Any Questions? Speak to someone with extensive knowledge of our walks and destinations.
Call 01799 513331 or enquire here or use the messenger service – bottom right.
On your arrival in the Dolomites, you will be asked to hand in the signed disclaimer sent to the person who booked the holiday prior to your departure. This should be signed by all members of your party. See the Disclaimer tab for a copy and more details.
We will also need to take a copy of your passports for the purposes of tourist registration, so please ensure you have your passport to hand or bring your own copy.
There are two banks in both Corvara and Badia ‐ both have cashpoints. Opening times (approx): Mon‐Fri, 8am ‐ 12pm & 3pm ‐4.15pm.
Our Chalets are a ‘home from home’ with a big dose of hospitality thrown in by us. Our team on the ground will make you welcome and comfortable and, backed up by the rest of our resort team, they will be a good source of local knowledge and ideas. A semi‐continental breakfast and an excellent three course dinner are taken around a large table, which is indicative of the convivial nature of a chalet holiday. Guests are welcome in the chalet during the day and you can help yourselves to complimentary tea and coffee or to a drink from the bar. Packed lunches are available daily and charged locally.
We have our local day-off on a Wednesday. In our hosted chalets, breakfast is served but dinner is not included as a part of your half-board stay. Most guests use Wednesday as an opportunity to eat out locally. There are no organised walks and there is no Office Hour. You can subscribe to Thursday’s organised walks on Tuesday evening. If you are arriving on a Wednesday, there will be somebody around to meet you, settle you in, recommend somewhere to eat and pass on the walking options for the following day.
We need to know of any dietary requirements at least 7 days before your holiday. Please contact us now if you have not informed us if you, or any of your party, are vegetarian, vegan or coeliac etc. Thank you.
During your stay, please always bear in mind that you are responsible for your own safety. You join organised walks at your own risk as part of an autonomous group, in which each member has a duty of care to each other. Similarly, we cannot be held responsible for the opinions and information we offer for self-guiding. In an age of litigation, we repeat the ‘at your own’ risk message at the start of each organised walk and it can become repetitive, but the message is too important.
Please contact us ASAP with your arrival time if you haven’t already. So that we can be there to greet you and settle you in. Please visit www.colletts.co.uk/eta and enter your details. Have a guess if you are not sure.
According to the AA, all valid UK driving licenses should be accepted in Italy.
If you have booked a hire car, a credit (not debit!) card is essential. It is generally swiped but not debited, although it is wise to make sure it is not being debited.
You will also need your license DVLA Licence Check Code from the DVLA website.
Self-drivers should familiarise themselves with the driving requirements for Italy, and the compulsory equipment that must be carried in your car. See www.theaa.com
For driving directions see the Travel & Directions tab.
Hairdryers are provided in all of our hosted chalets. We have further hairdryers available for guests staying in self catering apartments – just ask if you would like to borrow one.
Wifi is available in each of our hosted chalets and two hotels. Please bear in mind that it may not be as quick as you are used to at home – it is only available in the communal areas, and doesn’t often reach bedrooms.
A packed lunch is available every day to all our guests staying in a hosted chalet. Office Hour is a good time to place your order and your lunch will be ready to collect the following morning at 8.30am (from the chalet, at which it was ordered). Speak to a member of our team locally for more details.
Sport Kostner is in the centre of Corvara. Its supermarket is on the ground floor. There is also a Spar at the bottom end of end of the village. Guests staying in Badia have a Spar at the top end of town. There is also a much larger Spar, as well as Sport Tony in the centre of La Villa, the village between Corvara and Badia.
Our base in the South Tyrol. It is the top end of the Val Badia comprised of six small mountain resorts. An enchanting valley surrounded by awesome peaks and strewn with Tyrolean hamlets. The valley rises southwards from the town of Brunico. Its principal village is Corvara and it is also home to five other villages. It is an excellent location for a wide range of high, medium and low level walks and bike rides. The Alta Badia is one of four valleys which terminate at the Sella Massif. It was part of Austria until 1918 and retains a Germanic character. German, Italian and Ladin are spoken. Many of our organised walks take place in and around the Alta Badia. It has an enlightened – yet reassuringly conservative and environmental – approach to tourism.
Austrian double beds are very common in most of our properties and throughout this part of the world. They comprise two single mattresses and two single duvets on a double bed frame, which can sometimes (but not always) be separated.
Also known as Pedraces, Collett’s has been in Badia since 1999. It is an authentic alpine village, and home to Chalet Haus Valentin, Hotel Melodia and a range of self catering apartments. The Santa Croce chairlift is a ‘must’, regardless of where you choose to stay – an enchanting ride over flower pastures and traditional farmsteads, which opens up walks of all grades. At the top you can drop in on Rifugio Nagler (run by our good friends Roberto & Giusi) for a drink or some superb food. A glorious spot!
There are bakers in both Badia and Corvara. They open each morning (Monday-Saturday). In peak season they also open again in the afternoons and on Sunday mornings. Alternatively, bread can be bought from Sport Kostner in Corvara, or from the Spar mini-market in San Leonardo – a ten minute walk from the centre of Badia.
There are two banks in both Corvara and Badia ‐ both have cashpoints. Opening times (approx): Mon‐Fri, 8am ‐ 12pm & 3pm ‐4.15pm.
Bozen in German – Provincial capital of South Tyrol. A pleasant 90 minute drive from Corvara. A beautiful mountain city with porticoed streets, great shops and a colourful market. Home of the Iceman at the fascinating Museum of Archaeology (closed on Mondays) – good option for a rainy day.
Mountain and road bikes are available to hire locally. The Alta Badia is an increasingly high-profile destination for road and mountain biking. We have details of some bike routes in our Ideas & Information Files, but more info and maps are available from local Tourist Offices. Bikes can be taken on most of the cable cars and chairlifts without extra charge. Approx. cost of bike and helmet hire is €25 – €30 depending on spec etc. See – Organised Walks Tours.
In our hosted chalets, breakfast is continental and served between 7.45 and 9am. There is tea, coffee, juices, cereals, ham, cheese, yoghurt, fruit, bread, jams and eggs. We are around to keep the buffet stocked, but it is generally a self-service system. In the Hotel Panorama and Hotel Melodia, there is a mix of self-service buffet and waiter/waitress service, plus menu choices that one expects from a good hotel.
Bruneck in German – gateway to the Alta Badia (or Val Badia). This is an attractive fortified Tyrolean town, which sits at the northern end of the valley. There are good bus connections to and from Badia and Corvara and there are train connections to Bolzano and the mainline between Munich, Innsbruck and Verona.
Corvara and Badia are well served by local bus services ‐ especially in high season. You can travel up and down the valley easily, whilst in high season you can also access adjoining valleys, which is ideal for walks and other itineraries. Services are, however, more limited during early June and late September.
There is a butcher in Corvara, but not in Badia (the nearest one to Badia is 2km away in La Villa). Some frozen and sometimes even fresh meat is stocked at the mini‐markets of both villages.
Cable cars and chairlifts take you to magnificent viewing points, usually with somewhere to have a drink or a meal, as well as the starting points of some wonderful walks. Dates and times of opening vary. The Alta Badia Summer Pass may be of interest ‐ a weekly pass which allows you to use 14 lifts in the Alta Badia as often as you wish during 5 days of the week, as well as discounts on some of the local facilities. For adults the pass costs €70 per week, and for children under 16 it costs €49 per week.
There are plenty of cafés in the area. A favourite in Corvara is Café Raetia ‐ a speciality tea shop which offers teas from around the world ‐ the apple strudel from here is divine! In Badia, try Café Ricky in the centre with its wonderful cakes, pastries, homemade biscuits and chocolates.
This is the southern point of entry into the Alta Badia, lying between Arabba & Corvara. It is the lowest of the renowned Four Passes at 1875m (See – Four Passes).
An attractive town on the west side of Pordoi Pass in the Val Di Fassa. It has many shops, an attractive piazza, an olympic size indoor swimming pool and ice skating.
See – Guides & Activities.
By law, you should always drive with dipped headlights in Italy. Call 116 for the emergency breakdown service. Fly-drivers will find the Emergency Assistance Number within the car hire documentation. Your car hire supplier should arrange for the car to be repaired and/or replaced. Self-drivers are likely to drive through Austria to the Dolomites, so remember that toll stickers need to be purchased and displayed for the Austrian motorways. These are available at service stations approaching Austria and in Austria itself (€9.50 for a 10 day period, €27.80 for 2 months). In addition, just south of Innsbruck, there is a toll to pay at the Brenner Pass (€9.50). There is also a small toll (approx. €3) for the short stretch of Italian motorway that takes you towards the Dolomites. If driving to us from Venice or Treviso, you will pay a motorway toll of approx. €9.
Our Chalets are a ‘home from home’ with a big dose of hospitality thrown in by us. Our team on the ground will make you welcome and comfortable and, backed up by the rest of our resort team, they will be a good source of local knowledge and ideas. A semi‐continental breakfast and an excellent three course dinner are taken around a large table, which is indicative of the convivial nature of a chalet holiday. Guests are welcome in the chalet during the day and you can help yourselves to complimentary tea and coffee or to a drink from the bar. Packed lunches are available daily and charged locally.
Farmacia in Italian and Apotheke in German, indicated by a green cross. In Corvara the chemist is diagonally opposite Sport Kostner at the top end of the village. Badia’s nearest chemist is in La Villa (2 km) on the main street at the north end of the village.
Times for Holy Mass are usually as follows ‐ Corvara ‐ Sunday ‐ 10.00 & 18.00 / Badia ‐ Sunday ‐ 9.00 & 17.30
See – Dietary Requirements.
Known as the Pearl of the Dolomites, this is an Olympic town in a magnificent mountain location. It is a stunning 45 minute drive from Corvara and Badia. Great for window-shopping – but it can be very quiet in low season.
Corvara is the principal village of the Val Badia, and home to Chalet Bracun, Chalet Roch, the Hotel Panorama and a range of our self catering apartments. Corvara has two gondolas, one to the Pralongia Plateau at 1980m for easier and moderate walks, the other to the eastern turrets of the Sella at 2152m for amazing high level walks and also two Via Ferrata. Corvara is our main base in the Val Badia, and has a range of shops, cafes and many sports facilities including skating, a swimming lake, climbing wall, golf, tennis and archery etc.
We have our local day-off on a Wednesday. In our hosted chalets, breakfast is served but dinner is not included as a part of your half-board stay. Most guests use Wednesday as an opportunity to eat out locally. There are no organised walks and there is no Office Hour. You can subscribe to Thursday’s organised walks on Tuesday evening. If you are arriving on a Wednesday, there will be somebody around to meet you, settle you in, recommend somewhere to eat and pass on the walking options for the following day.
We need to know of any dietary requirements at least 7 days before your holiday. Please contact us now if you have not informed us if you, or any of your party, are vegetarian, vegan or coeliac etc. Thank you.
In our chalets, we serve dinner each evening except Wednesday. Guests sit together over a three course meal where wine is complimentary. On Wednesdays, dinner is not provided as part of your half-board holiday and you can use this as an opportunity to eat out locally. Dinner times as follows: Bracun & Roch ‐ 7.30pm. Haus Valentin ‐ 7pm.
If you are staying in an hotel, dinner is available to you every evening until about 9pm.
If self-catering, you are welcome to join us for dinner in one of our chalets as long as we have space around the table, but please give us 24 hours notice. Speak to a member of our team locally for more details.
During your stay, please always bear in mind that you are responsible for your own safety. You join organised walks at your own risk as part of an autonomous group, in which each member has a duty of care to each other. Similarly, we cannot be held responsible for the opinions and information we offer for self-guiding. In an age of litigation, we repeat the ‘at your own’ risk message at the start of each organised walk and it can become repetitive, but the message is too important.
Call 112 for all medical emergencies and a paramedic ambulance. See – Emergency. Remember your EHIC/GHIC card.
Corvara Doctor: +39 0471 839189 / 337 616080 (mobile) ‐ Dott. Caretta
La Villa Doctor: +39 0471 844200 ‐ Dott. Spechtenhauser
If you need to see a doctor, please come and see us and we will be happy to help.
The name comes from the French geologist, Deodat‐Guy‐Sylvain‐Tancre de Gratet de Dolomieu (!), who visited the area in 1789. He was fascinated by the area’s carbonate rock, made up of stratified calcium magnesium carbonate and purer limestone.
Call 112 for all emergencies.
The coral in Dolomitic rock reflects the sun as it is setting, creating a deep rose‐pink glow on the rock face. This glorious phenomenon is known locally as Enrosadira. It is at its best in September, when it really seems as if the mountain is on fire! Chalet Haus Valentin in Badia is an unbeatable vantage point from which it can be appreciated.
Half-way to Cortina, this is one of the area’s most significant places for recognising the military confrontation during World War I. It is rife with caves, trenches and tunnels (including the Lagazuoi Tunnels). The Lagazuoi Cable Car, open from May to October, takes you direct to Rifugio Lagazuoi, with a great 360° panoramic view. There are some outstanding high level walks and Via Ferrata that start from the Falzarego Pass.
The wildlife of the Dolomites makes its home chiefly in the natural parks, remote valleys and high recesses of the mountains. Many native animals remain common, among these are marmots, chamois, large deer and capriolo (the small roe deer) or you might be lucky enough to spot a stambecco (a large wild mountain goat). A rich variety of birds can also be seen: the magnificent golden eagles often soar among the highest peaks; grouse seek the protective cover of forests; the white ptarmigan (which turns brown in summer) and ravens can be found in higher open areas and, of course, the alpine choughs will always be around, notably at lunch time!
The Dolomites offers you some of the best alpine floral sites in Europe – if you are a keen or casual botanist, prepare to be impressed! Wildflower walks take place 5 days a week (not Wednesday or Saturday) from early June to the end of July. The walk programme is created at the discretion of our resident flower enthusiasts. If you want to join a wildflower walk, please come to Office Hour to find out more. Once a week there is also a presentation, usually with slides ‐ and not necessarily specific to the Dolomites. See – Mountain Flowers of the Dolomites.
Summer’s Sella Ronda! – A famous and breathtaking drive which goes all the way round the Sella massif via the four passes of Pordoi (2239m), Sella (2244m), Gardena (2121m) and Campolongo (1875m). If you have your own transport try doing this drive during the early part of your stay, as it will help you orientate yourself and get a feel for the geography of the area.
Located above Corvara, the Gardena Pass joins the Alta Badia with the Val Gardena. It is the starting point of several good walks and also the Cirspitze, a Via Ferrata we recommend as a good introduction for the uninitiated.
There is a 9 hole course near the Campolongo Pass. It claims to be the second highest golf course in Europe and offers wonderful backdrops. It opens in late June and 18 holes will cost approx. €50.00. Clubs can be hired.
The Italian Dolomites cover an area of more than 90km (north‐south) by 100km (west‐east). They are at an approximate latitude of 46.30° north (about the same as Zermatt) and between 11° and 12° longitude east (about the same as Munich, Venice, Rome & Innsbruck). The Dolomites consist of more than 14 mountain massifs, each with at least one 3000m peak. The fantastic scenery of the Dolomites is a result of their geology with its unique combination of two different rock types, dolomitic and volcanic. They were granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 2009.
Guided treks and summit excursions are available on the Marmolada with the local Alpine Guides. They are based in Corvara, but you can contact them to book in advance – www.altabadiaguides.com
The latest editions of the Tabacco 1:25,000 series of maps show grid references ‐ for GPS users, these coordinates relate to Rome 1940 with UTM setting.
If you would like to book a mountain guide or bike guide, or book any other activity such as horse riding, paragliding, canyoning, whitewater rafting etc, just ask and we will help. Ideally you will need your own transport to partake in certain activities. For example, the whitewater rafting and canyoning centre is a 50 minute drive from us. Please note: such excursions and activities are neither run nor controlled by Collett’s (even if advertised by us); that we only act as your agent; and that your contract for these services is with the third party supplier in question and not Collett’s Limited. Consequently, we are not responsible/liable for the provision of any such third party excursions or activities or for anything that happens during the course of its provision by the supplier.
Hairdryers are provided in all of our hosted chalets. We have further hairdryers available for guests staying in self catering apartments – just ask if you would like to borrow one.
In our hosted chalets, half‐board accommodation includes, bed, breakfast and evening meal (except Wednesday evening). In our hotels, it is the same, although dinner is provided every night. Packed lunches are available, and paid for locally.
Horseriding is available in Badia, San Cassiano and also a little further afield at the Sitting Bull Ranch at Longiarù about 25 minutes drive from Badia. Rides or lessons can be booked in resort. Just ask.
If it arises that you have to go to hospital/medical centre unaccompanied by us, here are details of those nearest to us.
Corvara Medical Centre – just off the main street behind the band stand. There is an x‐ray facility, so here might be a good start.
Brunico Hospital – if you are in Badia or Corvara, go to Brunico at the bottom (northern) end of the Val Badia. On entering Brunico, turn left at the first roundabout (after the Shell garage and signed to Ahrntal). Follow this road for about 2kms before turning right over a bridge – the hospital is signed to the right about 1km down this road. Tel. 0474 555444 or 0474 581111.
Agordo Hospital – if you are near Arabba & the Marmolada (south of the Alta Badia) it might be better to go to Agordo (45 minutes away) by following signs to Belluno. In Agordo, turn left just after the big church in the main piazza and follow the road for half a mile. For casualty, follow the sign to PRONTO SOCCORSO. Tel 0437 645111 or 0437 62870
Our Ideas & Information Files contain suggestions for many outstanding walks of all grades and other days out. Copies are available at Office Hour. You can browse the files for itineraries and ideas. You can also borrow a copy of any of the featured walks in the form of a Route Laminate for use the following day.
Available at the ice rink in Corvara during high season.
The Iceman put Bolzano on the world map. You can see his almost perfectly preserved body of 5300 years at the Museum of Archaeology at the heart of this beautiful mountain city. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Innsbruck is a feasible day trip from the Dolomites and it takes a little over two hours to get there. It is a scenic mountain drive. Consider Bolzano first though ‐ it’s nearer, similar and arguably just as attractive.
Wifi is available in each of our hosted chalets and two hotels. Please bear in mind that it may not be as quick as you are used to at home – it is only available in the communal areas, and doesn’t often reach bedrooms.
Electric kettles are rare items in Italy! It is against Italian Law to have them in hotel rooms and other licensed guest accommodation. Italians use stove top coffee makers in general and do not drink tea like the British do!
Describes dialect, culture and people of the wider local area.
A labyrinth of WWI tunnels built in the mountain above the Falzarego Pass. The tunnels are accessed by the Lagazuoi cablecar, and maps are available from a kiosk by the cable car station. The tunnels are quite an adventure and not for the faint‐hearted. They bring to life the incredible conditions in which the Austrians and Italians fought for key positions in the tragic mountain conflicts of WW1. Helmet and torches are essential for the tunnels. Please consider bringing a torch from home, as these are only usually available for hire during high season (from a kiosk at the Lagazuoi cable car station) and are in short supply. The tunnels are good for a rainy day (although it can get slippery underfoot). In addition, an Austrian troop path has recently been re‐opened. It is not for the faint-hearted either and has some exposed (albeit protected) sections.
Corvara: Lat. 46° 32’ N ‐ Long. 11° 52’ E Badia: Lat. 46° 31′ N ‐ Long. 11° 53′ E
We are slightly limited on washing machines, but if you really need to do some laundry during your stay, please ask. There is a charge per load of washing.
Situated half way between the villages of Corvara and Badia, La Villa is where you turn off if you are heading to San Cassiano and the Falzerego Pass for the Lagazuoi tunnels. It has a range of shops and cafes, and can easily be reached via the riverside paths from both Corvara and Badia.
In late May, early/mid June or late‐ish September the area will be fairly quiet and certain shops and services are closed. The walking is good though and these are lovely periods to be in the area. We run a full programme of organised walks from the beginning to the end of our season – with the exception of flower walks, which are only offered in June and July.
We rarely use compasses here because the terrain is a paradise of dramatic features. However, magnetic variation is quite minimal (around one degree west) and is not generally referred to on maps. We have noticed that in some areas the compass displays some strange inaccuracies, due to either the magnetic properties of volcanic rock, or buried metal from wartime remains.
The highest mountain in the Dolomites and home to the only glacier in the range. You can get to the top by using the three stage cable car at Malga Ciapela (open from mid‐June to late Sept.) or you can take the bucket lift on the other side of Lake Fedaia, accessed by crossing the spectacular dam at the west end of the lake. This will take you to the snout of the glacier, close to two rifugios. (See – Glacier Treks & Summit Ascents).
The perfect book for the casual botanist! A user-friendly ‘must’ for anyone with an interest in the exceptional flora of the Dolomites. It was written by two of our own flower specialists, Cliff Booker and David Charlton. Contact us now for a copy and gen up before you go. £9.95 plus £1.65 UK P&P.
Call 112.
Remember you join our walks at your own risk. You can read about our walks procedures and refresh your mountain safety in the Procedures & Safety tab.
A popular Collett’s institution, which is far more informal than its name suggests. Over maps and a relaxing pre-dinner drink, you can chat with our own walkers and plan your days, obtaining information on walks, whether you self-guide or opt for one of our organised walks. You can also chat about Via Ferrata, flower walks, painting, cycling and more. Moreover, we can help you book locally-supplied alpine activities. Office Hour is held every evening (except Wednesday) from 6pm in chalets Bracun and Haus Valentin. If you are a hotel or self-catering guest, just walk to your nearest Office Hour and you will be made welcome. Many guests come simply to enjoy a relaxing pre-dinner drink in the good company of other guests.
At Office Hour you will find out about the organised walks taking place the following day. You will find out when and where you need to meet up with our organiser and other participants. Remember you join an organised walk at your own risk, so please make it your business to study the walk before you choose to join it. Our team can help you do this at Office Hour, using maps and their own knowledge. Also, please come to the meeting place with everything you need for the walk – See Walker’s Checklist. There are no organised walks on our day-off, Wednesday. Organised walks are only cancelled when they are considered potentially dangerous due to bad weather.
A packed lunch is available every day to all our guests staying in a hosted chalet. Office Hour is a good time to place your order and your lunch will be ready to collect the following morning at 8.30am (from the chalet, at which it was ordered). Speak to a member of our team locally for more details.
See – Inside back cover of this booklet.
Tandem paragliding is available in Corvara. We can book this for you or you can go directly to the hut situated in the field below the Boé Gondola in Corvara, which is also the meeting point. Rough price ‐ €115 inc. souvenir t‐shirt.
Petrol stations can be found in the villages of Badia and La Villa. There is also one just outside Corvara en-route to Colfosco.
Call 112 for emergencies, for Corvara Police call 0471 836063 and for Badia Police call 0471 847123.
Located above Arabba, the Pordoi Pass forms the border between Veneto and Trentino and is a wildflower ‘mecca’. Close to its souvenir shops, you will find the starting point of the spectacular Sass Pordoi cable car to the summit plateau of the Sella Massif. It also provides access to one of the area’s most beautiful walks – the Viel del Pan or Bindelweg. It is also an easy stroll out to the German War Mausoleum.
Hopefully there won’t be any! If you are unlucky, please bear in mind that the weather in the mountains can be very localised and it is not unusual to leave the village on a rainy day to find brighter conditions in a neighbouring valley. Suggestions for rainy days are available in our Ideas & Information Files or simply ask us for inspiration.
It is easy to find good restaurants and pizzerias in the Alta Badia. The valley is justifiably proud of its excellent gastronomic reputation. Prices are reasonable and the food is often exceptional. If you want to go upmarket and stylish, there are several options where you can treat yourselves to something really special. For something different, there are also places which concentrate on traditional Ladin cuisine. Guests staying in our hosted chalets on a half-board basis will need to find a restaurant on our day off (Wednesday) when we do not serve dinner. If invited to do so, we will be happy to recommend and (if necessary) book somewhere appropriate for you.
These are a key attraction of walking in the Dolomites. They offer well‐earned refreshment and wonderful vistas from their sun terraces! Huts are strewn all over the Dolomites, often at trail intersections. It is not unusual for us to drop into a hut on our organised walks – we have our favourites! Most of them are not really huts – they are more substantial, like inns or hostelries. Some are more comprehensive than others in what they offer, but you can generally rely on a warm welcome, excellent service, good food and drink at reasonable prices. If you like the idea of an overnight stay in one of the huts, visit colletts.co.uk/hut
These are laminated copies of the walks, Via Ferrata, bike routes, scenic drives and days out featured in our Ideas & Information Files. They are available for you to borrow at Office Hour. Please return them soon after your walk. You must not use the Route Laminates as definitive walking guides. They are for reference only, as the maps they contain are not necessarily to scale. You should mark up your own map accordingly to determine independently whether the itinerary is suitable for you and your party. You borrow Route Laminates at your own risk. Remember that terrain and route conditions can change at any time, rendering any map or itinerary description outdated.
A thrilling cable car ride to the ‘top of the world,’ which ascends at 8m per second from the Pordoi Pass to the summit plateau of the Sella massif. In under 2 minutes you rise 711m to an altitude of 2950m. Open from late May/early June to October.
Whilst generally well-equipped, our self-catering apartments do not normally have ovens. Most have hobs, supplemented by a microwave. We provide bed linen and a small welcome pack. Contact us now if you would like to book towels, although these are provided in Superior Self Catering Apartments (See – Towels & Bed Linen). You are also welcome to book in for dinner at one of our chalets during your stay, subject to availability – speak to one of our team locally for more details. Both Corvara and Badia have mini‐markets stocking most essentials. Consider dropping into a supermarket on your way to the Dolomites, especially if arriving on a low season weekend. If travelling up from Venice or Treviso, there are out‐of‐town hypermarkets on your right as you drive into Belluno ‐ look out for Emisfero. Guests travelling from the north may want to head into Brunico. There is a supermarket called Supertip Spar as you enter the town.
Some floors in our chalets and apartments are either tiled or wooden, so you may wish to pack a pair of slippers to wear around the chalet. Please remove walking boots before entering the chalets and apartments. Thank you.
Since 2005, smoking in public buildings has been illegal in Italy. All chalets and self catering apartments are no‐smoking.
A large supermarket and outdoor shop in Corvara, which hires out Via Ferrata kit. Collett’s guests get 10% discount in the sports department.
At higher altitudes the sun is much more intense and can easily cause sunburn, even when it appears to be a cloudy day. It also reflects off the light coloured rock of the Dolomites, so a high factor cream is recommended.
Sport Kostner is in the centre of Corvara. Its supermarket is on the ground floor. Guests staying in Badia have a Spar at the top end of town. There is also a much larger Spar, as well as Sport Tony in the centre of La Villa, the village between Corvara and Badia.
During high season there is the outdoor swimming lake in Corvara ‐ you can sunbathe here too. There is an indoor pool at La Villa (at the Scuola Media) ‐ open Mon/Wed/Fri 14.00 to 21.00 & Tue/Thu/Sat. from 14.00 to 19.00. At Canazei, there is indoor swimming everyday (except Mon.) from mid/late June to mid September from 14.30 to 20.30.
Taxis in this area are invariably 8 seater minibuses. Corvara ‐ try Alfred Pescosta on 0039 347 2615525(m) or Alfredo Lori on 0039 339 7969199(m). Badia ‐ try Taxi Vico on 0039 0471 847245 or 0039 335 6116528 (m).
In our chalets, if we are not around, please help yourself to complimentary tea and coffee.
Tennis is available at Corvara and La Villa. Bookings can be made at the courts.
Tips are not expected in this region and should be made purely at your discretion.
In chalets Angelo, Roch & Haus Valentin, we supply one bath towel and one hand towel, changed once during a stay of up to 10 days and twice for longer stays. Bed linen is only changed if you are staying for more than 10 days. For self-caterers, towels are not supplied unless pre‐booked by you through our UK Office at £6 per set. If you have booked towels, they will be in your accommodation on your arrival ‐ one bath towel and one hand towel per person. This does not apply to guests staying in the superior self-catering, where towels are provided.
From Venice & Treviso the transfer time to Corvara is about 3 hours. For Badia, add 10 or 15 minutes.
A beautiful mediaeval city with canals, cafes and piazzas. The No. 6 bus connects the airport to the train station and town centre. There is a left luggage facility opposite Treviso airport and at the railway station, where trains leave for Venice every 30 mins.
See – Dietary Requirements.
Many people add a stay here before (or after) their stay. Visit colletts.co.uk/venice for a list of recommended hotels. Waterbuses to and from the airport depart every 30 minutes – visit alilaguna.com. Purchase waterbus tickets in the airport’s arrival hall, then walk to the jetty (500m) or every 6 minutes there is a free shuttle bus from terminal entrance: Stop 1 ‐ Hire Car Parks. Stop 2 ‐ Waterbus Jetty.
Important Information if you are meeting an Airport Transfer: buy a return ticket; on arriving at St. Mark’s Square, take the time to find the right jetty for your trip back to the airport by looking for ALILAGUNA signs – and establish departure times, remembering that the journey back to the airport takes 65 mins. Buses are operated by ATVO and leave the airport for Piazzale Roma on the Grand Canal every 30mins. This journey takes 25 minutes and is much cheaper than the waterbus. See atvo.it for timetables etc. For more information, see veniceairport.com. A Left Luggage kiosk is on the ground floor of the airport, charging €4.50 per item, open until 9pm.
A significant attraction of the Dolomites, Via Ferrata gives you the opportunity to explore the massifs on a system of cables, ladders, tunnels and gorge-spanning bridges. This is the birthplace of Via Ferrata and we are at the heart of the greatest concentration of Via Ferrata in the world, many of which are detailed in our Ideas & Information Files so that – if you have the relevant experience – you can embark on the routes of your choice. Our resort team includes people who are dedicated to helping anyone with an interest in Via Ferrata. They can chat with you about local routes, help you hire equipment locally and, if required, they will book a guide for you. (See – Glacier Treks & Summit Ascents for details of our weekly organised Via Ferrata excursion to the summit of the Marmolada).
When walking in the mountains, we recommend you take the following in your rucksack: Waterproof jacket, extra layers for cold weather, water (at least 2 litres), sunglasses, sun hat and sun cream, food, map and compass, money (for chairlifts/drinks/snacks etc), and your mobile phone!
Tap water in this area is drinkable. Pack a water container and take plenty of water with you when out. Two litres is recommended.
Please don’t ring us to find out what the weather will be like during your holiday! We would hate to get it wrong and with mountains it is hard to get it right! Generally, the prevailing weather in the Dolomites during the summer is good, but as in any mountainous areas, the weather can be unpredictable and localised. Weather info is available at www.provinz.bz.it/wetter or www.arpa.veneto.it
As for temperatures, June and September can sometimes be quite chilly at night (down to 5°celcius) whilst it can go up to 30°celcius during the day, although the average would be nearer 20°celcius. An up‐to‐date forecast will be available at Office Hour each evening and at the local tourist offices. Naturally, our hosts keep a firm eye on weather conditions and try to ensure it is safe to proceed with an excursion, but it is everybody’s responsibility to consider cancelling an excursion (and to voice any anxiety) if worried about the risk of adverse weather conditions.
See – Guides & Activities.
The scale of the conflict in the Dolomites is surprising. It began in the Dolomites because the border between Italy and Austria ran through the mountains. From 1915 to 1917, the two countries fought a war of fixed positions and the frontline barely moved. Both sides were ingenious in establishing their positions, they built trenches, observation posts and miles of tunnels, often sleeping within earshot of the enemy. The winter of 1916 saw 10m of snowfall and more than 10,000 men died in avalanches. On the Marmolada, 400 died in a single avalanche. Neither side won this tragic conflict and the destiny of the area was decided at the Treaty of Saint Germain in 1919 in Paris. If WWI is of interest to you, you can visit the open‐air museum at Lagazuoi & Cinque Torre near the Falzarego Pass. You can walk in trenches, on old troop paths and visit the Lagazuoi tunnels.
From 11th August to 10th September, John Scanlon, a previous guest of Collett’s with a profound interest in and knowledge of WWI, will be offering a weekly programme of walks specifically relating to areas of WWI interest. He will also give an occasional presentation in one of our hosted chalets in the evening. There is no charge to join John’s walks. For more information see colletts.co.uk/war‐walks
Any Questions? Speak to someone with extensive knowledge of our walks and destinations.
Call 01799 513331 or enquire here or use the messenger service – bottom right.
Below are a few essential things to check in the weeks leading up to your holiday with us.
Passport – Is it in date? Contact the passport office here if you need to renew your passport
Walking Holiday Insurance – Do you have any? Contact us on 01799 513331 or click here for details
Flight Check-in – Remember to print off your boarding pass
Baggage – Have you checked the size & weight of your baggage?
Book Airport Hotel – Click here
Book Airport Parking – Click here
If you have booked our shared Airport Transfer, you will be met by a member of our staff at the airport at 15:00. At Venice Marco Polo & Treviso Airports, we meet by the café in the Arrivals Hall – Transfer Time: 3½hrs.
If you have booked a private Airport Transfer, you will be met by a the taxi driver upon exiting baggage relaim at the relevant airport. Transfer Time: 3hrs.
Important Notes concerning Collett’s Shared Transfers We try to keep ‘waiting at the airport’ to a minimum, but you have booked a transfer on the understanding that it is a possibility on both your day of arrival and departure. We are not offering a personal taxi service. Our transfer times are set to help us group people together from a number of different flights, both morning and afternoon. Waiting may also be caused by delayed flights – within reason. Please cancel your shared airport transfer and make your own plans, or consider upgrading to a private transfer, if you are not happy with these arrangements, which by and large work very well.
On arrival in the Dolomites you will be welcomed and settled in. We place the emphasis on getting you settled in, relaxed (with a drink) and well fed, given access to relevant information regarding the next day’s itineraries.
Hiring a car? Make sure you print your DVLA Licence Check Code – Click here for our information on what you need to do.
Driving Directions – Click here.
Guidelines on driving in Europe – Visit theaa.com
If you are self driving or hiring a car please print and refer to our Driving Directions here. If you have any questions about driving on the continent, please give us a call on 01799 513331.
Also, we would be grateful if you could let us know your estimated time of arrival in resort. Click here to submit your E.T.A.
Badia – All guests (whether staying in the Hotel Melodia or an apartment) should make their way to the Chalet Haus Valentin.
Corvara – All guests staying in Chalet Bracun, Hotel Panorama or any other accommodation in Corvara should meet our staff at Chalet Bracun.
Chalet Haus Valentin
Via Runcac 35, I-39036 Badia
0039 0471 839687
www.bit.ly/Directions-to-Valentin for directions to Chalet Haus Valentin in Badia
Chalet Bracun
Strada Sassongher 20, 39033 Corvara
0039 0471 836148
https://goo.gl/maps/5sGdyuKQNz3XPu5R6 for directions to Chalet Bracun in Corvara
Collett’s Mountain Holidays UK: 0044 (0)1799 513331
(9am-5pm, Monday-Friday only)
Any Questions? Speak to someone with extensive knowledge of our walks and destinations.
Call 01799 513331 or enquire here or use the messenger service – bottom right.
Collett’s mountain Holidays
Chalet Haus Valentin
Via Runcac 35
39036
Badia (BZ)
Italia
0039 0471 839687
Dolomites Resort Manager – 0044 7426 264 289 / 0039 3478 212 648
Collett’s Mountain Holidays UK – 0044 (0) 1799 513331 Monday – Friday 9am-5pm / Saturday 9am-3pm
(Outside of these hours please call your chalet or the resort manager – thank you)
On arrival, you will be asked to hand in the disclaimer sent by post.
This should be signed by all members of the party. This disclaimer is largely based on the ‘At your own Risk’ section in our guest information.
Download and print out the disclaimer here to sign and take with you
On arrival, you will be asked to hand in the disclaimer sent by post to the person who booked the holiday. In this age of litigation, it is important that you understand your relationship with Collett’s Ltd. when joining our organised walks or using our information to self-guide.
1. The disclaimer below sets out this relationship, emphasising that we are not qualified guides and that you join our organised walks at your own risk as a member of a group in which each member has a duty of care to the other. See more detailed notes in our brochure on Page 81.
2. Ideally it will be signed by each member of your party and handed to us on your arrival. If you require more copies, click here to print it as a PDF.
Party Name:
Mobile Phone No:
Everything you do during your stay in Austria is done ‘at your own risk’.
To make your arrival in the Dolomites as plain sailing as possible, please could you and each member of your party read and sign this disclaimer, handing it to us on your arrival. If it is not possible to obtain all signatures prior to your holiday, signatures will need to be obtained on your party’s arrival in the Dolomites.
In these days of litigation, it is important you and your party understand your relationship with Collett’s and without your party’s signatures on this disclaimer, you will not be able to join our you will not be able to join our Organised Walks and we would be reluctant to pass on information and opinions to you during your stay.
Information & Opinions
We are happy to offer information and opinions on the area (including walks, protected paths, Via Ferrata, sport climbs, bike rides, places of interest etc). We always endeavour to give accurate and appropriate information and opinions, but we do not take any responsibility for them and they are acted upon by you at your own risk. By signing this disclaimer, you agree you do not hold Collett’s responsible for any information or opinions it offers you during your stay and that you do everything during your stay with Collett’s at your own risk.
Organised Walks
Our Walk Organisers attend these on a goodwill basis so that you might partake in an itinerary you might not otherwise come across during your stay in a sociable atmosphere with like-minded people.
By signing this disclaimer you confirm the following:
Transport
When joining an Organised Walk you might be asked to drive (or accept a lift from) someone, who is not in your booking party, to and from an excursion. The system works well but by signing this disclaimer you accept that Collett’s will not accept any liability in the event of a road accident and that you enter into such an arrangement with another driver/passenger by mutual consent.
Glacier Treks, Summit Ascents & Other Activities supplied by Third Parties
We are happy to inform you of (and book) activities supplied by third parties, such as Glacier Treks and Summit Ascents, but it is important that you understand that: these excursions and activities are neither run nor controlled by Collett’s (even if advertised by us); that we only act as your agent; and that your contract for these services is with the third party supplier in question and not Collett’s Limited. Consequently, we are not responsible/liable for the provision of any such third party excursions or activities or for anything that happens during the course of its provision by the supplier. This applies to all activities advertised by Collett’s in our brochure, on our website and in resort and includes Glacier Treks and Summit Ascents. For example, in the case of Glacier Treks and Summit Ascents, as well as any Guided Via Ferrata you may book yourself whilst in the Dolomites, your contract for guiding services is directly with Alta Badia Guides and not Collett’s Limited.
Finally, during your stay, you might inadvertently (or not!) be included in photography that subsequently appears in Collett’s promotional materials. By signing this disclaimer, you agree that this is ok with you.
Signature 1 :
Print Name :
Date :
Signature 2 :
Print Name :
Date :
Signature 3 :
Print Name :
Date :
Signature 4 :
Print Name :
Date :
Thank you. Have a good and safe stay in Italy.
Collett’s Limited trading as Collett’s Mountain Holidays – 3a Market Hill, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB10 1H
These suggested lists are by no means exhaustive however should cover the main items required to help you to enjoy your holiday.
☐ Passport (You should have at least 6 months left on your UK passport and it needs to be less than 10 years old)
☐ Euros or credit/debit cards (there are cash machines in Corvara & Badia)
☐ Holiday Insurance
☐ Mobile telephone & charger (Check whether your mobile phone company has changed its mobile roaming charges)
☐ Signed disclaimer
☐ EHIC / GHIC card
☐ Medication?
☐ Clothes, footwear & wash kit
☐ Sunglasses, sun hat & sun cream
☐ Swimming kit (outdoor pool in Corvara)
☐ Binoculars
☐ Pocket reference books (e.g. flowers)
☐ German/Italian phrase book
☐ Continental plug-adapter (European voltage for normal appliances is 220-240 Volts)
☐ A level of fitness to suit your own intentions!
☐ Strong, light, comfortable walking boots,
which support the ankle
☐ Waterproof jacket and trousers
☐ Clothing for hot and cold weather
☐ Lightweight rucksack (25 litres plus)
☐ Telescopic walking poles
☐ Basic first-aid kit
☐ Water bottle (min. 2 litres, 3 litres is recommended for harder walks)
☐ Map case
☐ Compass, whistle, torch, survival bag
☐ Strong, comfortable walking boots, which support the ankle (low cut footwear are not suitable)
☐ Gaiters (if you have them), gloves & hat
☐ Walking trousers (not shorts) and warm layers
☐ Driving licence
☐ Printed copy of driving licence ‘check code’ Visit gov.uk/view-driving-licence
☐ Car hire voucher
☐ Credit card of the lead driver
☐ Sat Nav & European road map
☐ Torch
☐ Driving licence
☐ Ferry / tunnel ticket
☐ Insurance & car registration documents
☐ European breakdown cover
☐ GB Sticker (must be displayed in the EU)
☐ Warning triangle (must be carried in the EU)
☐ Fluorescent bibs (must be carried in the EU)
☐ Spare bulbs
☐ Sat Nav & European road map
☐ Torch
As you will know, we offer a weekly programme of organised walks which you can join at no extra cost. Our walk organisers are not qualified guides and you join them at your own risk. Similarly, if you choose to walk independently, we cannot take responsibility for information gleaned from our Ideas & Information Files, Route Laminates and the first-hand knowledge/opinions of our own people. To this extent, it is essential that you ultimately decide independently whether any itinerary you choose to do – be it self-guided or ‘organised’ – is suitable for you and your party.
In short, everything you do during your stay in the mountains is done at your own risk. In the event of personal injury or death, we are not liable for efforts made by us to enhance your stay, amongst which are our organised walks and various printed and verbal suggestions. It is a fact that activities undertaken in the mountains are associated with personal injury and death. By coming to such an area with Collett’s Mountain Holidays – or indeed independently – you are exposing yourself and your party to the (thankfully small) possibility of personal injury or death. In such an event, Collett’s Mountain Holidays will not be held responsible for your interest in mountainous areas and your involvement in mountain pursuits, which can occasionally have tragic consequences.
We put safety first but you are as responsible as we are! You join our organised walks as part of an autonomous group, in which each member has a duty of care to each other. Not being professionally responsible for you does not mean we turn a blind eye to safety, nor does it make us exempt from owing a duty of care to you. Your safety is essential to us and we therefore take our own safety measures, endeavouring to minimise the possibility of personal injury and death. We do this in line with legal requirements pertaining to duty of care. We assess, communicate and manage risk as part of a formal company Health & Safety Policy, which is regularly reviewed and includes the training our own walkers. We try to make people aware of the importance of mountain safety and their responsibilities as part of a group. As with any person or organisation involved with activities where there is a possibility of personal injury or death, the issue of duty of care is ever-present and, in the absence of a qualified guide in ‘non-professional’ activities anywhere in the world, such as walking (whether organised by a company, club, university or even a friend) every member of the group has a legal commitment to all involved. This commitment to your fellow walkers should form the basis of your behaviour and actions during an organised walk, especially in the event of accident or injury. Our focus on safety should not influence whether you decide to join an organised walk or not, for at the heart of our procedures are basic mountain safety measures, which should be undertaken by any walker when preparing for a day out in the mountains, especially when walking/climbing in a group, where your actions (or inaction) could compromise your safety as well as that of other people in the group.
Our programme of organised walks is put together on a goodwill basis by our own walk organisers and we ask you to accept their discretion where the selection of walks is concerned. You won’t be disappointed. Each week the programme changes and is duly published to our guests. Everyday except on our local day-off, Wednesday – and with a reduced programme on Saturdays – we offer two different walks, one more demanding than the other. Prior to joining up to an organised walk, please remember somebody else’s opinion of a walk is their opinion, not your knowledge. Try to acquaint yourself independently with the proposed route using the relevant map to help you decide if it is suitable for your level of fitness and experience. Also, ask about precipitous features if prone to vertigo. Some walks feature ledge paths with significant drops and switchback tracks on steep slopes. Wednesday is our staff day off and there are no organised walks on this day. Our organised walks take place in a sociable and informal atmosphere and, whilst you are encouraged not to join one unless you are certain it is within your physical capabilities, we walk at the pace of the slowest person and pause regularly. You do not pay to join our organised walks and in the event of a walk organiser being ill, we cannot guarantee the excursion will take place. Children can join our organised walks but only if accompanied by a guardian, who takes full responsibility for their safety and behaviour.
With various people choosing to join various walks in various locations, you might be asked to give (or take) a lift with someone. Please do not do either unless you are happy that, in the event of an accident, Collett’s will not accept any liability. If ever taxis are used, the cost is shared across the party.
All organised walks will depart from outside of our chalets (unless otherwise advised) at a time established at Office Hour the night before. Prior to leaving, the walk organiser will run through an equipment checklist and at the start of the actual walk, he/she will state the following:
As a general guide to safety we have used information published by the Italian Alpine Rescue Corps and the British Mountaineering Council to produce the following notes:
Based on information published by the Italian Alpine Rescue Corps and the British Mountaineering Council – for anyone wishing to take the following emergency notes with them on an itinerary, a printed copy is available:
If the operator manning the emergency line does not speak English and you are unable to communicate, please try calling one of our staff and we will relate the information as best we can.
We keep a firm eye on weather conditions and try to ensure it is safe to proceed with an excursion, but it is everybody’s responsibility to consider the possibility of cancelling an excursion (and voice any anxiety) if worried about the risk of adverse weather conditions.
Being adequately insured during your stay with us is essential – we strongly recommend you buy a comprehensive holiday insurance package at the time of booking. Having a travel insurance policy is one of the booking conditions for joining us on a Collett’s Mountain Holiday.
If you have an existing insurance policy, please take the time to make sure it is up to date, and cover is adequate for your chosen destination and activity.
If you would like to obtain cover for your trip please feel free to contact specialist Insurance Brokers, Campbell Irvine Ltd for a quote by visiting their website or by telephone on 0207 938 1734.
The following declared activities are covered under the standard policy terms:
Collett’s Limited is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Campbell Irvine Ltd. who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. This can be checked on the FCA’s register by visiting the FCA’s website at www.fca.org.uk or by contacting them on 0800 111 6787.
We had a tremendous walking week in Tuscany. The team, the accommodation the food, all were exquisite.
We will be back.
This was our belated summer holiday. We enjoyed a lovely week with Mick, Helen and Millie, and our group of 26 clients. The walks were excellent, though shorter than at some other venues - that gave us plenty of down time for some to enjoy the pool and hot tub at the villa, before making our way to gorge ourselves on delicious dinners(Read more...)
I came with the H&G walking group but want to add my personal thanks to your leaders. I love walking but am a bit slow on hills of which there are plenty in Andalusia. I found the going quite challenging but if I showed any sign of lagging one of your leaders was always there to walk with me and I was absolutely delighted to complet(Read more...)
What a stunning location for walking & relaxing in the sun in October. Mick has the local knowledge and coordinates the week with precision. We stayed in the Villa with the beautiful views down the valley and made good use of the swimming pool & terrace. Gustavo the hotel proprietor of the hotel where we ate had character and serve(Read more...)
Wonderful week walking in Tuscany. First the accommodation. Having been to Andalucia last May, this was heaven! Unbelievably thoughtful hosts in a delightful simple, quiet house, with exceptional food, not flashy or haute cuisine, but local and always interesting.
Walking was gentle but always interesting, and the other walkers we(Read more...)
We had a great week, superbly organised by Mick, Helen, Millie and Gustavo at the hotel. We loved staying in the villa and used the pool most days. The terrain made the walks challenging at times but they were always accurately described for us and the group allowed time for the slower members.
We have returned from a week in Tuscany staying at Il Rigo, what a fantastic place for walking, eating and drinking! The food was fantastic and with special dietary requirements nothing was too much trouble. Collett's staff, Charlie, Ben, Claire and Caroline were fantastic guilds and full of fun. All that you need for another fantas(Read more...)
First time I’d used this type of holiday and was not disappointed. Everything ran on rails from start to finish. The walking was spectacular and the views amazing, even in the snow! Accommodation was spot on with great food and comfortable sleeping arrangements.
The maps and route guides made things very easy and still gave you en(Read more...)
Another brilliant holiday with Collett's - our 5th. It’s a great formula, please don’t change. Our thanks to Ben, Caroline, Claire and Charlie - nothing was too much trouble for them and thanks as well to all at Il Rigo. Can’t decide which location is best. We might have to do them all again!!
My dad and I recently finished the Camino tour with Collett's. This is my second tour with Collett's (previously did a wonderful Dolomites tour).
The tour was excellent, from start to finish. The logistics, from arrival transport, luggage transport, and taxi pick-up, was efficient and well-organized. Javier, the on-the-ground guid(Read more...)
Great formula, keep it going and don't sell out! Bavarian Alps and Lakes would interest me, although we have been to Ehrwald.
I think we've been to all of Collett's Walking Holiday locations except Andalucia and Tuscany although we have been to both of these locations independently.
I think your formula is ideal for the older, more experienced walker. Part of the trick is that your guys take the pace from the participants, rather than Alpine guides who lead from the front!
Keep it up!
I have probably had enough of end-to-end trekking at the age of 71. Your formula allows for the odd day off as well as a mix of (Read more...)
My third walking holiday, been ski ing with the family with colletts out of Arraba many times, the formula is just right, going to Corvara for christmas, we know what to expect and as important don’t have to organise athing
The fact that I keep coming back to Haus Valentin shows how much I enjoy my holidays there.
Because it is a relatively small family run guesthouse there is a feeling of intimacy and friendliness that would not be possible in a hotel. The food is excellent and necessarily plentiful for hungry walkers.
Above all it is the enthusi(Read more...)
Hi
We had a great 6 days with some interesting walks and weather. Beautiful scenery and memorable moments.
Combination of guided and self-guided walks. Self-contained stay in central location. Great staff members for our trip. Knew the routes, suggested good alternatives based on weather, our skills and the like, plus they made all activities fun.
Once again you delivered a superb mountain holiday for us in Austria, Location in Zugspitz Arena was delightful, hotel Sonnenspitze was well up to standard and your efficient and dedicated staff once again excelled in helping to make this a memorable week in the Tyrol. Thanks again Collett's!
The staff were great and all worked hard to ensure the customers had a great time. Max, John and Becky all stood out as people I’d happily recommend.
Excellent - we had a great time and so appreciated the care and attention of the staff and the great information for our hiking. Collett's have a variety of options for hiking daily and knowledge of the area!
We stayed in both a hosted chalet in Badia before our hut to hut and in a hotel following in Corvara - the above rating apply (Read more...)
Booked with you before and always had a good time previously. I don't know where you manage to get your staff from but they are the friendliest, funniest, most helpful and relaxed group of people we've ever walked with. Thank you Ollie, Jo, Sandy and Flee for an amazing holiday.
We had a wonderful week of Moderate Walks in the Picos de Europa. Our fellow walkers were all very friendly and the Collett’s staff of George, Rachel and Ross took excellent care of us and they had boundless good humour, energy and enthusiasm. The walks were very scenic, taken at a steady pace with time to admire views and stop whe(Read more...)
The laminates for my solo trek were well-done. The descriptions were easy to follow. I was concerned only 1 day, when the clouds hung in the mountains, and I doubted that I would be able to find the trail. Fortunately, a local couple took me with them to the next hut. I might have otherwise hiked back down to the valley and hoped to r(Read more...)
Thank you for a great holiday. The transfer from the airport was friendly and efficient, enabling four strangers to bond immediately and form a friendship grouping that lasted the whole week. A great welcome at the bar - such friendly staff and a much appreciated complimentary beer. The walks were all very well organised and led, wit(Read more...)
I was very impressed with how any queries I had were answered. Also, I had to change my departure date and was shocked to be given a refund - thank you! It was a lovely touch to have someone there to say hello and get me settled in! The sandwiches made by the team for lunch were a nice touch - and delicious. It was good to be offered (Read more...)
A week with Collett's in the Dolomites staying at Haus Valentin. Well organised, friendly and well priced. What’s not to like. 3rd time with Collett's and absolutely no reason we won’t use them again.
This is my second visit to Collett’s in Italy. First time with the missis, second with my mate, both times I’ve had a great time. The staff are always helpful, there is a joint interest with all the customers so there’s very much a family type atmosphere, the food and accommodation has been great and the office hour is great for hints(Read more...)
I had heard of Collett's Mountain Holidays and wanted to try it out... I enjoyed the holiday and found staff very helpful. I liked the personal approach of the office hours! I did two walks on my own and staff were very helpful in providing information and details for local travel. The hotel is very good and the staff very helpful... (Read more...)
Many things make this trip outstanding. The tricky but enjoyable central sections of the GR11, the mountains, the lakes, the marmots, the accommodation, food & wine. The group size of eight clients and four Collett's staff (I understand this is normally three) was also perfect. However the biggest single factor that made this trip out(Read more...)
I thought the team, Anna, Andy, Ben and Kate, seemed to work very well together - all very professional.
I did an Inntravel holiday in the Appennines, near Porretta Terme - thought it might be a good Colletts destination, though not mid-July-August. Have you thought of North-west Italy - Val d-Aosta or similar? Or Ireland
This was our second year at Pension Angelo and once again we throughly enjoyed ourselves. It is stunning area with plenty of varied routes. This year we didn't do Colletts-arranged scheduled walks but organised the days ourselves. Nevertheless the team were very helpful in advising us and helping us sort out our days. We can't praise (Read more...)
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