled under the pressure and the interior wooden beams supporting it broke and bent. As seen in the images shared by an Alpine rescue organization, substantial internal damage took place. 

The Alpine rescue organization advised mountain goers to refrain from entering Buffa di Perrero due to potential hazards such as sharp wooden debris, among other risks. In spite of this warning, it’s highly likely some curious thrill seekers may still be interested in approaching the collapsed structure.

In the past, hikers could stop and stay at Buffa di Perrero when it served as a shelter. However, now that the structure has sadly collapsed, it has become more of an object of curiosity. People come to admire and appreciate it and see it as a place to take in beautiful views. 

An in-depth examination of history may provide valuable insights. The Dolomites, which includes the Buffa di Perrero hut, is known for much more than simply being the setting of a Sylvester Stallone film.

The Dolomites region was the site of the so-called White War, a brutal battle between the Italian forces and their Austro-Hungarian counterparts. This conflict that took place between these wartime adversaries happened throughout the Alpine mountain range along the border, occurring in some of the most inhospitable conditions imaginable. 

The mere notion of engaging in combat at such heights and in such harsh conditions is virtually unimaginable. Despite this, the men soldiered on for almost the entire duration of World War I, making the White War a historical event of courage, endurance, and sacrifice. 

A mountainous terrain is not conducive to combat warfare. Historically, the only individuals who ventured to the great heights of the Dolomites region were either foragers, shepherds, or mountaineers. 

The Austro-Hungarian and Italian military forces were engaged in the toilsome task of altering the natural landscape of the pristine Alpine mountains. Such work involved cutting down the mountains’ peaks and excavating through rocky terrain. They also undertook the building of roads, laying cables, and even installing telephone lines. 

The soldiers on the front lines were required to maintain their positions for prolonged periods of time during the war effort. Such permanency entailed the establishment of long-term outposts in the bitter mountain environment–places that could endure whatever weather conditions presented themselves. 

Perhaps the pinnacle of this method of Alpine existence was demonstrated in the Dolomite mountain range during the year 1916. The specific location was the Marmolada, the most prominent peak in the range. The Austro-Hungarian army had devised a plan to dig a tunnel through the glacier in order to approach their enemy’s position covertly. 

At this point, the troops were well-acquainted with mountain warfare’s various dangers and challenges. They were familiar with the hazards of snowstorms, avalanches, and freezing temperatures that constantly threatened their survival. But while they were working inside the glacier, many of these concerns were less of an issue. 

As one development led to the next, soon, the Austro-Hungarian military forces were vigorously digging through the glacier. They were steadfast in their efforts, dedicating ten months to the excavation. 

The area where these tunnels and underground compound were created has since been referred to as the “Ice City.” This underground compound was indeed an impressive achievement as it provided soldiers with a place to sleep, cook, and even practice their faith. Additionally, it had storerooms to keep food and supplies and sick bays to attend to any soldiers who were injured. 

In the year 1915, an intense and unforgettable battle raged in the region surrounding Monte Cristallo–now the location of Buffa di Perrero. This conflict occurred during August and September. It was distinguished by the fact that a bombing campaign was launched directly on the mountain itself. 

The soldiers were constantly hampered during the fighting by the persistent mist, snow, and freezing temperatures that often plagued the area. As a result, when the battle was ultimately over, both sides had accomplished very little. A significant number of casualties had been sustained, and the destruction was widespread–all for the acquisition of only a handful of trenches. 

The Ivano Dibona trail was one of the key paths the Italian military forces utilized during World War I. Even today, hikers who traverse this via ferrata route have the opportunity to encounter remnants of the barriers and trenches constructed during the war. 

It is worth noting that no concrete historical evidence regarding the soldiers constructing Buffa di Perrero confirms this is indeed the case. However, this is the generally accepted explanation among most historians. 

When word got out regarding the extensive damage Buffa di Perroro suffered, the primary concern among many who posted on Facebook was if the shelter would be repaired. This location was a place of refuge for current hikers and an integral part of Italy’s historical heritage. 

The Dolomites mountain range in Italy is an example that highlights the fact that many historical artifacts remain hidden among the world’s mountains. The mountains have also revealed various artifacts and remains from World War I as the glaciers have begun to recede.