A unique trail running adventure in the heart of the Dolomites: from east to west, “chasing the sun” through some of the most iconic alpine landscapes in Europe.
The route starts in Sesto di Pusteria, at the foot of the majestic Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and crosses some of the most spectacular natural parks in the Alps: Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park and Puez-Odle, before finishing on the scenic meadows of Alpe di Siusi.
A 7-stage journey covering approximately 103 km and 6,500 meters of elevation gain: an experience designed for experienced trail runners ready to challenge themselves on technical terrain and in extraordinary alpine environments.
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.
Acclimatization day
The first day is all about taking it easy: a gentle walk to stretch your legs, get used to the altitude and enjoy the scents of the alpine forests.
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 trail running experience.
1st stage: approx. 19,5 km (12 miles) with +1,400 m (4600 feet) e.g.; -950 m (3120 feet) e.l.;
Transfer to Sesto in Val Pusteria and start along the beautiful Val Fiscalina, surrounded by forests and impressive Dolomite walls. The ascent leads to the foot of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, one of the most iconic symbols of the Dolomites, with wide panoramas and continuous elevation changes. Final descent to Lago d’Antorno, where we stay overnight.
2nd stage: approx. 14 km (8.7 miles) with +880 m (2890 feet) e. g.; -790 m (2590 feet) e. l.
We leave the Sesto Dolomites behind and enter the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park. The route climbs towards Forcella di Monte Specie before reaching the pastures of Prato Piazza.
3rd stage: approx. 19,5 km (12 miles) with +1,050 m (3450 feet) e.g.; -950 m (3120 feet) e.l.
Running at the foot of the impressive Croda Rossa, we pass Malga Rossalm and climb up to Forcella Sora Forno. From here, the trail continues across alpine meadows to the Sennes plateau.
4th stage: approx. 26 km (16 miles) with +1,200 m (3950 feet) e.g.; -1,950 m (6400 feet) e.l.
We descend to Pederü, where the climb towards Fanes begins. In the heart of the natural park, the trail ascends through a natural “amphitheatre” to Forcella Medesc. From here, stunning views open up over the entire Alta Badia before the final descent to the village of Badia.
5th stage: approx. 18,5km (11.5 miles) with +1,550 m (5080 feet) e.g.; -750 m (2460 feet) e.l.
From Badia, we climb towards the Gardenaccia plateau and cross the lunar-like landscape of the Puez massif to reach Forcella della Roa. With views over Val Gardena, we descend towards Col Raiser.
6th stage: approx. 29 km (18 miles) with +1,100 m (3600 feet) e.g.; -1,350 m (4430 feet) e.l.
The final stage leads from Col Raiser to Alpe di Siusi, the largest alpine plateau in Europe. We cross the grassy slopes of the Seceda area and descend to Ortisei, a village renowned for its woodcarving tradition. From here, the final ascent begins towards Alpe di Siusi.
Departure
Upon request, Holimites can fully customize the itinerary: modify individual stages, shorten or extend the tour, add extra nights, or choose easier or more scenic variants.
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 take place on technical and varied alpine trails, with demanding distances and significant elevation gain. The terrain alternates between single tracks, rocky paths, and more runnable sections, requiring good mountain running technique and the ability to manage effort over several consecutive days.
Overnight stays are planned in authentic mountain huts and selected hotels, ensuring comfort and relaxation after the daily stages.
Who is it suitable for
This tour is designed for experienced trail runners with a high level of physical fitness and prior experience in alpine terrain.
Good endurance over long distances and significant elevation gain is required, along with confidence on technical terrain and the ability to sustain several consecutive days of intense activity.
It is not suitable for beginners or for those without mountain running experience.
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, 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 2100 meters (6,900 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, it is absolutely necessary to be well trained. We suggest training programs with runs between 10 to 15 km (6 to 10 miles), on unpaved terrain.
I'm in a good shape, have trained and can run the stages. Are the stages well marked?
For liability reasons, you won’t be able to leave the group and wait at the finish for each day. But you also don't need to stay with the group if you want to run faster. If you’d like to run ahead and wait for the group, or do an out-an-back, your tour escort will help you plan meeting points at key intersections each day.
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 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.
Dates
