Trail running Best of
Alta Via 1 & 2

If trail running either of the classic Alta Via #1 or #2 trips of the Dolomites doesn’t seem challenging enough, then this is the tour made for you: a unique program that combines the best of both Alta Vias.

A local trip escort will accompany the group across the UNESCO Heritage Dolomites’ most renowned Natural Parks. This 6-stage tour covers 85 kilometers with over 5,000 m of gain.

Holimites will take care of all the logistics, from booking reservations in the various mountain huts to organizing daily baggage transfers from hut to hut, so you can make your way across the most spectacular scenery of the area, unencumbered by extra pack weight or concerns.

Length 7 nights

Level ••• : Moderate

• Description: Moderate tour, considering its total length and difficulty, especially in the initial stages.
• Features: The route has moderate elevation changes and extended sections. The ascents and descents require endurance and a steady pace to navigate various types of terrain safely.
• Suitable for: Runners with decent experience, accustomed to mountain trails, ready to run challenging sections and elevation gains. Requires good physical preparation.

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. 17 km (10,5 miles) with +1.650 m (5420 feet) elevation gain; -900 m (2950 feet) elevation loss.
We start from Badia and reach the Santa Croce sanctuary, at the bottom of Santa Croce mountain. From here we continue our route towards the Sant’Antonio Pass to end our first day in the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park.

2nd stage: approx. 12 km (7,5 miles) with +1.100 m (3600 feet) e. g.; -450 m (1480 feet) e. l.
We cross the Fanes alp and hike up to Forcella del Lago. From here we can admire the charming Lagazuoi Lake. After a short break at the lake we start the ascent to Lagazuoi, one of the most panoramic places, which offers a unique view on the Dolomites.

3rd stage: approx. 13,5 km (8,4 miles) with +650 m (2130 feet) e. g.; -1.250 m (4100 feet) e. l.

We leave Lagazuoi behind us and run through the trenches built during World War I. They mark the border between the Kingdom of Italy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Our trail continues towards Malghe del Castello at the foot of the Settsass mountain arriving at the Pralongià plateau, which is called also “amphitheater of the Dolomites” because of its flowery meadows. 

4th stage: approx. 13 km (8 miles) with +850 m (2800 feet) e.g.;  -800 m (2600 feet) e.l.
From Pralongià we take the “hunters path”, which leads us to Passo Campolongo. We run along the woods to the village of Colfosco. After a short break we start the ascent to the pass which divides Val Badia to Val Gardena.

> min. approx. 11,5 km (7 miles) / +800 m (2600 feet) e. g.; -800 m (2600 feet) e. l.

> max. approx. 15 km (9,5 miles) / +1.000 m (3300 feet) e.g.; -950 m (3120 feet) e.l.

5th stage: approx. 13,6 km (8,5 miles) with +700 m (2300 feet) e.g.; -800 m (2600 feet) e.l.
Starting from Passo Gardena we cross the Puez-Odle Natural Park, with an amazing view on the Sassongher mountain and continue until we reach the Gardenacia hut. 
> min. approx. 9,8 km (6 miles) / +650 m (2150 feet) e.g.; -750 m (2450 feet) e.l.

> max. approx. 14 km (8,7 miles) / +900 m (2900 feet) e.g.; -1.000 m (3300 feet) e.l.

6th day: approx. 8 km (5 miles) with +250 m (820 feet) e.g.; -950 m (3120 feet) e.l.
Our final stage leads us to Badia, the starting point of the tour. After breakfast we start our run and cross the Gardenacia plateau accompanied by the spectacular view on the Dolomites, arriving to the village of Badia. 
> min. approx. 5 km (3 miles) with +10 m (35 feet) e. g.; -750 m (3460 feet) e. l.

> max. approx. 11,5 km (7 miles) / +350 m (1150 feet) e.g.; -1050 m (3450 feet) e.l.
Departure.

*Guides will modify the distance and vertical of these stages based on your group’s ability.

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 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 2025

• from June 18th to June 25th
• from July 30th to August 06th
• from September 12th to September 19th

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.

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

INCLUDED DURING THE ESCORTED TOURS

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

• Dinner not included during the last stage

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

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

EXTRA CHARGES

• Additional days: starting from € 130,00 per person / night
• Single room: € 160,00 (available only in hotels, not in huts)
• High season (from the end of July to mid-September):  € 150,00 € per person

What is Trail Running?
Rather than a discipline, Trail Running is equal parts a philosophy, a sport and a way of life. It dilutes the hectic thrum life to its simplest rhythm. Moving across the mountains--unencumbered and with primal athleticism--one experiences the mountains both as a visitor looking outward as well as an athlete looking inside oneself. Trail Running allows one to explore nature on their own terms, allowing the runner to use their fitness as a path to discovery, while traveling to some of the most beautiful and secluded places on the planet.

Do we have to be able to run uninterrupted to participate?

The Holomites trail running trips are on mountain trails, and most runners will hike portions of each stage, however, as a participant in a group trail run, you will be expected to maintain a certain pace in order to finish the scheduled stages. If your legs are shutting down or your fitness is interfering with the group’s ability to make cut offs, your tour escort may decide you need to alter your daily route. In this case, you will have an array of options so that you can continue your trip at a more relaxed speed:
a) to take a rest day and shuttle with the service van, to the next hut where the group is headed for that stage
b) to take a shuttle and 'bump up' to the last hotel, where you can finish your vacation going on suggested trail runs from that location.
Given our considerable years of experience with trail running groups, here are a few statistics to help you gauge how much hiking you should expect: if you run marathons under 3 hours, on average you can run 70% of each stage; if you take 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 vary between 1,500 and 2,300 meters of altitude (between 4,900 and 7,500 feet) each day. In addition, the huts for the overnight stays are above 2000 meters (6,600 feet). If you have a history of trouble with high elevations, please consult a doctor or medical professional for their expert opinion before booking this trip.

Is training necessary?
Yes, we recommend training before participating in this event. Sore legs, blisters, or other ailments related to running after the first stage can possibly ruin the entire week for someone. We suggest training programs with runs between 10 to 15 km (6 to 10 miles) on unpaved terrain.

I’m in good shape. Have trained and can run the stages. Are the stages marked?
Each evening our tour escort will conduct a brief talk about the next day’s stage. Also, the Alta Via 1 is marked with its own “symbol” and it’s NOT easy to get lost.

What specific clothing do you recommend?

For trail running in good weather, we suggest you always carry a light hydration pack and a few layers such as a light insulated jacket, gloves and a hat. Always keep in mind that the weather in the mountains can quickly change. We suggest packing some warmer clothing in addition to this minimum suggestion. These items can be left in your bag that we that we will transfer for you from hut to hut each day. 
Note: In some huts, bags are transported via a cableway and thus there are some weight restrictions: 10kg --> 50x40x20cm

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 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.

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.