I spent a week with Holimites running the Alta Via 2 in July 2017. I seriously can't say enough good things about my experience. Holimites was exceptionally organized...
An intense and spectacular trail running experience along the legendary Alta Via #2, one of the wildest and most scenic routes in the Dolomites.
Five stages through iconic mountain groups, high alpine terrain, and authentic mountain environments, from Passo delle Erbe to Col di Pra.
An itinerary of approximately 115 km and over 6,000 meters of elevation gain, designed for experienced trail runners looking for a true alpine challenge, accompanied throughout the journey by a local Holimites guide.
Arrival in Alta Badia
Welcome to Alta Badia! After your journey, check in at the hotel and take time to relax, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and start enjoying the unique atmosphere of the Dolomites.
Acclimatization day
The first day is dedicated to a gentle pace: an easy walk to loosen the legs, get used to the altitude, and enjoy the scents of the alpine forests.
In the late afternoon/evening, a briefing with an experienced Holimites guide will take place, presenting the route, stages, and useful tips to get the most out of your trail running experience.
1st stage: Passo delle Erbe - Passo Gardena
approx. 24,5 km (15,2 miles) with +1.600 m (5250 feet) e.g.; -1.400 m (4600 feet) e.l.
Transfer to the Passo delle Erbe. We start our tour running southwards immersed in the Puez-Odle Natural Park. Running at the foot of Piz Duleda and Piza de Puez we reach Forcella Cier, from where we descent to Passo Gardena.
2nd stage: Passo Gardena - Passo Fedaia
approx. 27,5 km (17 miles) with +1.350 m (4400 feet) e.g.; -1.450 m (4800 feet) e.l.
From Passo Gardena we run around the Sella massif eastwards to the Passo Pordoi. From here, we start one of the most panoramic trails - the “Viel del Pan” while admiring the breathtaking view on the Marmolada, also called “Queen of the Dolomites”, and the Fedaia Lake at its foot, where our day-tour ends.
3rd stage: Passo Fedaia - Passo San Pellegrino
approx. 18,5 km (11,5 miles) with +1.250 m(4100 feet) e.g.; -1.300 m (4270 feet) e.l.
From Passo Fedaia we descend to Val di Fassa passing through the Contrin valley and along the Passo delle Girelle, arriving directly at Passo San Pellegrino.
4th stage: Passo San Pellegrino - Pale di S.Martino
approx. 26 km (16 miles) with +1.650 m (5400 feet) e.g.; -1.050 m (3450 feet) e.l.
We cross the grassy meadows of the San Pellegrino ski resort and once we reach altitude we can admire the panorama of the Pelmo, Civetta and Tofane mountains. We continue to Passo Rolle and run along the elegant and majestic coral mountains, the Pale di San Martino, to Rifugio Rosetta.
5th stage: Pale di S.Martino - Col di Prà - Agordo
approx. 18,5 km (11,5 miles) with +150 m (490 feet) e.g.; -1.850 m (6100 feet) e.l.
We leave the Pale-plateau behind us and start the descent towards Col di Pra/Taibon Agordino.
Departure.
Upon request, Holimites can fully customise the itinerary: modify individual stages, shorten or extend the tour, add extra nights, or choose easier or more scenic variations.
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
Route characteristics
The stages follow technical and varied alpine trails, with demanding distances and significant elevation gain. The route alternates between single tracks, rocky sections, and more runnable terrain, offering a complete trail running experience in the Dolomites.
Overnight stays are in authentic mountain huts and selected hotels, ensuring the right balance between comfort and relaxation after each day of activity.
Who is it suitable for
This tour is designed for trail runners with good experience and excellent physical fitness, already accustomed to running on mountain trails.
It requires solid endurance over long distances and significant elevation gain, confidence on technical terrain, and the ability to complete several consecutive days of intense activity.
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.
What is Trail Running?
Rather than a discipline, TrailRunning is a philosophy. Moving through mountain terrain unencumbered by weight and as an athlete, one experiences the mountains as a visitor looking outward as well as an athlete looking inside of oneself. Trail Running allows for new opportunities in contact with nature, away from noise and lets the runner experience their sport at a special level.
Do we have to be able to run uninterrupted to participate?
Participating in a group trail run 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 runs.
With a lot of years of of experience with groups on the Alta Via 2 we have a little statistics on the running abilities of every runner. If you run a marathon under 3 hours you are able to run on average 70% of each stage; 3 to 3,5 hours = 50%; 3,5 to 4,5 hours= 40%
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 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.
Is training necessary?
Yes, for the Alta Via 2, it is absolutely necessary to be well trained. We suggest training 4 times per week for 10 to 15 km (6 to 10 miles) on unpaved ground.
Which one is the most difficult program offerd by Holimites?
Alta Via 2 is considered to be the most difficult program offered by Holimites due to the length of the stages and the difference in altitude covered. If you've never been trail running in the Dolomites, we suggest you begin with our program "Best of Alta Via 1&2" or Alta Via #1 offer.
I'm in a good shape, have trained and can run the stages. Are the stages well marked?
For security reasons you can't outrun the whole group and wait at the end point. But you also don't need to keep the pace of the group if you want to run faster. Our tour escort will tell you day by day until which intersection you can run alone and then wait, or run back to join again the group.
What specific clothing do you recommend?
For trail running, 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. We suggest packing some warmer and comfortable clothing as well which can be left in your bag that we that we will transfer for you from hut to hut.
Note: In some huts, bags are transported via a cableway and thus there are some weight restrictions. If this case pertains to your group, your guide will give clear instructions on acceptable baggage weight which depends on the number of participants in your group.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2 Reviews
Trip of a lifetime!
I spent a week with Holimites running the Alta Via 2 in July 2017. I seriously can't say enough good things about my experience. Holimites was exceptionally organized...
I spent a week with Holimites running the Alta Via 2 in July 2017. I seriously can't say enough good things about my experience. Holimites was exceptionally organized and attentive to all of our needs. Their staff and guides were first class and the accommodations and food they booked for us was amazing! I didn't have to do a thing the whole week (except for run, of course,) which was a treat! I was also impressed how they arranged the running days (difficulty and mileage) to perfectly match how we were feeling. Our group and guide were matched great and our pace was just right all day long. We stopped for lunch and espressos at riffugios along the way, which was fun, and dinner and breakfast were provided at our overnight refugio (hut or lodging) which were very nice accommodations. Our guide did all of the translations for us (thank you!), but most people spoke decent English. The price may look a little higher, but trust me, it is well worth it as they do everything for you plus it includes first class lodging and some of the best food I have had! I can't wait to go back for a mountain bike and/or skiing trip. I would book with Holimites again in a heartbeat!
Trail Alta Via nr 2
It was a intensive week, which fully met my expectations; the trail was challenging but very well managed by our guide Andrea and the supporter Mia photographer; they managed...
It was a intensive week, which fully met my expectations; the trail was challenging but very well managed by our guide Andrea and the supporter Mia photographer; they managed to give a nice rhythm to the days, alternating well with effort and rest. The shelters chosen to sleep and eat were all well chosen !!!
So congratulations to all the staff;
Tip: the route is challenging, so I would point out that you need to have an adequate preparation, otherwise you risk slowing down the group too much, and this can create inconvenience especially if bad weather is coming, which happens frequently.
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