This might just be the most picturesque hiking destination on Earth—are you seeing these views? That’s Cortina d’Ampezzo for you, an idyllic town tucked into the heart of the Dolomites, where every trail is better than the last. Think of this trip as your week in Alpine paradise, where everything looks like it was plucked straight from a postcard. Dramatic spires, electrically blue lakes, lush pine forests, wildflower-carpeted valleys, it’s all there, and we’ll take you to all of those spots while moving hut-to-hut. The most scenic adventure of your life is calling, ready to answer?
A whole lifetime in Cortina d’Ampezzo wouldn’t be enough—but a week is a good start. Awe-inspiring views here are limitless, but so are the trails, which is why having an expert mountain guide by your side will make your hiking experience here in the Dolomites so much better and easier. We’ll move hut-ho-hut, staying at some of the Dolomites’ most renowned and scenic huts, and we’ll make sure to take you to the area’s highlights, some of which have to be seen to be believed.If you’re ready to push your limits with big elevation gains, this one’s calling your name—this journey promises both challenged and incredible rewards.
Make your way to Cortina d’Ampezzo, private transfer can be arranged at an additional cost—let us know upon booking if you’re interested. Settle into your accommodation and get some rest for tomorrow, as that’s when the hiking begins!
The route begins early in the center of Cortina and continues to the village of Cadin. After passing its charming little church and reaching the last houses of Cadin di Sopra, we’ll join CAI trail no. 410, which leads to Lake Ghedina, where we can taste typical dishes. The trail then follows other routes leading to Rifugio Ospitale, a welcoming site that historically provided shelter to pilgrims en route to Santiago de Compostela (closed for summer 2020). The hike continues for approximately 7 km (4.35 miles) more, with a 700 m (2,300 ft) elevation gain through Val Padeon, for an overnight stay at Rifugio Son Forca on Monte Cristallo.
Elevation gain: 1,662 m / 5,253 ft
Elevation loss: 666 m / 2,185 ft
Hiking: 25 km / 15.5 miles, 9 hours
The hike departs from Rifugio Son Forca, following trail no. 203 up to Passo Tre Croci. Once near the main road at the pass, we continue along trail no. 215, which leads to the stunning Lake Sorapis and Rifugio Vandelli. Along this section, there is a short, equipped segment that is somewhat exposed. Upon arrival at Lake Sorapis, we have the option to stay overnight at Rifugio Vandelli or continue toward Federa Vecchia along trail no. 217, which winds through the enchanting Somadida Forest. Upon reaching Federa Vecchia, we follow another trail to arrive at Rifugio Città di Carpi for the second night’s stay.
Elevation gain: 1,210 m / 3,970 ft
Elevation loss: 1,299 m / 4,260 ft
Hiking: 18.4 km / 11.4 miles, 7 hours
Starting from Rifugio Città di Carpi, we’ll descend down to the enchanting Lake Misurina. Following the lakeshore in the direction of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and continuing along the road, we reach the junction with the CAI trail leading up to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, passing by Rifugio Auronzo and Rifugio Lavaredo, where we can stay overnight. Along the way, we will rest and have lunch at Lago d’Antorno.
Elevation gain: 813 m / 2,670 ft
Elevation loss: 595 m / 1,952 ft
Hiking: 13.8 km / 8.6 miles, 5 hours
On the fourth day, after breakfast at Rifugio Lavaredo, we’ll take the trail that takes around 3 hours to Lake Landro. Continuing along the cycle path through Passo Cimabanche, we’ll reach Lake Bianco, where a trail will bring us to Malga Ra Stua for the night.
Elevation gain: 794 m / 2,605 ft
Elevation loss: 1,454 m / 4,770 ft
Hiking: 25.9 km / 16 miles, 8 hours
On the fifth day, from Malga Ra Stua, we’ll take the trails into the wild Val Travenanzes. Upon reaching Forcella Col dei Bos, we’ll descend along trail no. 402 toward Passo Falzarego to arrive at Rifugio Col Gallina, where we’ll stay overnight.
Elevation gain: 1,422 m / 4,665 ft
Elevation loss: 1,049 m / 3,442 ft
Hiking: 19.5 km / 12 miles, 7.5 hours
On the sixth day, we’ll depart from Rifugio Col Gallina, following trail no. 419 toward Rifugio Averau, passing the charming alpine lake of Lìmides. The path then leads us to Passo and Forcella Ambrizzola. From there, we’ll reach Rifugio Croda da Lago, where we’ll spend the final night. Alternatively, we can continue to Malga Federa and stay there, having completed a total of 110 km (68 miles).
Elevation gain: 854 m / 2,801 ft
Elevation loss: 866 m / 2,841 ft
Hiking: 14.5 km / 9 miles, 6.5 hours
For our final day, we’ll descend toward Malga Federa. From there, we’ll take the spectacular new Gores di Federa trail, which winds through dramatic gorges, canyons, and waterfalls. Continuing on, we’ll follow the path to Lake d’Ajal and then to Lago Pianozes, before proceeding to the typical Ladin village of Campo di Sopra. Upon reaching the center of Cortina, the loop concludes after an incredible journey of approximately 130 km (81 miles) and around 6,700 m (22,000 ft) of elevation gain, traversing Ladin villages, majestic mountains, serene lakes, and rushing rivers—some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. We’ll end the adventure with warm greetings and dinner at the hotel where you’ll spend the night.
Elevation gain: 185 m / 607 ft
Elevation loss: 1,015 m / 3,330 ft
Hiking: 11.2 km / 7 miles, 3.5 hours
After breakfast, either head to the airport or continue exploring the mighty Dolomites!
Included:
Not included:
This Cortina d’Ampezzo hike is ideal for experienced hikers who have excellent fitness and experience at high altitudes. Proper physical preparation (if necessary) is a must. You can find day-by-day distances and elevation gains in the itinerary, but in general, you’ll gain up to 1,600 m (5,250 ft) of elevation in a day, hike for up to 9 hours, and cover up to 26 km (16 miles).
Make sure you’re ready for this Cortina d’Ampezzo hiking adventure—it’s no walk in the park and it’s definitely not recommended for first-time multi-day hikers.
For more hiking adventures in Italy, click here! And you can find all the Dolomites hiking adventures that we offer here.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and pricing
Cortina d’Ampezzo hikes can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Cortina d’Ampezzo hike is Cortins d’Ampezzo. To get there, there are multiple airports to consider—Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), Treviso Airport (TSF), Innsbruck Airport (INN), Bolzano Airport (BZO)… Depending on where you land, it will take you anywhere between 1.5-3 hours—you can rent a car, take public transport…
Your guides can arrange a private transfer from the airport to Cortina d’Ampezzo, let us know upon booking if you’re interested. Day 0 is all about arrival, and you’ll meet your guide at around 9am on Day 1.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
