Highlights of the haute route - The best of the Dolomites - Hiking - Italy

Self-guided

Hotel 3 star or Hotel 4 star

Day-hikes

Réf : E3Y3

Itinerary

Hiking : a relatively accessible activity, hiking offers the opportunity to explore a country or a region up close, on foot, and to meet and mingle with the locals. On a traverse or loop, whatever your skill level, embark on one of our through-hikes to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the great outdoors.

Level 2: An average of 4 to 5 hours of hiking per day on a well-marked hilly path or trail.

Level 3: An average of 4 to 5 hours of hiking per day on well-marked trails and/or 600 to 800 meters of vertical gain, and/or distances up to 15 kilometers.

Mon Roadbook app: designed for the self-guided trips, "Mon Roadbook" travel assistant guides you throughout your journey via a mobile application to download on your smartphone.
Duration : 7 days
Luggage transfers : You equipment only for the day
Lodging : Hotel
Guiding : self-guided
Group : Minimum 2 persons
Season : From mid-June to late-September

Day by day

Day 1

Welcome in Cortina d'Ampezzo - Lake Ghedina

Distance : 5 km (3 mi.) - Ascent : 500 m. Descent : 500 m. Hiking : 3 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : dinner. Meals not included : breakfast, lunch.

Start early afternoon allowing you the time to get there. Check in your hotel and settle in for five nights.
The first hike, a warm up, takes you on the trails that start in town. The climb through the forest to Drusé Pass leads you past Tofane's towering rock walls and all the way to Lake Ghedina for a peaceful afternoon before heading back to your hotel.

Day 2

Falzarego pass - Lagazuoï - Scotoni - Valparola

Distance : 15 km (9.5 mi.) - Ascent : 700 m. Descent : 1100 m. Hiking : 4.5 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.

Transfer by bus to Falzarego Pass, one of the most popular trailheads in the Dolomites. At the foot of the famed Lagazuoi, the day's first climb leads to Lagazuoi Pass (2573m). Continue heading uphill to the summit, where you will stumble upon the ruins of several old military installations. As you start your descent, hike through a wide rocky valley and beneath steep cliffs equipped for via ferrata climbing. The descent then continues to Lake Lagazuoi and the the Scotini Hut, a popular final destination for Italian families on a day hike. From there, the trail descends leisurely to Valparola, where you will catch the bus back to your hotel.

Day 3

Hiking around Croda da Lago

Distance : 12 km (7.5 mi.) - Ascent : 800 m. Descent : 800 m. Hiking : 5 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.

The short transfer by bus takes you to Giau Pass, where the day's hike starts by with a climb through the forest to Formin Valley. Little by little the forest thins as you enter the rocky, mineral landscape at higher elevation. Walk through the boulder filed and along the base of beautiful Croda de Lago. When you cross Formin Pass (2462m), the southern Dolomites appear in all their majesty, with Civetta's legendary north face now in your sights. A short descent leads to Ambrizolla Pass (2277m). From there, head back along the other side of Croda da Lago and, during the descent, back through the forest just after the lake. Continue to Giau Pass road. From there take the bus back to Cortina.

Day 4

Hiking around Tre Cime and Mt Paterno

Distance : 10 km (6.5 mi.) - Ascent : 600 m. Descent : 600 m. Hiking : 4.5 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.

Transfer by private shuttle to the Auronzo Hut (2320m). The day starts on easy terrain to the foot of Tre Cime's south face. Walk along the base until you reach Laveredo Lake. From there, circumnavigate Mt. Paterno via Pian del Cengia (Cengia flats) and Cengia Pass. The trail winds back around to the Locatelli Hut, where great views of Tre Cime's north face will simply leave you in awe. For the rest of the afternoon, hike along the foot of several legendary north faces where you will likely see climbers scaling these towering rock walls. Hike over Medo Pass back to the Auronzo Hut. A private shuttle will take you back to Cortina.

Day 5

Hiking around Tofana di Rozes

Distance : 11 km (7 mi.) - Ascent : 600 m. Descent : 600 m. Hiking : 4.5 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.

Take early morning transfer by private shuttle to the Dibona Hut, the start of today's hike around Tofana di Rozes, Cortina's iconic mountain. From the hut, the trail climbs steadily towards Tofana's towering south face. From there, it contours along the base of the cliffs, offering one breathtaking view after another. Once over Bos Pass, Val Travenanzes takes you around the western side of Tofana. On the descent, a new trail winds and zigzags down the side of the mount to a small notch leading to a narrow gully (Majarie) boxed in between two Tofana peaks. Follow this trail up to the Giusani Hut (2580m), the usual base camp for most ascents of the main peak. From here, enjoy the descent on a comfortable trail through scree all the way to the Dibona Hut. Transfer by private shuttle for your last night in Cortina.

Day 6

Hike around Averau and the Cinque Torri

Distance : 14 km (9 mi.) - Ascent : 550 m. Descent : 800 m. Hiking : 4.5 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.

This is the last time you will take the early morning shuttle along the now familiar road to Falzarego Pass where you started your trip. Today, the trailhead starts on the opposite side of the valley facing the Lagazuoi and Tofane, within a smaller group of peaks that has several surprises in store for you. The trail quickly leads out of the alpine meadows and small ski area towards the higher lunar terrain far above tree line. Once at Averau's base, continue hiking around its rocky summit spire to Nuvolau Pass. While climbing to the top of Nuvolau Peak is optional, we highly recommend it, since the small hut located at the summit is typical of the Dolomites and offers amazing views in every direction. When back at Nuvolau Pass, hike to the legendary Cinque Torri, well known for their great climbing and where several Dolomite climbers got their start. The area also boasts a rich history that we recommend taking the time to learn about before the trip officially comes to an end at Dames Lake. Last transfer back to Cortina ans last night in town.

Please note: hiking times are approximate, and do not include bus transfers or riding the lifts.

Day 7

Cortina d'Ampezzo - arriverdeci!

Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.

Enjoy your last breakfast before checking out. Take the time to explore Cortina d'Ampezzo before heading off.

Please ask for any excursion opportunity around Cortina d'Ampezzo or any transfer back to the Airport or elswhere.
Or you can choose to take the buses to Mestre to extend your trip for a short stay in Venice.

Pricing

Prices (incl. taxes) from june to september 2023

Hotel 3 star Price per person	Bed and Breakfast
Hotel 3 star Price per person	Low season	Mid season	Peak season
2 people1 shared room	1270 €	1325 €	1650 €
3 people1 shared room	1135 €	1190 €	1540 €
4 people1 shared room	1050 €	1120 €	1470 €
5 people1 shared room	1025 €	1085 €	1430 €
6 people1 shared room	995 €	1055 €	1400 €

Low season : From 15 June 2023 to 30 June 2023, from 01 September 2023 to 20 September 2023
Mid season : From 01 July 2023 to 15 July 2023
Peak season : From 16 July 2023 to 31 July 2023, from 01 August 2023 to 31 August 2023

Hotel 4 star Price per person	Bed and Breakfast
Hotel 4 star Price per person	Low season	Mid season	Peak season
2 people1 shared room	1700 €	1850 €	2050 €
3 people1 shared room	1600 €	1700 €	1950 €
4 people1 shared room	1500 €	1650 €	1875 €
5 people1 shared room	1475 €	1600 €	1840 €
6 people1 shared room	1450 €	1575 €	1800 €

Low season : From 15 June 2023 to 30 June 2023, from 01 September 2023 to 20 September 2023
Mid season : From 01 July 2023 to 15 July 2023
Peak season : From 16 July 2023 to 31 July 2023, from 01 August 2023 to 31 August 2023

Pricing

The price includes / does not include

The price includes:
- Lodging: 6 nights in a 3-star hotel, twin/double room.
- Meals: 6 breakfasts.
- Day 4 : private transfer Cortina - rifugio Auronzo return trip.
- Day 5 : private transfer Cortina - rifugio Dibona return trip.
- The roadbook (as well as maps and reservation vouchers) for a 4 person group.
- Emergency hotline 24/7
- Access to the new mobile phone application (including GPS guidance).
- Fees for organizing the trip.

The price does not include:
- Transfers to and from the start and end points.
- Dinners.
- Pack lunch (about €10-€15 per lunch depending on the location).
- Insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, lost/stolen baggage, or assistance.
- Everything not described as "included".

Other expenses:
- Local buses for daily transfers (except Day 4 & 5). About 3-4€ each.
- Any unplanned visits or transfers.
- Drinks and tips

Currencies

France and Italy are part of the Euro zone. You may find ATMs easily in the main cities and towns.
Better to have cash in the most remote areas to purchase extras (ex.: for drinks). Huts do not always accept credit cards.

Access

Cortina d'Ampezzo is located in the hearth of the Dolomites.
Closest international airport is : Venezia
- From Venezia airport : about 2h15 bus transfer. https://www.cortinaexpress.it/en/timetable or https://www.atvo.it

We can also provide private airport transfer from. Prices on request

During your trip

- Day 2 : local bus Cortina - passo Falzarego return trip and Valparola - passo Falzarego one way.
- Day 3 : local bus Cortina - Rucurtu bridge return trip.
- Day 4 : private transfer Cortina - rifugio Auronzo return trip.
- Day 5 : private transfer Cortina - rifugio Dibona return trip.
- Day 6 : local bus Cortina - passo Falzarego return trip.

Lodging

3 or 4-stars Hotel in Cortina d'Ampezzo, pearl of the Dolomites.

Meals

Our goal is to ensure that you eat well-balanced meals suited for the effort required each day, and to lighten your pack load as much as possible.
- Breakfasts are prepared by your accommodation.
- Dinner are on your own in town to offer you the choice of the restaurant and menu.

Luggage transfer

No baggage transfer required for this trip as this is a "center-based" program. Carry what you need in a lightweight pack on each day's hike.

Trails

On self-guided trips, you are responsible for knowing how to read a map and use a compass. The roadbook and "Mont Roadbook app" we provide at the beginning offers a few additional details. For each stage, make sure you check the latest information on trail conditions; the manager at your accommodations should also be able to provide you with up-to-date information if you ask.

What you need to know

Be prepared for the weather:
The weather in mountains can change very quickly. the weather forecast is quite accurate for the next 3 upcoming days, but not that much further. Thunderstorms are common in the afternoon when the weather is hot, they are very located and show up very quickly. Wake up earlier in the morning when the weather forecast announces it, you will have crossed the high pass before it starts. Passes and ridge are not safe is the case of thunder. Take advice from your host the day before.

Considering the Environment:
While trekking you have to be careful not to destroy the environment you are enjoying so much. It is not only for your enjoyment, but people and wildlife also rely on this environment.

Here are some simple tips:

- pick up any litter along the trail.
- burn all your toilet paper and bury your faeces, make sure you go at least 50m away from any water source.
- drink tap water instead of mineral water as plastic bottles are an unnecessary waste.
- stick to the trails to prevent erosion and damage to fragile alpine flora.
- ensure all rubbish is packed and bring them back down to the villages.

Insurance :
All tour participants should obtain their own personal insurance which covers medical and emergency evacuation at a minimum. You will of course also want cover for loss or damage to personal effects, flight or trip cancellation etc. Please ask us for advice.

Final tips!
- To ensure that you have the best time possible, please respect local traditions, customs, values and the environment.
- Respect privacy when taking photographs.
- Your attempts at speaking some French or Italian will open hearts and break the ice!
- Protect the natural environment, see above.

Required before leaving

Health

Some tips for staying healthy:
Tap water is mostly good for drinking all other the Alps. Unless notified as not, you can consider it as drinkable. Even if they are recyclable we request you consider the waste impact of your bottles.
Your hands are perhaps your biggest enemy in terms of your health as they get very dirty during the day. Wash your hands before every meal or snack. People often think they get sick from the food, but it's far more likely they forgot to wash their hands!

During the trek, don't try to overpass your strength and walk too high, too quickly! Keep a regular pace and take time to enjoy the view while walking.
Listen to your guide and take their advice as they are trained to look after your safety.

If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us when booking your trek so that we can cater for you. Note: sometimes not all dietary requirements are able to be met, but please inform us and we will certainly do our best!

Recommended vaccinations

Please check to make sure that all your vaccinations are current: DPT, whooping cough, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B.

Dentist and general physician

We recommend a checkup with both before leaving on your trip.

Getting ready

Physical fitness level 2

To take full advantage of your trip, make sure that you stay in good shape by walking or hiking at least twice per week (12km to 15km).

Physical fitness level 3

To take full advantage of your trip, make sure that you stay in good shape by walking or hiking least once per week (around 15km) on a trail with considerable vertical gain (250m/hr) or by participating in a moderately intense athletic activity for 1 to 1.5hrs.

Your first aid kit

For the medication and pain relievers listed below, we recommend that you check with your doctor beforehand, adding what you need based on personal requirements and the specificities of your trip.

An analgesic.
An anti-inflammatory (pills or gels).
An anti-diarrheal tablets
A disinfectant, band aids (several sizes), mole skin, sterile compresses, medical tape, Steri-Strips,

Gear list

What we supply for your trek

We provide 1 set for every 4 participants, which includes detailed hiking maps of the region, and a roadbook describing your itinerary and trip (a lot of tips and some alternative routes are included).
You will have access to our 24/24 7/7 support hotline to assist you during your trip.
Each participant will have access on his phone to our "Roadbook" app which includes an itinerary descriptions as well GPS guidance.

What you need to bring:

If you don't have the luggage transfer option, pack light, remember that you will have to carry all your stuff during the whole trip. We recommend that your backpack doesn't exceed 10 to 15% of your weight. Take only the essentials.

Essentials :
- Hiking backpack. A chest strap and waist strap are essential to help to distribute the weight. The size 30 L to 45 L, will depend on whether you have booked a luggage transfer or not.
- Comfortable and worn in trekking boots.
- Warm hat.
- Cap.
- Sun glasses.
- Good quality Merino Wool walking socks.
- Base layer tops - Merino Wool is the best choice.
- Warm mid-layer tops.
- A water and windproof layer (jacket and pants) eg. Gore-Tex.
- 1x Walking trousers.
- Light gloves.
- Shorts.
- Buff or Snood.
- A natural or synthetic down jacket.
- Casual clothes & footwear for evenings. One set is enough as you will not wear them for a long time.
- Nightwear and underwear.
- Sleeping bag liner - either silk, cotton or fleece (only if you're staying in dormitories in Moutain Huts).
- Sandals or flip flops.

Essential Accessories :
- Personal toiletries: shampoo, soap, shavers, moisturizer, travel towel (if you're staying in Mountains Huts), etc.
- Toilet roll/tissues.
- Ziplock bags are handy for convenient leak-proof storage.
- Sun block and lip balm.
- Electrical socket adapter.
- Energy bars/snacks.
- Personal first aid kit + any personal medications you need to take.
- Phone, Camera, batteries and charger.
- Airtight and waterproof ‘dry bags' are great for keeping your clothes dry and storing your dirty laundry separate from clean clothes!
- Head torch and batteries (spare batteries too).
- Walking poles are highly recommended on Alps paths.
- Cash & Cards (Euros and Swiss Francs).
- Pocket knives or cutlery can be useful for picnics.
- WATER - please be able to carry 2 litres of water.
- Your sense of humour and adventure!

If you've booked the luggage transfer:
- Duffle bag (soft) and not exceeding 15 kg to carry your extra stuff.

Useful extras

- Binoculars.
- Book to read or Kindle.
- Notebook and pen.
- Ear plugs.

Note: All of these items can be purchased there. Please ask us if you'd like some advice about where to go to get any gear.

What to take with you in your day pack:
Please carry the following in your day pack, as a minimum:

- 2 litres of water.
- sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, lip balm.
- warm fleece or thermal layer and gloves.
- water proof layer.
- Lunch
- head torch.
- hand sanitiser/soap and toilet paper.
- your camera.
- any money you want for snacks/drinks along the trail.
- Important - take any personal medications you require during the day - you will not see your kit bag until evening.

The rest you can put into your main bag which will be carried to the next accommodation, only if you've subscribed to this option.

First aid kit:
It is recommended that you bring a small personal medical kit including your preferred painkillers, throat lozenges, plasters, strapping tape for blisters, etc. If you are taking regular medication you MUST bring those medicines with you PLUS an extra supply in case one pack is lost. If you have any allergies and/or take any medications, you MUST advise us when booking your trek!

Safety

The Mont Blanc Experience promise

No region in the world is 100% safe and without danger.

Allibert Trekking keeps you informed and is fully transparent when it comes to the potential risks. We gather security risk information from multiple sources: in-house research, monitoring specialized websites, meetings with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "safety and security" trips in the field, constant contact with our regional specialists, local teams on the ground, and France's travel agency federation (ATT-ATR).

Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that we cannot make any decisions for you.

If there is a clear and elevated risk, we reserve the right to:

— Reinforce our guide team (for guided trips).
— Modify the itinerary for our tours.
— Place a tour or destination on hiatus for an extended period of time when we consider the level of risk to be too high.

Your safety and your enjoyment are our priority.

Self-guided

Hiking

Our trip

The best hikes around Cortina d'Ampezzo, pearl of the Dolomites

Hike the most favorites spots/mountains: Tre Cime, Tofana, Cinque Torri...

Confortable accommodation in Cortina d'Ampezzo

Your choice of lodging + Meals

Hotel 3 star From mid-June to late-September

Hotel 4 star de juillet à septembre

Ask the community Questions

Itinerary

Overview

Day by day

Welcome in Cortina d'Ampezzo - Lake Ghedina

Falzarego pass - Lagazuoï - Scotoni - Valparola

Hiking around Croda da Lago

Hiking around Tre Cime and Mt Paterno

Hiking around Tofana di Rozes

Hike around Averau and the Cinque Torri

Cortina d'Ampezzo - arriverdeci!

Pricing

Prices (incl. taxes) from june to september 2023

Pricing

The price includes / does not include

Currencies

Access

Access

During your trip

Lodging

Meals

Luggage transfer

Trails

What you need to know

Required before leaving

Health

Getting ready

Physical fitness level 2

Physical fitness level 3

Your first aid kit

Gear list

Safety

The Mont Blanc Experience promise