The Sellaronda hiking experience

The Sellaronda loop is famouse in winter for skiing and in summer mainly for cycling.

But why shouldn’t we hike it? Using the ski lifts, which are also open during the summer season, it will be possible to explore the vast territory of Ladin culture with little effort.

In the evening we will be pampered in the cozy hotels of the Ladin valleys.

Length 7 nights

Level: °°°

Arrival in Alta Badia: Chek-in at the hotel and general briefing with a local Holimites expert.
Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel.

1st day: approx. 11,6 km (7,2 miles) / +173 m (567 feet) elevation gain; -650 (2133 feet) elevation loss

The tour starts directly from the village of Badia. With the chair lift we reach the sanctuary Santa Croce. We ascent to the settlement Rudiferia through the woods, here starts the “Larch wood path” that ends in the picturesque village of San Cassiano. We take the cable car up to the plateau, which is also called the “amphitheater of the Dolomites”. We can stop at one of several huts to taste typical Ladin products. Then begins the descent to Planac, a quiet resort located at the foot of the Sella massif.

Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel.

2nd day: approx. 6,7 km (4,2 miles) / +653 m (2142 feet) e.g.; -25 m (82 feet) e.l.

After a rich breakfast, we start hiking towards Passo Gardena. On our left side there are the imposing walls of the sella group and on the right side we can see the Natural Park Puez Odle. After the last short ascent to Dantercepies, we take the cable car down to Selva di Val Gardena, famous for it’s artists and wood sculptors.

Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel.

3rd day: approx. 11 km (6,8 miles) / +135 m (443 feet) e.g.; -435 m (1427 feet) e.l.

During a vacation in the Dolomites you cannot miss a visit to one of the most iconic places in the Dolomites: the Seceda! We take the lift up to Col Raiser, a pleasant walk through flowery meadows takes us to Seceda. Get your smartphone ready - here the selfie with a view of the Forcella di Pana and the Odle in the background is a must. We descent by cable car to Ortisei. Time to buy a souvenir, and the journey continues on the other side of the valley. The Mont Seuc cable car takes us to 2000 m on the Alpe di Siusi. Here we can enjoy a fairytale scenery and stroll through flower-filled meadows, watching the sunset over Sasso Piatto and Sasso Lungo.

Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel.

4th day: approx. 16 km (9,9 miles) / +627 m (2057 feet) e.g.; -305 m (1000 feet) e.l.

We leave Alpe di Siusi behind us and hike towards Passo Sella. The Sasso Piatto and Sasso Lungo will be at our fingertips today. A gentle path at the bottom of these majestic mountains lead us direction Val di Fassa, identifiable by ornate houses and famous for Ladin legends.

Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel.

5th day: approx. 5,6 km (3,5 miles) / +132 m (433 feet) e.g.; -247 m (810 feet) e.l.

A nice morning walk lead us along the river to the picturesque village of Canazei. We ascent to Col di Rosc by cable car. And here, in front of us rises the Marmolada glacier (3343 m a.s.l.) is nicknamed the "Queen of the Dolomites." After a short descent we conclude today's stage at the Pordoi Pass. For those who are in good physical shape, we recommend taking the cable car up to Sas Pordoi and walking the last few kilometers to reach Piz Boè (3152), the highest peak of the Sella group.

Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel.

6th day: approx. 17 km (10,6 miles) / +435 m (1427 feet) e.g.; -924 m (3032 feet) e.l.

The final stage brings us back to the village of Badia. From the Pordoi Pass we descend toward Arabba and passing through the Campolongo Pass we continue the trek to the village of Corvara. Right here, in the 1930s the first chairlift was built to Col Alt; today there is a modern cable car in its place, which helps us regain altitude. We cross the Alta Badia plateau and descend to Badia, the starting point of our tour.

Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel.

7th day: Departure.

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 – a 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.
 Tales, 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 and dinner, lunch is 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 2024

• on 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 TOURS

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 your 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.

We recommend arriving in the Dolomites one/two days prior to your tour departure to acclimatize and adjust to the time change.

 INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Bookings of all accommodations
• Accommodation with half board (breakfast+dinner)
• Detailed maps and roadbook
• Briefing with a Holimites trail expert
• Lift/cable car ticket
• All taxes
• Special Holimites Souvenir

INCLUDED DURING THE ESCORTED TOURS

• All the services mentioned under “Included in the price”
• Local tour escort at your disposal during the tour
• Baggage transfer from hotel to hotel
• Lunch in mountain huts (starter or main dish)
• Hiking maps and roadbooks are not included during the escorted tours

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

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

SUPPLEMENTS

• Extra days: from € 150,00 per person and night
• Single room: € 380,00
• Mid season (August till mid of September): € 80,00 per person
• High season (July):  € 120,00 € per person

Is some training necessary before participating in this trekking tour?

Yes, even though the use of cable cars will facilitate some descents/climbs, it is still recommended to be trained. Sore legs, blisters, or other ailments related to walking after the first stage can possibly ruin the entire week for someone. The hiking programs are 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 is a must for self-guided tours.

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.

What about having lunch in the mountains?
For lunch you can stop in one of the huts to taste some traditional food or you have the possibility to buy a lunch package in the hut where you overnight.