Highlights of the Dolomites

Hiking the Dolomites | Gus Cheung

Peaks near Rifugio Locatelli

Dolomites near to Corvara, Italy

Traversing across the side of Mount Paternkofel

Colfosco Church with the Sella group behind

Picturesque village of Corvara, Italy

Tre Cime from the winding trail below the Locatelli Hut

Hiking the Dolomites | Gus Cheung

Peaks near Rifugio Locatelli

Dolomites near to Corvara, Italy

Traversing across the side of Mount Paternkofel

Colfosco Church with the Sella group behind

Picturesque village of Corvara, Italy

Tre Cime from the winding trail below the Locatelli Hut

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Duration

5 days

Activities

self guided walk

Accommodation

4 nights in 3-4 star hotels

Meals

1 Dinner
4 Breakfasts

Price

$1190USD

Overview

Trip Code: JD5

Trip highlights

Highlights of the Italian Alps
Hiking Beneath Dramatic Limestone Peaks
Alpine Pastures and Mountain Passes
Tre Cime, Tofana and Sella Mountains

The Dolomites are like no other mountains in Europe. They consist of thick layers of the mineral ‘Dolomite’, akin to limestone, originally deposited on the floor of an ancient sea. The Dolomite peaks are gigantic, chiselled monuments to the powerful forces of glacial erosion. Continuous sheer cliffs flank most of the peaks. Although not exceptionally high (the highest peak is Marmolada at 3342m), they are amongst the most striking of all European mountains, coloured in weathered hues of rose, yellow, white and grey and rising in steep spires of fantastic form. Below lie bright green meadows alive with wild flowers all summer. In the lower valleys are orchards, vineyards and a chequerboard of cultivated fields. The scenery impresses with panoramas unfolding with each turn of the paths and crossing of the passes. The cliffs of the Tofana, Sella and Marmolada massifs tower above the winding paths where all this magnificent scenery seems packed into an impossibly small area. High mountain paths are interspersed with lush meadows and pretty hamlets and villages. Refuges and mountain restaurants provide a perfect excuse to rest and drink in the views as well as welcome refreshments. To cap it all there are opportunities for the not so faint hearted to stand on a couple of summits and peer down almost vertical rock faces to the valleys far below.

Trip Grading

moderate to challenging

More info about grading system

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Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive Cortina

Make your own way to Cortina, an attractive high-altitude town in the northern extremity of the Veneto region of Italy. it is a fashionable winter resort that also springs to life in the middle of the summer. Accommodation: Stay in a comfortable hotel located in the centre which is 200m from the Faloria Cableway and 150m from Corso Italia.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Cortina to San Cassian 21 km/13 miles, 7 h

From Cortina, after a few minutes by bus, begin your climb to the Rifugio Dibona at the end of the dirt road. From here climb a little more and then traverse, with the vertical rock walls of the Tofana di Rozes (3219m) and Tofana di Mezzo (3240m) peaks above. Follow a high-level route to the Forc Lagazuoi pass. There is much evidence of First World War trench systems, fortresses, barbed wire here. Much of the rubble lying around Lagazuoi was not created by glaciation, but by huge mines that were detonated in 1915-16. The descent is rocky but easier down to a pretty lake. A steeper section takes you to the Rifugio Scotoni for drinks and strudel. Then onwards downhill, following the stream on the way to your hotel at Armentarola near Sare. Accommodation: Stay in a well-appointed hotel in the rural location of San Cassian. The hotel has got an indoor swimming-pool and a sauna.There are no local facilities nearby but dinner can be taken at the hotel restaurant. Approx ascent: 1050m/descent 1115m

Meals: B

Day 3
San Cassian to Colfosco 14 km/8.6 miles, 6 h

Our route today is a complete change from the harsh rocky tablelands. You enjoy hiking through forests and climb on to a grassy ridge to the mountain refuge at Pralongia. The strudel is particularly inviting here. Continue to Col Alti (1983m) which also has a nice little restaurant by the gondola station, with panoramic views of the Tofana and Sella mountain groups, our next destination. Descend steeply to Corvara and stay nearby in Colfosco. This is a pretty village with an old church, a few shops, a supermarket, bank and a couple of bars. Approx ascent: 815m/descent: 800m Accommodation: Stay in a welcoming and good standard chalet-hotel, family run.

Meals: B

Day 4
Colfosco to Campitello di Fassa 21 km/13 miles, 8 h

Starting from Colfosco, return past the campsite and head up into the trees around the east side of the Sella group. We recommend taking a gondola part of the way to assist in the ascent (saves 600 metres and 2 hrs walking). You then traverse below the cliffs and above the forests, with magnificent views of the Marmolada and peaks to the east. From Passo Pordoi, descend to Campitello, a gondola can also be used for the second half of this descent. This route should only be undertaken in dry, clear weather. In the event of poor weather or too much snow, a direct bus can be taken via Arabba to Canazei, with connections to Campitello. Approx ascent: 772m (if taking the gondola)/descent: 1510m Accommodation: You will be staying in comfortable, family-run hotel on a half board basis. This is quite a large hotel with good size rooms and a small spa with a sauna.

Meals: B,D

Day 5
Arrangements end after breakfast

After breakfast, depart for your onward journey.

Meals: B

Inclusions

What's included

4 breakfasts, 1 dinner
4 nights accommodation in 3-4 star hotels. Twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Luggage transfer
Information pack including route notes & maps
Emergency hotline

What's not included

5 dinners, all lunches & beverages
Bus and train journeys at the beginning and end of the tour
During the tour, transfers by bus or cable car
Travel insurance
Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
City tax - locally payable to the accommodations
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Guide - this is a self guided holiday

Grading

moderate to challenging

Moderate to Challenging (Grade 4). While generally no tougher than our other Alpine treks, this route does involve some short, slightly exposed, albeit stunning, sections where a head for heights is needed. No mountaineering experience is necessary for the trip but it is a trek most suited to those with previous experience of hillwalking and mountainous terrain. Average daily duration of walking is around 6-7 hours, although this will obviously vary according to the terrain, conditions, individual or group progress and weather. The trails in the Dolomites tend to be more rocky underfoot than many other areas of the Alps, so care must be taken along some sections. By using buses and cable cars some of the longer days can be shortened. In the event of extreme bad weather necessitating a change to the itinerary, clients are expected to bear the cost of transport to the next night's stop.

Departure dates

Daily from 15 Jun to 15 Jul and 15 Aug to 11 Sep

Notes

Peak Season Supplement

Note:

Peak season is from 24 Jul - 28 Aug. A supplement applies for peak season departures.

NB:

8 Day itinerary available (code JDO).

NB:

September departures: local busses may have stopped operating, you will then have to rely on taxis only (bus operators publish their time tables at short notice).

NB:

Availability during the Maratona dles Dolomites (7 July 2024) may be limited, flexibility around these dates may help confirm your holiday.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1190USD

Options & Supplements*

Single SupplementUSD$200
Peak Season Single SupplementUSD$240
Solo Traveller SupplementUSD$370
Peak Season Solo Traveller SupplementUSD$410

*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

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?Will I be staying in mountain huts or hotels?

No, the accommodations that we have chosen for you are comfortable 3-4* hotels with ensuite facilities.

?Is there any Via Ferrata on this Dolomites walking trip?

There is no Via Ferrata climbing on iron ways involved in our Dolomites hiking trip. Trails however can be loose in places after snow with gravel washouts and care needs to be taken at certain times.

?What is the weather in the Dolomites like?

The weather in the Dolomites is often stable and clear during the period that we run this walking tour. Normally it is drier than the Italian Alps further north and west, however humid Mediterranean air from the Gulf of Venice can bring instability and afternoon thunderstorms are quite common.

?Are hiking poles recommended?

Hiking poles are very useful on the steep descents and for loose scree sections when you're walking in the Dolomites.

?Are the trails in the Dolomites crowded?

The paths can be busy in the vicinity of refuges and on the Tre Cime walk, but away from cable car and cafe stops, numbers drop off substantially. You are rarely likely to be on your own on the trails for too long however!

?How easy is it to travel to and from the area?

Travelling to Cortina involves either a bus from Venice Airport or station (2-3 a day) or a train & bus combination from Venice Mestre. Generally a morning flight into Venice is required. From Campitello di Fassa at the end of your tour, there is a limited bus service to Trento (allow 3 hours), then train to Venice. We would recommend an extra night or two in Venice.

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