Alta Via 2 – Hut-to-Hut Walking Holiday

Travel to the Dolomites. Make your own way to the Val Gardena by public transport, hire car, or optional private transfer direct to your first hotel. Your first night will be spent nestled under the colossal Sella group and Sassolongo, a taste of the drama ahead.
Accommodation: 3* Hotel in Ortisei, Selva or Santa Christina (B&B basis).

11km, Walking Time 5hrs, Ascent 1140m, Descent 200m
After a short private transfer to Col Raiser your hike begins by crossing the Puez-Odle group, where the stunning Seceda peaks are a magnet for shutterbugs. You will reach the peaks via a scenic trail that traverses a gentle slope with a sheer drop-off on the north side. This makes the peaks seem taller and provides breathtaking views. Don’t be put off by the tourists arriving by chairlift from the valley; they will soon be behind you, and, in any case, we have mapped an alternative itinerary for this leg of the hike, which takes you through idyllic mountain landscapes in a less frequented part of the massif. This trail also offers a beautiful angle on the Sella group, your destination the following day.
Accommodation: Rifugio Puez (half-board)

13km, Walking Time 7hrs, Ascent 1260m, Descent 880m
Today’s itinerary will take you through the monumental Sella group, perhaps the most recognisable massif in the Dolomites. Ever since it formed in the ocean 250 million years ago, Sella has retained the perfect shape of a coral island. Two itinerary options are available today. Firstly, the classic and original Alta Via 2 route, which traverses Sella at high altitude and is suitable for hikers undaunted by a trail that snakes through steep rocks with occasional rungs and cable support. The alternative itinerary by-passes the more challenging sections, taking you along a trail at the foot of steep cliffs, before you ascend at the eastern tip of the group to your overnight accommodation, a formidable location offering unforgettable views of neighbouring massifs.
Accommodation: Rifugio Boe (half-board)

13km, Walking Time 6hrs, Ascent 500m, Descent 310m
Starting off amidst the high flanks of Sella, today’s itinerary is dominated by the Queen of the Dolomites, Marmolada. At 3313m, it is the highest peak in the Dolomites and your destination, Lake Fedaia, lies at its foot. Initially, you cross the renowned lunar landscapes of Sella, but soon you will set eyes on the spellbinding glacier of the Marmolada, before joining the Viel del Pan, an ancient smuggler’s route, which makes the perfect viewing platform for marveling at the Marmolada in all its glory. You also get a bird’s-eye view of Lake Fedaia before starting your descent to it. The glacier feeds Lake Fedaia, which sits at a mountain pass of the same name. Tonight you will be staying on its shores.

Please Note – use of via ferrata gear is absolutely essential on the ascent – the trail is narrow and exposed and only accessible safely in good weather conditions.
Today’s route also features numerous sections of secured handrail (metal cable) on the descent from Piz Boe (they are relatively easy, but slow to pass).  In particular, there is a short section (20m) of narrow path (less than 70cm wide) along a vertical wall secured with a metallic cable, which is well-built and well-maintained, but VF kit and a head for heights is essential. 

Accommodation: Rifugio Dolomia or Rifugio Marmolada (half-board)

14km, Walking Time 6hrs, Ascent 520m, Descent 1190
Today, the Marmolada looms large on your itinerary. Only rock climbers cross the Marmolada in a straight line, and this involves scaling the glacier and then negotiating their descent by means of a Via Ferrata. So, two itinerary routes are available for today’s treks. The historical Alta Via 2 itinerary by-passes the Marmolada on the east. This trail was genuinely exciting about 50 years ago, but nowadays it follows an asphalt road for the most part. Hence, the western hiking route is now considered the most attractive choice. Either way, you will receive route notes for both. The western trail will have you reaching for your cameras, with sensational views of the Sella group from the hollow of Ciampac, whilst the eastern option features the remarkable south wall of the Marmolada, a sheer 1km cliff, against which the substantial Malga Ciapela cable car looks like a tiny toy!
Accommodation: Rifugio Contrin (half-board)

10km, Walking Time 5hrs, Ascent 680m, Descent 790m
On your final day’s hiking, the Alta Via 2 takes you through the Monzoni group, traversing its main ridge. This is the most remote and seldom-travelled part of the itinerary, where sightings of ibex and other wildlife are common. The Cirelle Pass is the highest point of today’s trek. As you go up the slope to the mountain pass, the dramatic Sassolungo group comes into view, resembling a colossal fairy-tale castle. Crossing the Cirelle Pass is relatively unchallenging. From the pass, the trail charmingly snakes down scree slopes into lush upland pastures. Your destination is a mountain lodge at the San Pellegrino pass.
Accommodation: Hotel Costabella (half-board)

15 km, Walking Time 6 hours, Ascent 850m, Descent 700m 
From the San Pellegrino Pass, the Alta Via 2 takes you to the Pale di San Martino, or the Pala group. This mountain group is so colossal that it dominates the entire horizon to the south. Some of the most beautiful and memorable locations on today’s itinerary are the little-known Val Venegia valley and the Passo Rolle pass. Val Venegia is especially stunning in the latter half of the day when the sun shines on the north-western slopes of Pale di San Martino. The Passo Rolle, where your route ends, sits in a vast region of alpine meadows, and is a celebrated natural viewing platform for the Cimon della Pala peak, a key landmark of the Dolomites. A private transfer will then take you directly to your final hotel.
Accommodation: 3* Hotel, Fiera di Primiero or San Martino di Castrozza (B&B)

Make your own way back to Verona Airport by public transport or optional private transfer. If you book a transfer be prepared for an early start – it’s a 2hr 15min transfer so if your flight is at 11am, we’ll aim to have you collected at 6.45am prompt.