Holimites set up our family of 6 with a great itinerary for a Dolomites hiking trip, including an incredible Via Ferrata. The office staff (Nadine) was responsive and very...
The Holimites team was born from a group of young people full of energy and a deep passion for the mountains.
That same energy is still there today — but in the meantime, many of them have become parents.
And it was precisely through becoming parents that the inspiration arrived: to create a hut-to-hut trekking experience for families, designed to share with children the magic of the Dolomites, life outdoors, and the joy of discovering nature step by step.
A simple, authentic experience — created by parents, for little and big explorers alike.
Arrival in Alta Badia
Welcome to Alta Badia! After your journey, check in at the hotel and enjoy some time to relax, breathe in the fresh mountain air and start soaking up the unique atmosphere of the Dolomites.
Acclimatization day
The first day is all about taking it easy: a gentle walk to stretch your legs, get used to the altitude and enjoy the scents of the alpine forests.
In the late afternoon or evening, you will meet a Holimites expert for a detailed briefing covering the itinerary, daily stages and useful tips to make the most of your trekking experience.
1st stage: Passo Valparola - Pralongià/Planac area
approx. 7,5 km (5,7 miles) / + 270 m (886 feet) e.g.; - 310 m (1020 feet) e.l.
The trek begins at the scenic Passo Valparola, a historic mountain pass and the gateway to our adventure. The trail follows the slopes of Mount Settsass, offering wide and bright views, before reaching the high-altitude meadows of Pralongià, famous for their summer blooms and often described as the true “amphitheatre of the Dolomites”.
2nd stage: Pralongià/Planac area - Passo Gardena
approx. 11 km (6,8 miles) / + 750 m (2460 feet) e.g.; - 760 m (2495 feet) e.l.
From Pralongià we descend to Corvara, one of the iconic villages of Alta Badia, then climb again along a panoramic route to Passo Gardena, the natural border between Val Badia and Val Gardena.
3rd stage: Passo Gardena - Gardenacia
approx. 11 km (6,8 miles) / + 630 m (2070 feet) e.g.; - 710 m (2300 feet) e.l.
The day starts by crossing the Puez–Odle Nature Park, a true geological treasure of the Dolomites. Walking beneath the imposing Sassongher, we continue to the welcoming Rifugio Gardenacia, set in a spectacular mountain setting.
4th stage: Gardenacia - Badia
approx. 5 km (3,1 miles) / - 730 m (2395 feet) e.l.
From the Gardenacia plateau, breathtaking views open onto a stunning mosaic of Dolomite peaks. The descent leads through forests of mountain pine and larch, returning to the village of Badia.
Here our Dolomite adventure comes to an end — hearts full, happy legs, and a suitcase full of memories. Departure.
Stages can be shortened or made easier using cable cars and/or public transport.
Upon request, Holimites can fully customize the itinerary: modify individual stages, shorten or extend the tour, add extra nights, or choose easier or more scenic variants.
Each participant is responsible for carefully evaluating the chosen package and ensuring that it matches their own physical fitness, technical ability, experience, and level of endurance.
By booking, participants confirm that they are in suitable physical and mental condition to safely undertake the activity and that they have understood the characteristics, duration, and difficulty level described in the programme.
Participants are also required to follow all instructions provided by Holimites staff at all times. For safety reasons, Holimites experts may modify, suspend, or interrupt activities.
Holimites cannot be held responsible for accidents, injuries, or damages resulting from failure to follow instructions, inaccurate personal declarations, or participation in activities beyond one’s own capabilities.
Price includes
Price does not include
*Included during the escorted tour
Note:
Supplements
General description
A moderately challenging itinerary, perfect for families with children who already have some basic mountain experience. No advanced technical skills are required, but it is important that young hikers are used to walking and have a reasonable level of endurance, as some sections include steeper ascents or descents, or slightly narrower and more uneven trails.
Route characteristics
Medium-length stages with moderate elevation gain.
Route mainly along marked hiking trails and dirt roads.
Some sections may be more demanding, but always manageable with a steady pace and good trekking shoes.
Who is it suitable for
Arrival
Holimites supports you in planning your arrival and departure, helping you choose the simplest and most convenient travel solution to reach the Dolomites.
We can assist you with:
This way you can start your mountain holiday without worries, right from the very beginning.
Is the tour suitable for children of all ages?
No. Hut-to-hut trekking tours are recommended for families with children aged 8 years and older.
Below this age, the stages may be too demanding, both physically and logistically, increasing stress and potential risks for children and parents alike.
What level of physical fitness should children have?
It is important that children are already used to walking in the mountains.
Although the stages are designed to be family-friendly, they still involve several kilometres and elevation changes. In addition, the trekking takes place at medium to high altitudes, where physical effort can feel more demanding.
A good basic level of endurance will make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
What happens if a child is unable or unwilling to complete a stage?
A little encouragement often works wonders!
But if fatigue takes over, there’s no need to worry: all stages take place in areas that are easily accessible by road or cable car.
Simply contact our office and we will advise you on the quickest and safest solution to shorten the stage or return to the valley.
8 Reviews
Family trekking
Holimites set up our family of 6 with a great itinerary for a Dolomites hiking trip, including an incredible Via Ferrata. The office staff (Nadine) was responsive and very...
Holimites set up our family of 6 with a great itinerary for a Dolomites hiking trip, including an incredible Via Ferrata. The office staff (Nadine) was responsive and very helpful, as was the guide who set us on our way. We loved every minute of this trip and will be back to what must be one of the most beautiful places in the world!
Family trek
Our family LOVED our time in the Dolomites and the Holimites made it the BEST. They were wonderful to work with, made everything so easy and helped us plan with perfect...
Our family LOVED our time in the Dolomites and the Holimites made it the BEST. They were wonderful to work with, made everything so easy and helped us plan with perfect trip!
Great help with refugio and hotel bookings; trail suggestions
The highlight of our 5 weeks in Europe
Our family (5 of us, kids ages 12, 14, 15) had an amazing time on our trek in the Dolomites, thanks to Holimites. From start to finish, we had the ideal trekking...
Our family (5 of us, kids ages 12, 14, 15) had an amazing time on our trek in the Dolomites, thanks to Holimites. From start to finish, we had the ideal trekking experience. The trail information provided by Holimites was accurate. The Huuts we stayed in, were amazing (views, food, accommodations). The scenery was incredible, all along the journey. There a few things that surprised us along the way, that made it even better. A trampoline to jump on and a whole fun park area, where the kids could climb, jump, race and wade in a beautiful little pool. It was a little challenging to get there, but 100% worth the effort. We cannot wait to come go back for longer next time.
Excellent and well organized 5 Day Self-Guided Dolomite Trek
Our family of 4 (boys ages 13 and 16) just completed a 5 day trek in the Dolomites, which was organized through Holimites. Holimites did an excellent job creating...
Our family of 4 (boys ages 13 and 16) just completed a 5 day trek in the Dolomites, which was organized through Holimites. Holimites did an excellent job creating a seamless itinerary for us. From the moment we got to Alta Badia, everything had been well organized including our hotel and all the rifugios booked. Suzi met us the night before we started our trek and provided us with the map and a briefing of where we would be going. We also had Holimites do our baggage transfer so that we could just hike with day packs. Our bags were ready and waiting at each rifugio upon our arrival. The rifugios were all wonderful and each had their own feel and cuisine. The trails are very well marked. We did get lost on the first day, but it was our own fault, as we were looking up and in such awe of the beauty of the Dolomites, that we didn't see our trail marker! We'd go again in a heartbeat. Thanks Holimites!
6 Days Rifugio Trek
We signed up with Holimites on the best of Alta Via 1 & 2 trek as a family of 4. Before the trip, we had many questions about the trek and the Holomites staff answered...
We signed up with Holimites on the best of Alta Via 1 & 2 trek as a family of 4. Before the trip, we had many questions about the trek and the Holomites staff answered all of them with great patience and details.
The briefing before the unguided, but well marked, trek was detail and all queries were answered. The snowstorm that came while trekking up to Rifugio Lagazuoi was a surprise but fun for our kids, which is their first encounter with snow. Luckily, it was a safe reach to the Rifugio. Holomites took the trouble to call the Rifugio to ensure that we reached it. That is comforting knowing that someone is watching your back in a foreign terrain.
It was an amazing trip with one day allocated to a Via Ferrata adventure, also organised through Holomites where they found us a reliable guide through the Alta Badia guide organisation.
We were given several numbers to call if there is any emergency.
The scenic Dolomites did not disappoint and in fact far exceeded our expectations.
We would not hestitate to organise our hut-to-hut trip with Holomites again!
Great family trek.
Our experience with Holimites was excellent - very organized, helpful, responsive staff. We would highly recommend them.
Perfect for 3 sisters and their 75 year old mother!
Dates