Family
Trekking

In the beginning, the Holimites team was a group of young and good-looking singles. Today - even though we're still young and good-looking - we've got our own families.

And, precisely because we know what it means to have kids, we decided to create a hut-to-hut trekking experience aimed at families that love the outdoors and want to share nature's glories with their children.

In order to participate, children must be used to walking in the mountains.

Length 05 nights

Level ••: Moderate for Families

• Description: Medium-difficulty itinerary, perfect for families with children who have experience hiking in the mountains. Some sections of the route require handling elevation changes, so it’s essential to be prepared for potentially challenging parts. Good physical endurance is necessary.
• Characteristics: Medium-length trails with moderate elevation changes. Mainly on well-marked paths and dirt roads, with some steeper ascents and descents. Moderate pace with opportunities for numerous breaks.
• Suitable for: Families with children already accustomed to hiking in the mountains or beginner hikers looking for an accessible hike with a bit of a challenge, ideal for those seeking a nature walk with some exertion.

Arrival in Alta Badia: After arriving in Alta Badia and checking into the hotel, it's time to relax after the journey and enjoy the beautiful mountain atmosphere

Acclimatization day
Today is dedicated to acclimatization. Relax, take a walk to stretch your legs, and get used to the altitude and the mountains. In the late afternoon/evening, there will be a general briefing about the route with a local expert from Holimites.

1st stage: approx. 7,5 km (5,7 miles) / + 270 m (886 feet) elevation gain; - 310 m (1020 feet) elevation loss
Transfer to Passo Valparola, where our trekking begins. Along the Settsass mountain we arrive to the meadows of Pralongià, which thanks to its variety of flowers is called “amphitheater of the Dolomites”. 

2nd stage: approx. 11 km (6,8 miles) / + 750 m (2460 feet) e.g.; - 760 m (2495 feet) e.l.
From Pralongià we walk down until the known village of Corvara to start our ascent to the pass, which divides Val Badia from Val Gardena. 

3rd stage: approx. 11 km (6,8 miles) / + 630 m (2070 feet) e.g.; - 710 m (2300 feet) e.l.
Starting from Passo Gardena we cross the Puez-Odle Natural Park under the eyes of the Sassongher mountain and continue until we reach the Gardenacia hut. 

4th stage: approx. 5 km (3,1 miles) / - 730 m (2395 feet) e.l.
The last part of our trek guides us back to the charming village of Badia. Our starting point is the Gardenacia hut, and as we traverse the plateau, we are treated to the breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Dolomites, before finally reaching Badia. Departure!

The stages can be shortened or facilitated by using lifts and/or public transportation.

Furthermore, we inform you that each program can be personalized! We can modify the single stages or shorten and/or extend the duration of the tour.

You have the possibility to do this tour with one of our local tour experts, or, if you prefer, a self-guided tour.

What are the advantages of an escorted tour with a local expert?

• The local expert knows the trails like the back of his hand, and is also well informed about mountains, fauna and flora, and the many traditions of the Dolomites world. Are you already fascinated by the Dolomite legends?
• The tour is enriched with so much knowledge and information.
  ales, stories, and high quantity of tips from locals - from people who grew up here and have much more to tell than the best book.
• Luggage transport from hut to hut is also a big plus.
  You can hike with a small backpack, because your luggage is already waiting for you in the next hut.
• In addition to breakfast, dinner and lunch are also included. Of course, the local expert knows where you get the best dumplings, the most delicious pasta, and the most fluffy cake.
• The weather, or more specifically, bad weather, is not to be underestimated in the mountains, and our local experts have years of experience with it. In case of thunderstorms, rain or even snowfall (yes, even in August it can snow sometimes), they know exactly what to do.
• The correct estimation of the hiking pace is a skill learned over time. When hiking alone, it’s difficult to keep the same pace. This can result in a serious miscalculation of walking time. The guide know exactly when it’s time to take a break, or to push the group with a chocolate bar.

PERIOD

Starting mid June until October

ARRIVAL

Holimites is keen to help you plan and organize your arrival and departure. Together we will find the best travel solution, and we will help you to book bus or train tickets, arrange the car rental, or book a private transfer service.

Here you will find more information about travel to the Dolomites.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Bookings of all accommodations

• Overnight-stay and breakfast
• Detailed hiking map and roadbook
• Briefing with one of our local trail experts
• All taxes
• Holimites souvenir
  
  

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Beverages and anything not mentioned under the heading “Included in the price”
• Cancellation insurance

*INCLUDED DURING THE ESCORTED TOUR

• All services mentioned under "included in the price"
• Local tour escort at your disposal during the tour
• Full board only during the stages (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
• Luggage transfer form hut to hut 
• Maps and roadbooks are not included during the escorted tour
• Dinner not included during the last stage

SUPPLEMENTS

• Additional days: starting from 130.00 € per person/night
• High season (from the end of June to mid-September): an additional 150.00 € per person

What level of athletic fitness should the children have?
They should definitely be used to walking in the mountains because, even if the stages are aimed at their age group, the walks involve elevation gain and several kilometers/miles of trekking. Also remember that the routes are at high elevations, a factor that noticeably affects the effort required to complete the hike.

What happens if a child doesn’t want to or can’t complete the stage??
First of all, you must urge him/her to hang in there and keep on going! But, if the child’s will is stronger than yours -and we know how that is- don’t worry. All the stages are near locations that can be reached by car or by lifts, so all you have to do is call our office and we’ll tell you what the best solution is.

What if the weather’s bad?
In case of adverse weather conditions, just call our office from the hut you’re lodging in so we can reorganize the stage and, if necessary, the following stages, as well, suggesting an alternative daily program.

Recommended clothing:
We always recommend taking along a backpack with a change of clothes, windbreaker jacket, and a set of winter gloves and cap during the treks themselves. Even if the weather report forecasts good weather in the morning, conditions can change substantially in a few hours. If luggage transfer is also involved in your trek, we also recommend preparing warm clothing in the bag that will be taken to each of your arrival stages.

I want do to a self-guided trekking. Are the trails well marked?
Yes, the trails are well marked, but it‘s important to pay attention and be sure to stay on the correct path. During the briefing a local trail expert will explain you every stage exactly.

The programs on the catalog don‘t match my expectations. Are there alternative offers?
On request, Holimites can customize a program for you. Is the tour too long or the stages to challenging? Do you prefer a different itinerary? Would you like to book some extra days to relax in the hotel or on a mountain hut? Just send us a request and we will do our best to meet your needs.

Should I expect to climb a Via Ferrata?
Our standard programs don't include a Via Ferrata. But gladly we can organize one for you with a certified IFMGA-UIAGM Alpine Guide. There is the opportunity to do the Via Ferrata during a stage or you can add an extra day at the beginning or at the end of your tour.

Overnight stay on the mountain huts...
You will be surprised of how lovely our mountain huts are. However, they have to be considered a rifugio in the mountains and not a hotel. So you won’t find all the luxury features you find in the towns.
In the huts there are blankets and pillows. We suggest to bring sleeping bags inlay with you.
All hotels and huts are well informed about dietary restrictions, like gluten or lactose intolerance. Everywhere you will find a vegetarian or vegan alternative.
Not all huts accept credit cards. So we suggest to bring some cash with you, to pay drinks, snacks or extras which are not included in the offer.

Where can we have lunch during the trekking?
For lunch, you can stop at one of the mountain huts and try some local specialities. Alternatively, you can request a packed lunch from the hut where you stayed the previous night.

What about dinner?
All the mountain huts where you'll be staying offer dinner service, which you can decide to join on the same day.
When you'll stay in a hotel you have the option to dine at the hotel's restaurant or, if you prefer, explore the town to find a restaurant that suits your taste.

I have some issues with elevation, is that a problem?
The treks each day are between 1.500 and 2.300 meters of altitude (between 4,900 and 7,500 feet). In addition, the huts for the overnight stays are above 2100 meters (6,900 feet) If you have trouble with high elevations, please consult a doctor or medical professional for their expert opinion before booking this trip.