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ITALY
Hiking in the Dolomites
From Cortina D’Ampezzo to Corvara across some of the Dolomites most
spectacular mountain ranges
Long known as a paradise for rock climbers, the Dolomites are a great destination for fit hikers as well.
Charming hotels in narrow pretty valleys make comfortable “base camps,” from which we’ll venture out each
day for an invigorating hike along rugged trails. The mountain lodges and hotels offer a high standard of
accommodation as well as a delicious typical Italian and Tyrolean local cuisine and they are very well known
for their wine cellars that offer great wines from all over the world.
We’ll see the best the Dolomites have to offer, including the majestic Sella massif and the striking, oftenphotographed pillars of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, arguably the most well known landmark in the Dolomites. On
the trail, you’ll only need to carry a light daypack with the daily essentials (camera, water bottle, jacket, and
an occasional packed lunch).
Code:
Country:
Type:
Duration:
ITDCC
Italy
Hiking
8 Days
Difficulty:
Altitude:
Season:
Price:
**/***
max. 3000m
Jun - Sept
on request
Daily Programme
Variations in the itinerary could occur due to weather conditions and the fitness level of the participants. The time references are actual
walking and climbing times and do not include rest or lunch stops in rifugi
1° Day - Arrival at Cortina d’Ampezzo
Meeting and briefing with the guide and Welcome Dinner in the evening.
Accommodation: Hotel D
2° Day - Dolomiti D’Ampezzo Park: Alpe di Sennes Circuit
This walk to the Alpe di Sennes uplands entails a good range of scenery and habitats, two natural parks –
Dolomiti D’Ampezzo and Fanes-Sennes-Braies – and the spectacular Croda Rossa mountain group.
20’ minute transfer to the Rifugio Malga Ra Stua (1668m) a cozy hut-cum-dairy farm set in a valley running
between the Croda Rossa (northeast) and Lavinores (west) Dolomite groups. The name “stua” comes from
“dam” the nearby stream used to be blocked to operate machinery for the medieval quarry of red stone next
to the hut. From here we hike on a wide grave road to the Rifugio Sennes (2116m) and to the Rifugio Fodara
Vedla (1960m) where we stop for lunch enjoying a lovely view east to the Corda Rossa. After lunch we hike
on a stony track and former wartime mule route. The track traverses a series of grassy basins dotted with
bushes and dwarf mountain pine, ideal home of marmots and chamois.
The final part winds steady through Arolla pine and larchback to the Rifugio Malga Ra Stua where we
transfer back to our hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel B
Agenzia viaggi di Dolma Tours Sas
Via Verdi 15 - 17020 Calice L (Sv) – Italia Tel +39.019.65375 – cell: +39.393.911.61.35 -mail:[email protected]
P. IVA 01328100092 - Iscr. CCIA n° SV136580
3° Day- Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Today we take a scenic drive up to Rifugio Auronzo (2320m), then hike for 3½ hours around the Tre Cime di
Lavaredo and Monte Paterno, one of the most scenic mountain landscapes in the Dolomites. Along the way
we’ll admire the spectacular Cadini mountain group on the south, with its rock spires and strangely formed
needles. Our hike is along a wide gravel wartime mule track that leads to the Lago di Cengia. A series of
steep zigzags leads to a stony amphitheatre on the edge of which stand extensive World War I fortifications.
Another 20 minutes brings us to the Forcella Pian di Cengia (2522m) where we can admire the view of the
Tre Scarperi mountain range. From here we descend on a steep rocky trail for the first stretch and then
traverse almost horizontally on a vast scree slope to finish with a short climb to the Rifugio Locatelli (2405m).
Here we’ll have lunch while gazing at the stunning north faces of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
The north faces are part of the world history of mountaineering as the first routes were climbed in the 1930s.
The area is a sort of “open air museum” as there are lots of reminders of the First World War—tunnels,
bunkers, and old barracks. From the Rifugio we hike under the North faces of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo to
the Rifugio Lavaredo where the van will we waiting to transfer us back to our hotel. The remainder of the
afternoon is free to wander and explore Cortina’s busy streets lined with restaurants and cafes, antique
shops, art galleries, and boutiques.
Accommodation: Hotel B
4° Day - Rifugio Vandelli Traverse
Unlike the rugged rocky heart of the Sorapiss which soars to 3205m, dominating the resort township of
Cortina, luckily the northernmost edge of the group is accessible to the average walker. This varied loop
route leads to a lovely hut set below towering Punta Sorapiss, and guarantees extensive views over
neighbouring Dolomites, combined with good chances of spotting wild chamois mountain goats.Transfer to
Passo Tre Croci (Three Cross Pass 1805m) and start of the hike.We gain altitude fast as we use several
metal ladders and encounter easily fascinating fossils on the ground.We reach Rifugio Vandelli (1928m)
which occupies a wonderful position, looking out north to the Cadini, the Sesto Dolomites and of course,
Misurina’s lake in the distance.We backtrack for 10 minutes the path and head uphill towards the Cime
Ciadin del Loudo. On the way we have astounding views of the Tre cime di Lavaredo. We continue to
Forcella Ciadin (2378m)from where we have a wonderfull view of the elegant spires of the Cristallo group.
From here we descend to Passo Tre Croci where the van will be already waiting for us.
Accommodation: Hotel B
5° Day - Settsass hike
Dwarfed into relative insignificance by the outstanding Dolomite massifs of Lagazuoi and Conturines, the
Settsass stands isolated, a jagged ridge rising out of gently rolling pasture. However it rates as one of the
most amazingly panoramic formations with an easily reachable summit, Setsas – the variant spelling
distinguishes the western peak from the Settsass group as a whole. The denomination refers to seven
stones, though there are many more in fact.
Transfer to Passo Valparola. From here hike below the Piccolo Settsass (2429m). Continue to Pralongia
(2106m) and following a good jeep track we reach the Rifugio Biock (2078m) where we can stop for lunch.
Descend to Corvara (1568m) to your cosy and comfortable hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel B, D
6° Day - Above the Val Badia and along the Sella massif
Within the enormous fortress-shaped Sella massif is an excellent network of paths. Its sheer flanks are
reserved for mountaineers and “via ferrata” experts. The mountain group boasts a 3152m - pyramidal peak,
Piz Boè, which can be seen from any of the four passes that bound the Sella massif. Today’s hike will be a
traverse along the south face of this incredible massif.
Transfer 30 minutes to the Passo Pordoi (2239m') from where we start hiking up on a zigzag trail toward the
Forcella Pordoi. Along the way we will be able to appreciate some incredible views of the Sassolungo,
Marmolada, Civetta, Pelmo, Antelao and Col di Lana mountains. After a 35-minute uphill we head right and
start our traverse that goes gently up- and downhill along the Sella’s south face. The trail is on a typical
Dolomitic stone desert trail; it is rocky and sometimes exposed. We may see the occasional hardy wildflower
such as the tiny white alpine mouse-ear and yellow poppies.
Continue to the Rifugio Franz Kostner (2500m) where we will stop for lunch. After lunch we’ll hike downhill
along Lago Boè and through the woods to Corvara (1568m). Those who don’t feel like doing some downhill
can take two lifts down to Corvara or hike down one part and take the second lift to town.
Accommodation: Hotel B, D
Agenzia viaggi di Dolma Tours Sas
Via Verdi 15 - 17020 Calice L (Sv) – Italia Tel +39.019.65375 – cell: +39.393.911.61.35 -mail:[email protected]
P. IVA 01328100092 - Iscr. CCIA n° SV136580
7° Day - Puez - Odle
In the morning transfer to La Villa. From here ascent towards Malga Gherdenaccia (2050m) and hike up path
15 towards Rifugio Puez (2475m) passing by Passo Gherdenaccia (2543m). We take a rest and have lunch
at Rifugio Puez having a fantastic view of the High plateau in front of us. After lunch hike to Passo
Crespeina (2528m) and descend to Passo Gardena. From here private or public transfer down to Corvara.
Accommodation: Hotel B, D
8° Day - Departure
After breakfast departure on your own
Accommodation: B
BB = Bed & Breakfast
FB = Fullboard
Cost includes
4 nights double room hotel accommodation at Cortina d’Ampezzo, 3 nights double room accomodation in
Corvara in Badia, meals as noted, luggage transfer Cortina - Corvara, ground transportation during entire
itinerary, UIAGM/IFMGA local english speaking mountain guide
Not included
Airfare, meals not noted on itinerary, insurance of any kind, optional tipping to leader, guides and local staff,
excess baggage charges, items of a personal nature (sodas, alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages, such as
coffee and teas, laundry, etc.), and everything that is not specified before.
Agenzia viaggi di Dolma Tours Sas
Via Verdi 15 - 17020 Calice L (Sv) – Italia Tel +39.019.65375 – cell: +39.393.911.61.35 -mail:[email protected]
P. IVA 01328100092 - Iscr. CCIA n° SV136580