highlights of the haute route

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.