Dolomites Sampler

We’ll meet at our hotel in Ortisei, which is accessible by taxi or public transport. Before dinner, we’ll gather for an overview of the week’s route, covering daily routines, and reviewing gear for each day’s adventure.

Today, we’ll take a funicular from Ortisei, then follow a trail to the summit of Resciesa, passing a charming ancient chapel along the way. A broad ridge brings us to Passo de Brogles, where we’ll stop for a break while taking in a great panorama.

Gentle single track leads through pine forest into the Anna Valley, to reach Furnes, where we’ll take a cable car back down to Ortisei.

We’ll take a cable car to the huge expanse of Alpe di Siusi, the largest Alpine pasture in the Alps. A descent brings us to Saltria, where we can take a break at a rifugio. From here we begin our climb up to the Zallinger pastures and our overnight accommodation at the Plattkofelhütte, where we’ll enjoy a beautiful evening high in the mountains.

Today’s route traverses along the edge of the Sassolungo massif, crossing immense scree slopes that locals call “rock gardens.” We’ll run and then hike uphill to the spectacularly placed Rifugio Vincenza, deep within a towering cirque, for a break for coffee and cake or hearty soup. After, we’ll continue under the steep north face of Sassolungo to reach Ciampinoi, where we’ll hop on the cable car down to the town of Selva to relax at our hotel.

Today there’s the option of a rest day, or an out-and-back run into the impressive Vallunga, or “Long Valley.” This long, deep chasm has been likened to  a mini-Yosemite valley, carved out by an immense glacier during the last ice age.

Tonight is your chance to explore and choose your own restaurant for dinner in Selva – recommendations provided, or course!

Leaving Selva, we’ll jump on the gondola up to Dantercepies and join a gently descending trail with views of the towering Sella Massif. A short climb to Utia Col Pradat brings us to a great restaurant. Then it’s time for a winding descent through trees to Colfosco, then meadow trails to the village of Corvara.

Starting with the lift up to Col Alt, we’ll follow the Alta Badia High Trail, or Panoramic Trail, across broad ridges to reach Rifugio Pralongia, where we’ll take a break. A short climb brings us to the panoramic Stores peak, and then we’ll descend on smooth runnable trails to the hamlet of Sciare. A taxi will take us to our hotel in the stylish town of Cortina.

We’ll visit the famous Cinque Torri – or five towers – rock formation. While there, we’ll have a chance to learn about the history of this region in the open-air museum. A short run takes us around these impressive rock towers, ending at Rifugio Scoiattoli, which serves traditional local dishes and has fantastic views of the Cinque Torri.

We’ll enjoy a final breakfast together at our hotel before saying our farewells as our tour comes to a close. Those who have opted for the shared transfer to Bolzano will head off together after breakfast.