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Alta Via II presents a more technical challenge but comes with an undeniably great reward. Remaining at higher elevations throughout (as high as 2,900m / 9,514′), you’ll be greeted with varied terrain, from the top of Piz Boé, across the Sella Massif, to the Valley of Shadows beneath the majestic Marmolada. Travel through Dolomite villages, via ferratas, sharp ridges, and steep slopes over 8 days and experience the unique Ladin culture and cuisine.
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Arrive in Alta Badia and check into your hotel. Corvara, situated in a wide basin-shaped valley at the foot of the Sassongher Massif, is one of several villages in Alta Badia, a sunny hollow on the south side of the Val Badia. In the afternoon, meet with your guide, who will provide a trip briefing, maps, and orientation, and answer any questions you have. Depending on when you arrive, you may have time to explore one of the six villages of Alta Badia.
Accommodation: Hotel in Alta Badia (D)
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In the morning take a private transfer to Passo Gardena (2,120m / 6,955′), then hike up to the Passo Cir (2,470m / 8,100′) and follow a wider trail on leading to the Forcella Ciampai Pass (2,365m / 7,760′) and up to the Rifugio Puez (2,475m / 8,120’) where you can stop for lunch. A final three-hour hike downhill on an easy and panoramic trail brings you to the town of Colfosco and then onto Corvara (1,560m / 5,120′).
Hiking:15 km / 9,3 miles
Elevation: 590 m / 1,935′ ascent, 1,150 m / 3,775′ descent
Accommodation: Hotel in Alta Badia (B, D) -
Today begins the first day of your hut-to-hut adventure. Hike the enormous fortress-shaped Sella Massif—the natural beauty of the surrounding Sella walls makes the views some of the most impressive in the entire region. Hike toward Cascate del Pisciadù (the Pisciadù Waterfalls). Continue hiking through Val di Mesdì, under the Dent de Mezdì (2,881m / 9,452′), through the Val di Bosli to a hut located on the northern terraces of the Sella Group (2,585m / 8,481′), boasting fantastic panoramic views of the Pisciadù Valley. There is also a small but fabulous turquoise alpine lake next to the rifugio—perfect for relaxing or exploring.
Hiking: 7 km / 4.3 miles
Elevation: 1,155m / 3,789′ ascent, 127m / 417′ descent
Accommodation: Mountain hut (B, D) -
Start your day with a steep ascent through the Valun dl Pisciadú to the Plateau des Mesules. Climb up to the highly panoramic Antersass (2,900m / 9,514′). A gentle descent leads to another steep ascent across scree that brings you to the top of Piz Boé (3,152m / 10,341′), the highest peak of the Sella Massif. Enjoy lunch at Rifugio Capanna Fassa and admire incredible 360-degree views of the mountains. When you’re full and rested, descend to your hut for tonight (2,536m / 8,320′). Situated atop a natural rock balcony, the views you can enjoy from here are incomparable!
Hiking: 8 km / 5.5 miles
Elevation: 650 m / 2,099′ ascent, 700 m / 2,296′ descent
Accommodation: Mountain hut (B, D) -
After a hearty alpine breakfast, hike under the majestic Sella Massif, and down to Passo Pordoi (2,239m / 7,345′). Continue onto the “Viel del Pan” (“Way of the Bread”) to Passo Fedaia. This footpath stretches right across the mountain and was once used by flour merchants who traded flour for handcrafted goods and other products. It is an easy path and one of the most spectacular footpaths in the Dolomites, offering incomparable views of the majestic Marmolada (3,343m / 10,964′). Often referred to as “Queen of the Dolomites,” Marmolada is the highest mountain in this range, and home to its largest glacier.
Continue hiking to Fedaia Pass (2,057m / 6,749′), where you will spend the night.
Hiking: 16,1 km / 10.0 miles
Elevation: 440 m / 1,450’ ascent, 920 m / 3,050’’ descent
Accommodation: Mountain hut (B, D) -
In the morning, you’ll be transferred to Malga Ciapela and hike west along the river Torrente Pettorina. The trail climbs steadily through thick forest to reach pasture clearings. After you pass the farm Malga Ciapela Agriturismo, the uphill section takes you to Malga Ombreta (1,904m / 6,246′). This farm marks the entrance to Valle Ombreta, the “Valley of Shadow,” named for its position in the shadows of Marmolada to the north. At the end of the valley you will reach Rifugio Onorio Falier (2,074m / 6,804′), right under the imposing south walls of the Marmolada. Hike up to Passo de Ombreta (2,702m / 8,864′), and then descend to your rifugio for tonight.
Hiking: 10.4 km / 6.5 miles
Elevation: 1,300 m / 4,2650′ ascent, 700 m / 2,300′ descent
Accommodation: Mountain hut (B, D) -
From your rifugio, the path soon leads over a steep rocky area and then reaches a large crater, the Val de le Cirele, continuing to the Pas de le Cirele (2,683m / 8,802′). From here, descend numerous hairpin turns to the dramatic Valle di Tasca. This has to be the best scree slope in the Dolomites, with stones just the right size to make it an effortless and extremely enjoyable descent! Reach the green oasis of Fuciade (1,982m / 6,502′) and have a private transfer to your hotel.
Your luggage will be waiting for you at the hotel.
Hiking: 10.4 km / 6.5 miles
Elevation: 1,300 m / 4,2650′ ascent, 700 m / 2,300′ descent
Accommodation: Hotel in Moena (B, D) -
After a relaxing last breakfast, prepare for departure as you reminisce about your last five days spent hiking through one of the most special places in the world and meeting incredible people!
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- Trip briefing
- Logistics and map of the area
- 2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Alta Badia
- 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Moena
- 4-5 nights in mountain huts (shared dormitories)
- All breakfasts & dinners
- Local English speaking UIAGM/IFMGA mountain guide (guided trips)
- Duffel bag transfer on day 5 – please bring your own duffel bag.
- Luggage transfer from first to last hotel
- Local tourist tax
- Italian VAT tax
Airport transfers available on request
Luggage transfers available on request
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Included:
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- Local English-speaking hiking guide
- 6-day Alta Via I hiking adventure
- Most meals, as listed in the itinerary
- 5 breakfasts
- 3 dinners
- Accommodation for 5 nights
- 2 nights at a 3-star hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo
- 3 nights at mountain huts with shared dormitories
- Airport transfers (from/to Venice Marco Polo Airport), a circa 2-hour ride
- Arrival day: from Venice Marco Polo Airport to Cortina d’Ampezzo at 2pm
- Departure day: from Cortina d’Ampezzo to Venice airport at 9am
- Transfers on Day 2 and 5
- Local tourist tax
- Italian VAT tax
- A €15 donation to Wow Nature’s reforestation projects makes your trip carbon-neutral
- All logistics and a map of the area
Add-ons:
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- Single supplement
Not included:
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- Lunches, personal drinks, coffee and snacks
- Luggage transfers — clients must hike with a pack weighing roughly 15lbs (including a sleeping bag liner/sheet)
- Everything not indicated in the itinerary or under “Included”
- Any additional expenses
- Guide gratuities — optional
- Travel and medical insurance
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The Alta Via I hiking adventure can be completed by any normal fit hiker with previous experience with multi-day hikes, who are prepared to walk for between 4 and 8 hours per day for 4 days in a row. It will greatly help your enjoyment of the trek to arrive fit at the start, used to walks of similar distance and height gain to those that you are about to face. There are no via ferrata sections on this tour!
The most you’ll hike within a day is 12.7 km (7.9 miles), and the most you’ll gain in elevation is 920 m (3,018 ft). Day-by-day distances and elevation changes can be found in the itinerary.
Keep in mind that you’ll be carrying a backpack, probably around 15 lbs. You will have to pack your own clothing, toiletries, and other personal items. No need to worry about cooked food and bedding—the huts (except a linen or sleeping bag liner which is recommended).
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Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
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- Backpack with a load-bearing waist harness (30- 50L bag)
- Waterproof backpack cover
- Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
- Light pillow-case and silk or nylon sheets*
- Small towel for the shower
- Toiletries (hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
- Trekking poles — optional
- Sunglasses and SPF sunscreen
- Camera — optional (but recommended)
*Sleeping sheets are often provided by the huts, but it’s always best to bring your own just in case.
Here’s a list of clothes you need to bring:
The summer months have warm temperatures and plenty of sun. While temperatures may reach 25°C (80°F) on the valley floors during the day, evenings can be as cool as 10°C (50°F). As you gain elevation, it will get colder. For every 1,000m you climb, the temperature will drop for 6.5°C (3.6°F for every 1,000 feet). What may be a 27°C (80°F) day in Alta Badia could be 15°C (60°F) on one of the summits during the day, and 0°C (30s°F) in the evening.
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- Long hiking pants
- Thermal layers (long-sleeved top and long pants for the cold nights)
- Light shorts for warmer days or for lounging in the rifugio
- Lightweight down jacket
- Lightweight Gore-Tex, or equivalent, rain/wind parka and pant
- Lightweight T-shirts
- Lightweight hiking socks, liner socks, and athletic socks
- Sleepwear
- Baseball cap or sun hat with wide brim
- 3/4-finger leather glove for dexterity for Via Ferratas
- Sturdy hiking boots, and make sure they’re broken in before your trip
- Hiking boot or shoe that accepts crampons for AVII trips
- Lightweight shoes, slippers or flip flops (hiking boots are not allowed in most rifugios)
Synthetic fabrics are the most effective barrier against the cold. They provide the best insulation, they are light in weight, wick away perspiration, and dry quickly if wet.
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Group sizes:
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- The usual client-to-guide ratio for this hiking tour along Alta Via 1 is 6:1.
- The standard group size on these Dolomites hiking tours is 6 guests and 1 guide, and the maximum group size is 10. Solo traveler are welcome!
- It takes a minimum of 4-6 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 10 participants.
If you’re traveling with a larger party, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
Age requirements:
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- Everybody over the age of 18 is welcome to book this hiking adventure.
- Minors may be permitted to join private tours on a case-by-case basis.
If you plan to hike with anyone under the age of 18, please contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
If you plan to hike with anyone under the age of 18, please contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
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To get to the Dolomites, most people fly into Venice International Airport Marco Polo (VCE). Another options include Klagenfurt (2.5 hours), Trieste (2.5 hours), Verona (3 hours), and Innsbruck (3 hours) and a small regional Bolzano Airport in the province of South Tyrol in northern Italy.
If you’re flying into Venice Marco Polo Airport, a group shuttle from there to Cortina d’Ampezzo is included in the price of the tour (and back as well). The group shuttle departs at 2pm on arrival day and at 9am on departure day.
Apart from the organized shuttle that’s included in the price of the tour, you can take a shuttle service on your own or rent a car to reach Cortina d’Ampezzo.
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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!
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