Trekking
Alta Via 2

The Alta Via #2, also known as the "High Route of the Legends", crosses various natural parks and mountain ranges of the Dolomites, from north to south.

It starts in the Puez Odle Natural Park and crosses the famous Dolomite groups of Sella, Marmolada and Pale di San Martino.

A "journey" full of adventure in an enchanting landscape.

Holimites takes care of all the logistics and books all mountain huts and hotels. Before departing, a local Holimites trail expert will brief the group and provide plenty of useful information.

Trekking Alta Via #2 on the Dolomites is one of the most challenging hikes organized by Holimites. 115 km and 6,900 m of gain are covered in 8 days.

Length 10 nights

Level ••••• : Very Demanding

• Description: An extremely demanding tour, suitable only for those with a high level of physical fitness and prior experience in Dolomite tours.
• Features: Challenging routes with high daily elevation gains, technical terrain, and potentially difficult conditions. Requires endurance and the ability to undertake long-duration tours without difficulty.
• Suitable for: Experienced hikers, already accustomed to alpine or challenging routes, seeking a demanding experience.

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. 13,5 km (8,5 miles) with +1.300 m (4270 feet) elevation gain; -350 m (1150 feet) elevatio loss

We start from Badia and, passing through Passo Juvel, we reach Longiarù, a picturesque and typical mountain village. We continue our journey through the Puez Odle Natural Park, following the slopes of Mount Putia, passing through green meadows and beautiful alpine pastures until we reach the mountain hut.

2nd stage: approx. 19 km (11,8 miles) with +1.100 m (3600 feet) e. g.; -1260 m (4130 feet) e.l.

As we head south, our journey takes us through the Puez-Odle Natural Park, an area renowned for its geological and botanical significance. Along the way, we witness the landscape changing several times: we start from flowery meadows, traverse gravelly stretches and exposed paths, cross alpine pastures, and a rocky plateau until we reach Passo Gardena.

3rd stage: approx. 6 km (4 miles) with +1010 m (3315 feet) e. g.; -260 m (855 feet) e.l.

From Passo Gardena, we embark on the ascent along the trail that crosses the Val Setus. The final phase of the climb proves to be more demanding and requires technical skills, with fixed iron ropes on the path. Safety and the ability to handle high altitudes without suffering from vertigo are essential in this section of the route. Continuing our journey to the south, we soon find ourselves in the heart of the Sella Group.
(If you prefer to avoid the technical part, we can propose you an alternative route)

4th stage: approx. 13 km (8 miles) with +400 m (1315 feet) e. g.; -1.225 m (4020 feet) e.l.

After leaving the refuge behind, we traverse the wide Sella plateau and reach Passo Pordoi. Here begins the trail known as "Viel del Pan," which provides us with the opportunity to admire a breathtaking panorama dominated by the queen of the Dolomites, the Marmolada, with the enchanting Lago Fedaia at its feet. Our stage concludes right at the lake.

5th stage: approx. 19,5 km (11,5 miles) with +1.250 m (4100 feet)  e. g.; -1.300 m (4300 feet) e.l.

Starting from Passo Fedaia, we circumvent the Marmolada massif to the west, crossing the enchanting Val Contrin. After passing through the woods, we encounter flowery meadows that gradually give way to scree as we approach Passo delle Girelle. Once we've crossed the pass, a magnificent panorama of San Pellegrino awaits us.

6th stage: approx. 18,5 km (11,5 miles) with +900 m (3000 feet)  e. g.; -800 m (2600 feet) e.l.

By walking through the grassy meadows of the ski slopes in the San Pellegrino area, we reach an elevated point where we can admire a spectacular panorama with views of the majestic peaks of Pelmo, Civetta, and Tofane. The day comes to an end at Passo Rolle, at the foot of the majestic Pale di San Martino.

7th stage: approx. 8 km (5 miles) with +850 m (2800 feet)  e. g.; -350 m (1100 feet) e.l.

We start our hike from Passo Rolle, leading us towards the graceful and imposing coral-like peaks known as the Pale di San Martino. Through our ascent, we reach the refuge perched at an elevation of 2581 meters.

8th stage: approx. 17,5 km (11 miles) with +65 meters (215 feet)  e. g.; -1660 m (5450 feet) e.l.

The last stage of our trekking is mostly downhill. After leaving the hut behind, we cross the Pale di San Martino plateau and descend into the Garés Valley, passing through Val Bona. After a short break, we continue until we reach Canale d'Agordo, the hometown of Pope Luciani.

Departure

PLUS:

1st stage: ca. 6,5 km (4 miles) / +930 m (3050 feet) e.g.

Transfer from Badia to Bressanone, a small city full of history and art. Don't miss a short visit to the city center, before starting the tour. From Bressanone, we hike uphill through green meadows and vineyards to the village of San Andrea. With the cable car we ascent to the Plose mountain. This is the proper starting point of the Alta Via #2. We follow the trail and soon we reach our first hut.

2nd stage: ca. 13,5 km (8,4 miles) / +540 m (1770 feet) e. g.; -680 m (2230 feet) e.l.

We cross the Plose ski resort and ascent to the Forcella del Putia. And here we are, in the middle of the Natural Park Puez Odle.

After the first 2 "PLUS"-days, the tour continues according to the standard program (2nd day: from the Natural Park Puez Odles to Passo Gardena).

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 2025

• from July 28th to August 07th

 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
• Pensione completa durante le tappe (prima colazione, pranzo e cena)
• 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)
• *PLUS: 2 additional days, starting the tour from Bressanone: price on request.

Which one is the most difficult tour offerd by Holimites?
Alta Via 2 is considered to be the most difficult trekking program offered by Holimites due to the length of the stages and the difference in altitude covered. If you've never been trekking in the Dolomites, we strongly suggest you begin with our program "Best of Alta Via 1&2" or Alta Via #1.

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.
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 you don’t feel confident with this minimum skills you can learn this on the guided trekking.
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 you don’t feel confident with this minimum skills you can learn this on the guided trekking during the special week.

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.

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 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.