dossier
The Dolomites
Grade
While generally no tougher than our other alpine treks, our route does involvetwo short exposed, albeit stunning, sections where a head for heights isneeded. No mountaineering experience is necessary for these. We stress thatthere are no real Via Ferrata (vertiginous cabling) sections to negotiate.There is also some light backpacking as three nights are spent in mountainhuts. It is therefore a trek most suited to those with previous hill walkingand some backpacking experience. For these reasons it is graded B/C (moderateto challenging). Average daily duration of walking is around 6-7 hours.
Climate
Our treks in the Alps operate during the European summer. In recent years,temperatures have ranged from 15 C – 30 C (60 – 90 F) during the day, withnights from 15 C (60 F) down to below freezing. Although rain and snow ispossible at any time in the season, there are fortunately very few prolongedperiods of bad weather. Clear skies and spectacular sunsets are frequentlyexperienced.
Equipment & Clothing
If you are a hiker or backpacker you will probably already have much of theclothing and equipment required. A sleeping bag sheet liner is required. Adetailed list of personal equipment and clothing will be sent with confirmationof reservation. All you need to bring is your sleeping bag sheet linerplus your other personal equipment and clothing.
Food & Accommodation
Accommodation is in double/twin rooms. When light backpacking westay in mountain huts. These have shared dormitory-style accommodation andbasic toilet and washing facilities only. Mattresses, blankets and pillows areprovided but you must have a sleeping bag liner. Breakfast is provided each morning. An evening meal is provided on four evenings. On other evenings we leave youfree to sample the local cuisine. We suggest you budget 130 E (approx US$200)for those meals not included.
How the Trekking is Organized
This is essentially a supported trek. Taxis do the hard work carrying yourbaggage. This allows you to walk carrying only the items you require for theday. Your main baggage is carried from site to site by local vehicle. It is nota part of our services to carry clients at any time except in seriousemergencies.
Average walking time is about six hours per day, althoughthis will obviously vary according to the terrain, conditions, group progressand weather.
The trails in the Dolomites tend to be more rocky underfootthan other areas of the Alps, so care must be taken along some sections.
In the unlikely event of extreme bad weather necessitating achange to the itinerary, clients are expected to bear the cost of transport tothe next night's stop.
What's Included
Train (*but see below) and road transport as itemized in the itinerary;all accommodation (7 nights hotels, 2 nights refuges); most meals - all breakfasts from day 2 onwards, 6lunches (on days 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8), 5dinners; services of leader and support vehicle driver; baggage movements whileon trek.
Not Included
International airfare, passport, insurance, personal clothing and equipment,breakfast on the first day, lunch on days when there are no organized walks, 4dinners, gratuities, drinks and souvenirs. We suggest you budget a minimum of 130Euros (approx US$172) for these.
*The train journey fromMunich to the start point at Dobbiaco at the beginning of the tour andtransport back to Munich at the end is not included.
Outline Itinerary
The following itinerary is intended as a working guide only and may besubject to variation as a result of weather, local factors and group progress.
We reserve the right to alter (lengthen or shorten)any trek at any time if necessary.
1000m = 3.281ft. 1km = 0.62 miles. All timings are approximate and will vary.
Day 1: Fly toMunich. Train via Innsbruck and Brenner Pass to Dobbiaco. Overnight in hotel (Halfboard).
Day 2: We take ashort bus ride and then begin our trekking by climbing steadily into the TreCime mountain group. This is a famous block of three vertical sided finger-liketowers. The route is often quiet and the climb unravels with anticipation. Wehead for the Rifugio Locatelli for lunch and then descend around the Tre Cimeto Rifugio Auronzo. The descent is through pleasant forest to Lake Antorno. Busto Cortina. Hotel B&B.
Day 3: FromCortina, after a few minutes by bus, we begin our climb to the Rifugio Dibona.From here, we traverse with the vertical rock walls of the Tofana di Rozes(3219m) and Tofana di Mezzo (3240m) peaks above. We remain high, following ahigh-level route to the Forc Lagazuoi pass. The descent is rocky but easierdown to a pretty lake. A steeper section takes us to the Rifugio Scotoni(drinks and strudel) on the way to our hotel at Sare (Half board).
Day 4: 11km (6hours). Our route today is a complete change from the harsh rocky tablelands.We hike through forests and climb on to a grassy ridge to Pralongia. Thestrudel is particularly inviting here. We continue to Col Alti (1983m), withpanoramic views of the Tofana group and the Sella group, our next destination. Wedescend to the pretty village of Corvara and stay nearby at Colfosco (B&B).
Day 5: We have arest day in this picturesque village. There are however some spectacular walks;either on an intriguing but partially exposed route up to the Sas Songher peakhigh above Colfosco, or up to a valley viewpoint at Sas Ciampac north of thevillage (B&B).
Day 6: 12km (7hours). We now begin perhaps the most stunning day of the trek. From Colfoscowe take a bus to the Passo Gardena at the base of the Sella group of peaks. Thetrail ascends into a narrow canyon, rocky underfoot and quite steep in parts.Before reaching the Rifugio Pisciadu (2582m), we negotiate a very steep, rockyoutcrop, assisted by cables, iron rungs and cut footholds. Although veryspectacular, this section, which is about 100m, should not be contemplated bythose unnerved by exposed positions. (It should only be undertaken in dry,clear weather. In the event of unsuitable conditions or too much snow, we willreroute over a less exposed path below the Sella group). Continuing upwards, we pass a lake andtackle the ascent to the plateau summit at over 2895m. From here there aremarvellous views all round, towards the Tyrolean range to the north and theMarmolada glacier to the south. We continue to the Rifugio Boe and descend toPasso Pordoi. Descend to Campitello (on foot or by bus) (Half board).
Day 7: Free day toexplore Campitello. There are a variety of different walks of varied grades forthe day, with the opportunity to hike apopular trail below the Sassopiatto from Col Rodela. Close by, other walksvisit the Marmolada glacier or the dramatic Vajolet Towers (Half board).
Day 8: Travel bybus and train to Verona. Fly home.
Dates 2008
Sat 21 June to Sat 28 June - self-guided
Sat 30 August to Sat 06 September - self-guided
Sun 21 June to Sun 28 June -escorted