Compare Dolomites Hut Hike by Distant Journeys vs Walking the Dolomites of Alta Badia by Exodus Travels

Day 1:

The trip will begin at the hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Cortina d’Ampezzo is a classic Dolomites village nestled among the spectacular mountains of the Tofane, Cristallo, Sorapis and Antelao. This beautiful village has a wonderful main street lined with several shops and outdoor cafes. There is bus and train access from Venice. Cortina is a great place to begin our trek. Welcome dinner and trip orientation

Day 2:

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Morning transfer to Ra Stua. This pleasant hike offers our first views of the Tofane, the Croda Rossa and the Croda del Becco. Passing the high alpine meadows of Ra Stua, our trail switchbacks up through the larch forest before arriving at our rifugio for the night, Rifugio Fodara Vedla. After we arrive at the rifugio we will have time for a wonderful day hike. Private triple or twin rooms and shared facilities.

Day 3:

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

From last night’s stop we first descend steeply (1,380′) to the valley and hike up to Rifugio Lavarella. This hike leads up Valle di Rudo to Rifugio Lavarella. This short day of hiking will allows time for a day hike to Lac Parom, about 2 hours round trip or a longer 3 ½ hour hike to the open plateau of the Gran Ciamplac which circles back to the rifugio. Small, simple bunk rooms for 2 to 4 persons. Shared facilities.

Day 4:

After a short 30-minute hike we arrive at Lago di Limo and a spectacular 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains; a wonderful beginning to your day. The trail then opens into a lush, broad valley between the rocky summits of Monte Castello, which was heavily fortified during WWI, and Piz des Cunturines (10,111′). The scenery and colors are stunning. This descent (1,500′) leads down to the valley floor, followed by a 40-minute climb to Rifugio Scotoni. This small rifugio is set in a beautiful valley surrounded by the towering mountains of the Cime di Fanes. This small, comfortable rifugio has bunkrooms with 4 to 6 bunk in each room. Shared facilities. Dinner and breakfast included. If the weather if perfect we might be able to hike over the dramatic Forcella del Lago and down steeply to Scotoni. This is a short hiking day but very dramatic.

Day 5:

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

From Scotoni we hike up through the Alpe di Lagazuoi to the Rifugio Lagazuoi (gaining 2,530′) through this vast limestone plateau. Surrounding us are the Punta di Fanes, the cliffs of the Lagazuoi and the massive Tofana di Rozes (10,650′). The scenery just doesn’t quit. It is big and impressive in all directions. Near the pass there are several World War I underground passages called galleries, which serve as memorials to the terrible fighting that took place here in 1916.

After we stop for lunch at Lagazuoi, which has a very good restaurant, we have an optional hike, which takes us down though one of these galleries. Our other option is to take advantage of the cable car which can bring us to the valley. We rejoin the hiking route and begin our final ascent (950′) to the very friendly Rifugio Cinque Torri that has been run by the same family since 1936. Once again the setting for this rifugio is remarkable as it looks at the long wall of the Croda di Lago. Comfortable rooms with 4 beds per room. Shared facilities.

Day 6:

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Today the trail takes us near two striking rock mountains: Averau and Nuvolao as we descend to Passo Giau. The trail then leads over the forcella Giau where the views of the Tofana and Monte Cavallo are inspiring, not to mention the mountains on display to the south: Monte Fromin, Cernera, Pelmo and the upswept flank of Monte Mondeval. The trail leads over lush alpine meadows, perhaps spotting some wild edelweiss. The last part of the day leads below Pelmo’s north face, (which is 3,300′ straight up to the top at 10,454′,) to our comfortable mountain rifugio at Passo Staulanza. This is a long day. Small private rooms with private bathrooms. Dinner and breakfast included.

Day 7:

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

From Passo Staulanza, we join a popular trail and climb to the shoulder of Monte Coldai, which lies at the edge of the famous Monte Civetta (10,620′). After stopping for a picnic lunch at Lago Coldai, we continue to the col Negro di Coldai, which looks over at the towering west face of Monte Civetta. This “wall of walls” extends for over 4 miles! About mid-way past this wall, we climb to our rifugio (7,500′), Rifugio Tissi, perched on the mountain flank looking out at the Val Civetta, down the Alleghe Valley and west to the Marmolada Glacier. This overnight stop is memorable. This is a rustic rifugio, bunkrooms and shared facilities. Dinner and breakfast.

Day 8:

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

From Tissi we descend to the val Civetta over the Col Rean, through beautiful, open, green meadows to the narrow valley of Val Corpassa. Our route takes us right below the sheer rock faces of the Torre Venezia and the Torre Trieste, both rising some 2,000′ feet. Perhaps we will see some climbers ascending these impressive towers. We pass by the Rifugio Vazzoler (5,656′) and then ascend steeply through a dense forest to forcella de l’Orso and alongside Monte Mioazza’s southern flank to Rifugio Bruto Carestiato, our rifugio for the night. Today’s hike includes some rugged terrain. We think it is one of the more varied and certainly one of the more remote hikes of the trip. Small bunk rooms and shared bathrooms. Dinner and breakfast.

Day 9:

Continuing on the Alta Via 1, we first arrive at Passo Duran and cross the mountain road. The route from this point on is remote and rugged. The trail leads south of the rocky Tamer Grande and Castello di Moschesin. Rounding the corner at the pass at Moschesin you are treated with views of Mont Talvena, Cima de Zita, the deep, narrow valleys of the La Clusa to the south and Monte Pelmo (again) and the Val Prampert to the north. This rocky, rough and quiet path leads to the farm at Malga Pramper where we will be met by our van late in the afternoon for transfer to nearby Forno di Zoldo. This is a great way to end our hike. We spend the night in a family run hotel in the pretty village of Forno di Zoldo. Farewell dinner a nearby restaurant. Our extra luggage from Cortina will be at the hotel when we arrive.

Day 10:

The trip will end with a group transfer from the hotel to the Venice Airport. The departure time is about 7:00 am. Travel time is about 1 ½ – 2 hours; expected arrival at the airport is about 8:30 – 9:00 am. Note: We have purposely set the departure time early to accommodate morning flight departures from Venice. If you would like to depart later we can arrange for a later taxi at an additional cost.

Day 1 Start Armentarola, San Cassiano

Arrive at your hotel in Armentarola, San Cassiano. Staying at 4 star Ciasa Salares for 7 nights, with 4 nights on Half Board. The below itinerary is only a suggestion and you can do any walk on any day.

Day 2 Pralongia Walk

From the hotel, you ascend steadily along peaceful country lanes, through pine forest and up onto high alpine meadows with spectacular views of the surrounding Dolomites mountain ranges. Either enjoy a picnic en route or when you reach the mountain hut at Pralongia, take time over lunch and soaking up the mountain panorama. Return to San Cassiano for the hotel shuttle or walk back to the hotel. Staying at Ciasa Salares. Optional shorter walk: 5hrs, distance 15km/9.5mi

Day 3 Santa Croce and Badia Walk

Walk directly from the hotel or take the shuttle to San Cassiano. This pilgrimage route first skirts above the village then heads through some delightful pine woods. Along the route you pass depictions of the last hours of Jesus Christ's life on earth before you reach the church at Santa Croce with its amazing backdrop and views across the valley and the village of Badia. Descend to Badia and take the bus back to the hotel. Staying at Ciasa Salares. Optional shorter walk: 4.5hrs, distance 13km/8mi

Day 4 San Cassiano to Corvara Walk

Enjoy truly spectacular scenery on this favourite Alta Badia trail. You can start the day with a gondola lift or you can climb the first 5km through pine forest and alpine meadows. Once up at the top there are fabulous views ahead to the Marmolada mountains, the highest in the Dolomites, and behind as far as the Austrian Alps in the distance. At some points you have the most incredible 360-degree panoramic views. Continue on with a variety of mountain hut options for lunch then descend to Corvara for a well-deserved drink before catching the bus back to the hotel. Staying at Ciasa Salares. Optional shorter walk: 3.5hrs, distance 11km/7mi Walking time 4hrs, distance 10km/6.5mi or walking time 5.5hrs, distance 13km/8mi.Comfortable Hotel

Day 5 Two lakes of Badia Walk

A short bus trip to Badia before this lovely walk takes you to two small lakes close to Badia with the fabulous backdrop of the Somamunt, Col Plo Alt and Pre Janin mountains. There are some wonderful views over the village and across the valley to the Santa Croce mountain as you head to Lech dla Lunch (pronounced lek-dela-loonk). Bring a picnic and you could even stop here for loonk! A steep climb sets you on your way to Lech da Sompunt and its delightful swans. Descend back to Badia passing through tiny hamlets and take the bus back. Staying at Ciasa Salares.

Day 6 Valparola Pass Walk

Today you head up to one of the key strategic passes from WW1 – the Passo Valparola for fabulous views over the San Cassiano valley. Heading through the delightful Pre de Costa meadows, and past the Malghe Valparola, you head up towards the pass. When you get there, you may want to stop for refreshments at the rifugio at the top. You can make this a history trip and continue on to the nearby WW1 museum or even to Passo Falzarego and a cable car up to the top of Lagazuoi – one of the most fiercely fought over mountains in the Dolomites. Another alternative is a tough 13km walk across towards the Setsas mountain with more fabulous views and back to the hotel. Staying at Ciasa Salares. Optional longer walks available.

Day 7 Fanes Natural Park Walk

Defintely worth the wait - the Fanes Natural Park is a huge expanse of outstanding natural beauty. You can either walk directly from the hotel or get the shuttle to the Capanna Alpina hut before starting the steep climb up to the panoramic Col de Locia. The verdant plateau beyond (Plan de Ciaulunch) and the climb up to the Forcela dl Lech provide awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains and a sparkling, aquamarine mountain lake. You need a head for heights on this one as you descend via two steep gorges, with well trodden paths, to the Scotoni mountain hut and down a spectacular ski slope to the start point. Staying at Ciasa Salares. Optional shorter walk: 4.5 hrs, distance 10km/6mi

Day 8 End San Cassiano

The tour ends in San Cassiano.