suggested intinerary
DAY 1 ARRIVAL IN CORTINA:
Cortina d'Ampezzo this is popular and beautiful high-altitude town in the northern extremity of the of Italy situated in the heart of the Dolomites and well-equipped base for a full range of mountain activities. Optional additional night here is recommended at the start of the trek to enjoy this fabulous location.
Accommodation3* Hotel, twin/ double room with bed & breakfast
DAY 2 EARLY BUS TO LARGO DI BRAIES & TREK TO RIFUGIO PEDERU:
Although public transport is possible, we suggest taking a 1 hour taxi ride from Cortina to the beautiful alpine lake of Largo di Braies (1494m), you then reach your start point fresh and ready for the challenge. Leaving this paradise behind you make your way initially through woodland and up & into the Parco Naturale delle Dolomiti d’Ampezzo. Climb steadily to the Forcella Sora Forno (2388m) with breathtaking views across the northern Dolomites, Sass de Putia, Marmolada, Tofane pyramids and the Pelmo. Rest a while at the Rifugio Biella (2300m) before continuing on the more leisurely trail across undulating rocky terrain. A final descent takes you into the Parco Nationale delle Domomiti Fanes-Senes-Braies and to the Val dai Tamersc, with your accommodation at the Rifugio Pederu (1548m).
Daily stats:Time: 6hrs | Distance: 13k | Height gain: 870m | Descent: 930m
Bag transfer available
AccommodationRefuge, twin/ double room with breakfast
DAY 3 RIFUGIO PEDERU TO RIFUGIO LAGAZUOI:
This is indeed a big day so an early start whilst the air is cool is highly recommended. Head south traversing above the Val de Fanes, pass by the road and make your way through old pine and gushing streams to reach a beautiful pasture with old chalets, conifers & limestone terracing and on to the Rifugio Fanes (2060m) and the Passo di Limo (2175m). Enjoy easier angled terrain for a moment before a steady climb with stunning views of Sella & Marmolada. The Forcella del Lago (2486m) is truly a window into the dramatic and breathtaking Cortina Dolomites. An interesting and delicate descent down to Forcella Lagazuoi (2573m), with a sting in the tail and a final ascent to Rifugio Lagazuoi (2752m) and your rest stop for the night.
Daily stats:Time: 8hrs | Distance: 15k | Height gain: 1650m | Descent: 450m
Bag transfer available
AccommodationRefuge, dormitory with evening meal & breakfast (twin room in refuge option at a supplement)
DAY 4 RIFUGIO LAGAZUOI TO RIFUGIO AVERAU:
Follow your footsteps from the day before to the Forcella Lagazuoi (2573m), an easy trail that takes you to the Forcella Col dei Bos (2331m) with reminders of a less tranquil time in world war 2. A brief ascent takes you around the base of the stunning Tofana di Rozes and on to the Rifugio Dibona (2083m). From here the steep path traverses through conifer woodland and passes the road to Cortina. A final climb through woodland and open ground to reach the Rifugio Averau (2413m) and your rest stop for the night.
Daily stats:Time: 5hrs | Distance: 13k | Height gain: 750m | Descent: 1080m
No bag transfer
AccommodationRefuge, dormitory with evening meal & breakfast
DAY 5 RIFUGIO AVERAU TO RIFUGIO PASSO STAULANZA:
From the refuge make we take the undulating path that leads below the Nuvolau bringing you to the Passo Giau (2233m). We make a steady ascent to Col Piombin from the pass and continue on undulating terrain take a narrow passage to Forcella Giau (2360m). From here the AV1 traverses Mondeval di Sora making your way through a chaos of fallen rocks and boulders to Forcella Col Duro and down to Forcella Roan (2075m). From here you take the long descent with stunning views of the Pelmo the 'Throne of the Gods' to the Refugio Citta di Fiume (1917m). The final section of the day takes you across the flanks of the mighty Pelmo to your rest stop at the Rifugio Passo Staulanza (1766m).
Daily stats:Time: 6hrs 30mins | Distance: 16k | Height gain: 400m | Descent: 1100m
Bag transfer available
AccommodationRefuge, twin room with evening meal & breakfast
DAY 6 RIFUGIO PASSO STAULANZA TO RIFUGIO VAZZOLER
An easy start to the day with a relaxed walk through forest & pastureland to Malga Vesova where morning refreshments are available. Climb through the zigzags over the shoulder of Cima Coldai & on to the Rifugio Coldai (2132m) situated at the top of the ski cable way. Make your way past the picturesque Lago Coldai enjoying the views of Marmolada and Sella before making a short ascent through the Forcella Col Negro (2248m) to below the Rifugio Tissi (2250m). Descend on loose ground to Forcella du Col Rean (2107m) and onto easy terrain though larch, juniper and alpenrose to arrive at the Refuge Vazzoler (1714m).
Daily stats:Time: 6hrs | Distance: 16k | Height gain: 900m | Descent: 1000m
No bag transfer
AccommodationRefuge, dormitory with evening meal & breakfast
DAY 7 RIFUGIO VAZZOLER TO RIFUGIO SAN SEBASTIANO
A leisurely track takes you from the refuge down the Pain delle Taie through beautiful woodland with views of the soring towers of Civetta. As uphill is a pre-requisite of any good mountain hike, climb steadily on more challenging terrain to Forcella Col dell’Orso (1823m) & further to Forcella del Camp (1933m). Descend though larch woodland passing Refugio Carestianto (1839m) and onto easier terrain, following the gravel track through pastureland to Passo Duran and the Refugio San Sebastiano (1600m).
Daily stats:Time: 4hrs | Distance: 11k | Height gain: 600m | Descent: 700m
Bag transfer available
AccommodationRefuge, twin room with evening meal & breakfast (twin room in refuge option at a supplement)
DAY 8 RIFUGIO SAN SEBASTIANO TO RIFUGIO PIAN DE FONTANA:
The road takes you down into the Parco Nationale delle Domomiti Bellunesi where the Tamar massif guides you the way. A steep ascent takes you through shaded pine to Forcella Dagarei (1620m) and then out into open far reaching views over the Cordelvole valley. The trail winds its way below Cima delle Forzelete and on up to Forcella del Moschesin (1940m) with Cime de Zita and Talvena in view. Continue with magnificent views of the Zoldo valley. Climb higher now to Portela de Piazedel and on more delicate ridge to Forcella de Zita Sud (2395m). Descend with views of the beautiful Van de Zita de For a valley to Rifugio Pain de Fontana (1632m) and your rest stop for the night.
Daily stats:Time: 7hrs | Distance: 18k | Height gain: 1100m | Descent: 1100m
No bag transfer
AccommodationRefuge, dormitory with evening meal & breakfast
DAY 9 RIFUGIO PIAN DE FONTANA TO LA PISSA & BUS TO BELLUNO:
After an initial descent through beautiful beach woodland, ascend from Val dei Ross to Forcella La Varetta (1701m). With the Schiara dominant the trail cuts below the Cime de la Scala with lofty views down to Val Cordevole. Passing the Rifugio Bianchet (1245m) the final descent, steep at times, through dense woodland which brings you to the valley floor at La Pissa (488m). A short bus ride takes you to the pleasant alpine town of Belluno (370m) and your final accommodation on this wonderful multi day trek in the Dolomites.
Daily stats:Time: 4hrs 15mins | Distance: 13k | Height gain: 200m | Descent: 1300m
Bag transfer available
Accommodation3* Hotel, twin/ double room with breakfast
DAY 10 DEPARTURE:
Breakfast is included, however, on the departure day you are free to leave at any time you wish.
Option to add on additional days at the beginning or the end, please ask for further details.