Cima di Mezzo and Cristallino d'Ampezzo can be reached by via ferratas, while Monte Cristallo and Piz Popena both require climbing skills.

Cristallo is largely formed from the Upper Triassic dolomitic rock Dolomia principale.

The mountain was formed during Cretaceous, as well as the rest of the Dolomites, due to the collision between the African and European continents.

The gondola lift up to Forcella Staunies (2,919 m), close to Rifugio G. Lorenzi (2,932 m), was built for the Winter Olympics in Cortina in 1956.

[10][12] The via ferrata VF Renato de Pol can be used for access from the western side of the Cristallo massif.

At the passes Cimabanche and Tre Croci there are Italian bunkers from the time of World War II.