Dolomites Short Trekking

The ideal trekking to explore the Dolomites within a few days

Do you want to explore the Dolomites, but you are short on time?
Don't worry, Holimites has the key to an unforgettable short hiking holiday.
 
This 4-days trekking tour from hut to hut gives you the opportunity to discover the best of the Dolomites in a short time.
 
From the soft meadows to the rocky landscape of 5 Torri, hiking trough the area of Lagazuoi/Valparola, where WWI was fought. The tour ends in the cozy town of Cortina d'Ampezzo, also known as "the pearl of the Dolomites".

 

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. 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: approx. 13 km (8 miles) / +810 m (2657 feet) e.g. ; -10m (33 feet) e.l.

We start from the small village of Badia and reach San Cassiano either on foot or by public transport. From there, the route winds through the green expanses of Störes and the Pralongià plateau, with flower-filled meadows and breathtaking panoramas, making this stage perfect for unforgettable photos.


2nd stage: approx. 13,5 km (8,4 miles) / +670 m (2198 feet) e.g.; -400 m (1312 feet) e.l.

After an energizing breakfast, we head towards Passo Valparola, a symbol of the First World War. The route passes ancient forts and trenches, leading to the iconic area of the Cinque Torri, a unique place where history and nature meet.


3rd stage: approx. 12,5 km (7,8 miles) / +105 m (345 feet) e.g.; -1.300 m (4265 feet) e.l.

With the Cinque Torri behind us, the trek continues towards Lago Aial, a hidden gem nestled among woods and pastures. The descent leads us to Cortina d’Ampezzo, the famous “Pearl of the Dolomites,” ready to welcome us with its alpine charm.

Departure

 

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

  • Reservation in all huts/hotels
  • Overnight stay with breakfast
  • Maps and a detailed roadbook of the route
  • Route briefing with a local expert
  • Tourist tax
  • Special Holimites souvenir
 

Price does not include

  • Drinks and anything not expressly listed under “Price includes”
  • Travel insurance covering cancellation penalties (optional but recommended)
 

*Included during the escorted tour

  • All services listed under “Price includes”
  • Local guide for the entire duration of the tour
  • Luggage transfer from hut to hut
  • Full board during the stages (breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Note:

  • During the escorted tour, maps and roadbooks are not included
  • Dinner on the last stage is not included
 

Supplements

  • Additional days: from €130.00 per person / night
  • High season (from late June to mid-September): €150.00 supplement per person
  • Single room: 160.00 € (available only in hotels, not in huts)

General description

This hut-to-hut trekking in the Dolomites is designed for those with some mountain experience, but it does not require advanced technical skills. The stages are of moderate difficulty: you will encounter steeper ascents and descents, narrow paths, or rocky sections, but everything can be managed with calm, good hiking shoes, and a basic level of physical fitness.

Route characteristics

The route mainly follows well-marked trails and dirt roads, with average daily distances between 12 and 14 km and varying elevation changes depending on the stage. Some sections may be slightly more challenging, but the breathtaking panoramas and the unique experience of the mountain huts along the way make every effort more than worthwhile.

Who is it suitable for

This itinerary is ideal for hikers with basic or intermediate experience, for those who want to experience the Dolomites in just a few days without missing out on authentic emotions and stunning landscapes.

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:

  • booking train or bus tickets
  • booking a private shuttle

This way you can start your mountain holiday without worries, right from the very beginning.

Here you will find all the detailed information about the different travel options to reach the Dolomites.

Is some training necessary before participating in this trekking tour?

Yes, it is highly recommended. Sore legs, blisters, or other ailments related to walking after the first stage can possibly ruin the entire week for someone. The Alta Via is suited for people that are already strong walkers that can manage treks with fully packed backpacks.
Participating in a trekking group requires having to keep up a certain pace in order to finish the scheduled stages. If your legs are shutting down or your physical preparedness is constraining the rest of the group to slow down and making group compatibility problematic, your tour escort may decide you need to tone down, leaving the pack. Your alternatives in this case are:
a) to shuttle throughout the day on the service van, each day, to the next hut or
b) to take a shuttle 'bump up' to the last hotel, where you can finish your vacation doing some great day hikes.

 

Are there minimum skills requested?
It is absolutely necessary to have some trekking experience on mountain trails and exposed sections. A good ability to read maps and use a compass is a must. If a partecipant should have difficulty to be able to finish the stages, the guide can decide whether it makes sense to continue the tour (alternatives) or break of the tour.

What happens in the case of bad weather?
Sir Alan Flemming once stated: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing”. But, it’s surely possible that bad weather conditions may prohibit our planned tour in some cases. If this happens to
be the case, a phone call to our office from the hut you are staying at is all that’s needed. We will gladly reorganize all of the upcoming stages of your trekking tour so that you can arrive as planned at the end of the
Alta Via; even if you have to take a 1 day break to allow weather conditions to clear up.

 

What specific clothing do you recommend?
We suggest you always carry a light hydration pack with a few layers such as a light insulation jacket, gloves and a hat. Also, keep in mind that the weather in the mountains can quickly change. If your offer includes baggage transfer, we suggest you to pack some warmer and comfortable clothing, which can be left in your bag that we will transfer for you from hut to hut.

I have some Issues with elevation, is that a problem?
The runs each day are between 1.500 and 2.300 meters altitude (between 4,900 and 7,500 feet). In addition, the huts for the overnight stays are above 2000 meters (6,600 feet) If you have trouble with high elevations,
please consult a doctor or medical professional for their expert opinion before booking this trip.

 

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.

Dove è possibile pranzare durante i trekking?
Per pranzo, ci si può fermare in uno dei rifugi ed assaggiare dei piatti tipici locali. Oppure si può richiedere il pranzo al sacco nel rifugio dove si pernotta la sera prima.

Come organizzarsi per la cena?
Tutti i rifugi presso cui alloggerete offrono il servizio cena, al quale è possibile aderire direttamente il giorno stesso.
Per quanto riguarda i pernottamenti in hotel, è possibile richiedere di partecipare alla cena dell' hotel oppure, se preferite, potete e

2 Reviews

Heather G - Tripadvisor
June 2022

3 Day Short Trek

This is a well organized, professional and knowledgeable staff. My biggest surprise...
This is a well organized, professional and knowledgeable staff. My biggest surprise was how nice the "huts" were. Our guide Marco was delightful and knew the area completely including details of the history of the area. The Alps of course did not disappoint, absolutely stunning. The whole tour was amazing. I'd do another tour with Holimites anytime.

Dick McDougald - Tripadvisor
October 2022

Great trip, beautiful place.

My wife and I just completed a hut-to-hut trekking and a similar but separate...
My wife and I just completed a hut-to-hut trekking and a similar but separate hut-to-hut mountain biking trip with the Holimites team. It was fantastic! Truly a trip of a lifetime.

Everything was organized through Holimites; trails, logistics, lodging, equipment, etc. They considered our desired strenuous levels, (hard) and provided great guides for the mountain biking portion.

The Dolomites are amazing and we will be back!!

Dates 2027

Dates

from mid-June to the end of September