Ice holes and cold cellars

The ice holes, also called ice cellars, are generally found in the Otradige, but also in Pontives/Laion three such ice cellars have been found. This is a rare natural phenomenon that can be explained by the physical principle of the wind tube. The warm summer air flows in the scree from the top to the bottom and is cooled down very much. The heavy cold air flows out of the "cellars" again and thus the surrounding area is also cooled very strongly. Ice forms on the rock surfaces. In the winter months, this system collapses as the conditions are reversed. The cellars were built over gaps in the ground and insulated from the outside. They look like small bunkers.

The three ice cellars of Lajen are located in the Val Gardena valley at the turnoff to San Pietro in Valle. The largest one is located right next to the road and consists of two chambers. The two smaller ones are located in the forest.
Tips
Use public transports as there are little to no parking possibilities in the area.
Approach
Take bus line 350 to the junction San Pietro in Valle and from there take trail no. 12A to the ice holes. Once you have reached your destination, you can now go back the same way, or follow the marking 12A until you reach San Pietro and from there take the bus line 351 back to Laion.