North Western Dolomites

Take a self-guided tour or with one of our experts along the lunar landscape of the Puez Natural Park. Rest on the soft meadows of the Alpe di Siusi, cross Corvara and the Second World War trenches along the Valparola Pass, to reach Cortina d'Ampezzo.

After covering the 8 stages of 100 km, 6,360m elevation gain and 6,140m elevation loss, you can say that you have experienced the Dolomites at its best.

Lenght 10 nights

Level •••• : Demanding

• Description: Challenging tour, characterized by its overall length and the succession of many days of walking. It requires a good level of fitness and physical endurance.
• Features: Extended routes with significant elevation changes and uneven terrain. Some sections may be exposed, requiring experience.
• Suitable for: Fit and experienced hikers, accustomed to complex terrain and interested in a long-term challenge.

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. 14 km (8.7 miles) / +1.350 m (4430 feet) elevation gain ; -350 m (1150 feet) elevation loss;
We start from Badia and, passing through Juvel Pass, we arrive in Longiarù, a typical and charming mountain village. We continue our journey towards the Puez-Odle Nature Park and, skirting the hillsides of Monte Putia, we cross green meadows and beautiful alpine pastures until we reach the hut.

 
2nd stage: approx. 10 km (6.2 miles) / +600 m (1970 feet) e.g.; -830 m (2725 feet) e.l.;

Heading south, we cross the Puez-Odle Nature Park, an area of great geological and botanical interest. The landscape changes several times: from flowering meadows to rocky ascents, until we reach the Col Raiser area in Val Gardena.

3rd stage: approx. 18 km (11.2 miles) / +510 m (1673 feet) e.g. ; -1.210 m (1970 feet) e.l.;

We cross the pastures of Seceda and Resciesa, which, with their view of the Odle mountains, are among the most famous places in the Dolomites. After taking an obligatory selfie, we continue our journey towards the romantic town of Ortisei. After some time to buy a souvenir, the journey continues towards the postcard-perfect landscapes of Alpe di Siusi. (Possibility to use the public bus or lifts).

4th stage: approx. 11 km (6.9 miles) with +520 m (1710 feet) e.g. -270 m (890 feet) e.l.;

With the view on the Sciliar, we cross the Alpe di Siusi, the largest plateau in Europe, until we reach Rifugio Sasso Piatto. In an exciting up and down, we pass at the foot of the namesake mountain until we reach Col Rodella/Passo Sella.

5th stage: approx. 13 km (8 miles) / +400 m (1315 feet) e.g.; -950 m (3120 feet) e.l.;

In the presence of the Sella Group and Sassolungo, we descend to Plan de Gralba, an area renowned for its panoramic beauty. From here, the ascent to Passo Gardena begins, a path that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Once at Passo Gardena, we take a moment to enjoy the spectacular view before starting the descent to the picturesque village of Colfosco.

6th stage: approx. 10,5 km (6.5 miles) / +990 m (3250 feet) e.g.; -550 m (1800 feet) e.l.;
From Colfosco, we climb to Lake Boè, a small alpine lake with clear and crystalline waters, nestled among the mountains. After a short stop to admire the landscape and refresh ourselves, we begin the descent to Campolongo Pass. From here, following the picturesque hunters' path, we cross forests and alpine meadows until we reach the Cherz area.

7th stage: approx. 16 km (10 miles) / +1.240 m (4070 feet) e.g.; -640 m (2100 feet) e.l.;
We cross the pastures of Pralongià and, skirting Monte Settsass, we reach Valparola Pass. From here, we start the ascent towards the Lagazuoi area, a region rich in history and famous for being a battleground during the First World War. Along the way, we can observe trenches and military posts that testify to the intense war activity of that period.

8th stage: approx. 14,5 km (9 miles) / +330 m (1085 feet) e.g.; -1.790 m (1875 feet) e.l.;
We leave the Lagazuoi area behind and begin the descent towards Rifugio Dibona, located at the foot of the imposing Tofane mountains. From there, we continue our journey until we reach the renowned town of Cortina d’Ampezzo, the venue for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

Departure

The 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.
• The community: during our guided tours, people meet who already have something in common from the beginning: the love for nature and being active. The popularity of our guides with the various hut owners can also turn out to be a great benefit (we just say: Grappa!).

ESCORTED TOURS

• upon request
  
  

KEEP IT PRIVATE:

Do you want to reserve one of our guided tours exclusively for you and your group of friends? Choose any tour that you like, contact us and remember to tell us how many people are in your group. We will send you a personalized quote based on the number of participants.

SELF-GUIDED TOUR:

from mid June to the beginning of October

If you opt for the self-guided tour, you can choose your preferred travel time.
Send us you estimated dates of arrival/departure and we will send you a detailed offer.

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

* INCLUDED DURING THE ESCORTED TOUR

• All services mentioned under "included in the price"

• Local tour escort at your disposal during the tour
• Full board 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

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

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

EXTRAS

• 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
• Single room: 160.00 € (available only in hotels, not in huts)

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.

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.

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.