Dolomites Hut-to-Hut Walking Holiday Taster

Day 2 - Pralongia Plateau

Route Statistics – 10km, 4-5hrs. walking, 250m ascent, 650m descent

A wonderful first day to get your bearings. This undulating plateau walk through upland flower pastures provides magnificent views of the entire Alta Badia and many major Dolomite peaks too. Welcoming mountain lodges, known as Rifugios or Utia, are interspersed along the way offering plentiful coffee or lunch spots.

Accommodation: Ciasa Roch, Corvara (half board)

Day 3 - The Alta Badia and Santa Croce

Route Statistics – 13.9km, 1001m ascent, 399m descent

Your hut to adventure starts here – with a charming walk along a river track and through the peaceful meadows which link the villages of Corvara, La Villa and San Cassiano. This is followed by a picturesque woodland path which ascends steadily towards Rifugio Santa Croce. The walking throughout is well waymarked and is on good tracks and paths, giving beautiful views of the Alta Badia and with numerous opportunities to stop for coffee or lunch along the way. Though the walking is mostly uphill, the gradient is such that the walking, and the scenery, can always be enjoyed.

Accommodation – Rifugio Santa Croce (half board)

Day 4 - Ascending to the Fanes Massif

Route Statistics – 12km, 1188m ascent, 1150m descent

Leave Rifugio Santa Croce, on day 2 of your hut to hut taster, and follow a meandering path which takes in unspoilt meadows and tranquil forests before ascending to a high col, from where the whole of the Fanes Massif opens out before you. From here, a steady descent leads down to the small, sheltered meadows of Munt de Pices Fanes which have long been used for grazing cattle and are now home to Rifugio Lavarella. The walk involves some quite steep and airy sections of path on loose, rocky terrain on approach to the col and in descent down the far side, however, no scrambling is required.

Accommodation – Rifugio Lavarella (half board)

Day 5 - The Fanes Massif and the Alta Via

Route Statistics – 8.8km, 227m ascent, 632m descent

The final day of your hut to hut experience is a superb day of walking surrounded by the 3000m peaks of the Fanes Massif and the Tofana group – following the route of the renowned Alta Via 1, which tracks a course straight across the high plateau with ever changing views of the Dolomites. The route gives around 3 hours of walking to reach the picturesque Rifugio Capanna Alpina which serves as a good place for a late lunch before either catching a bus back to Corvara, or walking back along the river track. It is also possible to extend the day by continuing from here to the iconic Rifugio Lagazuoi, which adds around 6km and 1100m ascent.

Accommodation: Ciasa Roch, Corvara (half board)

Day 6 - Nuvolau Summit

Route Statistics: 9.5 km, 4 – 5 hours walking, 620m ascent, 620m descent

High above Cortina, this is a hike of unbeatable 360° panoramas, especially from Rifugio Nuvolau, the oldest lodge in the area. On the return leg, explore the remains of WW1 trenches at Cinque Torri and experience the rocky drama of the Tofana massif.

Accommodation: Ciasa Roch, Corvara (half board)

Day 7 - The Pinnacles

Route Statistics:  7.25 km, 640m ascent, 800m descent

Ascend through meadows rich in flora and fauna to the unique fortress‐like rock structures we call the Pinnacles. You are rewarded at the top with stunning views north over the Alta Badia and south to three Dolomite giants: Marmolada, Pelmo & Civetta. Descend passed Lago Boe, a great spot for a picnic lunch before continuing, through the woodland back to the village of Corvara.

Accommodation: Ciasa Roch, Corvara (half board)

Day 8 - Depart

Expect an early start! Our transfers back to Venice Marco Polo (included) leave at 6am (your flight home must depart after 11am). If you would like a more relaxed departure time, or to reduce your waiting time at the airport please ask us about a private transfer – which are available at a supplement. Alternatively, why not extend your stay and add a few extra nights in Corvara ?