Ra Gusela is a summit which ranks as the second-highest peak in the Nuvolau Group of the Dolomites. Set in the Veneto region, the peak is located eight kilometers southwest of the town of Cortina d'Ampezzo. Gusela is the photogenic landmark that towers above Giau Pass. Precipitation runoff from the mountain drains southwest into Torrente Cordevole which is a tributary of the Piave, whereas the northeast slope drains into tributaries of the Boite. Topographic relief is significant as the summit rises 800 meters along the southwest slope in 1.5 kilometers. The nearest higher neighbor is Averau, 1.474 kilometers to the northwest. The mountain's descriptive toponym translates from Ladin language as "the spindle." In the 1800s, the peak was known as "Monte Gusella."
Climate
Based on the Köppen climate classification, Ra Gusela is located in an alpine climate zone with long, cold winters, and short, mild summers. Weather systems are forced upwards by the mountains, causing moisture to drop in the form of rain and snow. The months of June through September offer the most favorable weather for visiting or climbing in this area.