Day 1 | Cortina d'Ampezzo – Arrival day

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Welcome to the heart of the Dolomites, where your trail-running adventure begins! Arrive in the charming town of Cortina d'Ampezzo, nestled amidst towering peaks. As a designated UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, Cortina is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on all mountain enthusiasts. After checking into your accommodation, prepare for an incredible journey through this stunning region. In the evening, we will gather for a group safety briefing. Please note that dinner for tonight is not included.

 

Day 2 | Cortina d'Ampezzo – Lago di Braies to Rifugio Pederu

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The day begins with a local private transfer to the iconic Lago di Braies, a picturesque gem and the official starting point of the Alta Via trail. As we venture forth, we gradually embark on a steady ascent beneath the layered cliffs of Monte Muro. Our first destination is Porta Sora il Forn, perched at an altitude of 2388 meters (7832 feet). The reward for our ascent is an expansive vista that unveils the Marmolada glacier, a unique feature as it represents the sole substantial ice field in the Dolomites. After enjoying the breathtaking views, we continue our run downhill towards Rifugio Biella, where you can indulge in one of those delightful Italian coffees that are abundant along our route. We then descend further through enchanting meadows adorned with vibrant flowers and pastoral farm landscapes, eventually arriving at our overnight accommodation. Please note that dinner for tonight is not included

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• The route: 11.2 mi / 18km  - High gain/loss +3420ft/1045m | -3346ft/1020m approx

• Approximate time 4 - 6 hours​

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Day 3 | Rifugio Pederu – Rifugio Col Gallina

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Today's run takes you deeper into the Dolomites. We kick off our day with a traverse through the rocky and rugged Vallone di Rudo, ultimately reaching Rifugio Fanes. Along the way, you'll be treated to captivating vistas as we make our way to Passo di Limo, where a pristine lake bearing the same name awaits.

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Next, we embark on a traverse along a rugged mountainside, concluding with a final ascent to the Forcetta del Lago. The descent to Lago di Lagazuoi surrounds us with stunning views. As we continue, we'll pass through what once served as a front line during World War I, offering the opportunity to explore historical gun emplacements and tunnels carved into the ridgeline. Before reaching our overnight refuge at Col Gallina, we'll pause at Rifugio Lagazuoi for a coffee or a delightful treat. Dinner for tonight is included.

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• The route: 15.3 mi / 24.6km  - High gain/loss +5528t/1685m | -2408ft/734m approx

• Approximate time 6 - 8 hours​

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Day 4 | Rifugio Col Gallina – Passo Giau Rifugio – Rifugio Croda da Lago – Malga Federa

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Today, we'll soak in breathtaking views of the Cinque Torri or the Five Towers. Our journey takes us along a beautiful traversing trail to the rustic Rifugio Dibona, where we can have a cappuccino and a cake.  Afterwards, we'll navigate a steep descent through larch forests and ascend the other side. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to explore the 'Sentiero delle Trincee,' an open-air WWI trench museum around the base of the towers. A final short climb leads us to the pass at Averau, where a delightful Italian Rifugio awaits for lunch.

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We conclude this unique day with a rocky traversing trail beneath impressive cliffs, eventually reaching Passo Giau. Once at the pass we reach the gully Forcella Ambrizzola and then Rifugio Croda da Lago where we can have a quick snack or continue to our rifugio for the night towards  Malga Federa. Please note that dinner for tonight is not included.

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• The route: 11.2 mi / 18km  - High gain/loss +2953t/900m | -3281ft/1000m approx

• Approximate time 6 - 8 hours​

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Day 5 | Malga Federa – Rifugio Staulanza

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Leaving Rifugio Malga Federa, our journey unfolds with the crossing of three passes, signifying a distinct change in the trail's character. We transition from rugged, rocky paths to lush green meadows that create a picturesque backdrop. Our route guides us through undulating terrain, taking us across flower-strewn meadows and into the next valley, where pastoral scenes often feature herds of horses, donkeys, and cattle grazing on the mountainside. We'll savor a well-deserved lunch at Rifugio Citta de Fiume.

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The final leg of our day guides us along a meandering trail beneath the grandeur of the untamed and formidable Monte Pelmo, an iconic symbol of the Dolomites. Our descent continues until we reach our overnight accommodation at another welcoming rifugio, where we'll spend the night. Dinner for tonight is included.

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• The route: 9.7 mi / 15.5km  - High gain/loss +1968t/600m | -2132ft/650m approx

• Approximate time 4 - 6 hours

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Day 6 | Rifugio Staulanza – Rifugio Passo Duran

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Today marks one of the longest days of our trip. We start the day with a gradual ascent towards the col of Cima Coldai and then Lago Coldai. Subsequently, we embark on a descent into Val Civetta, a realm adorned with slabs, peaks, and pinnacles, where the colossal west face of Monte Civetta soars 1200 meters above us.

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Our journey leads us over the Forcella di Col Rean, eventually bringing us to Rifugio Vazzoler for a well-deserved lunch break. After savoring some pasta, we traverse the mountainside, enjoying the shade of the trees and eventually ascending the steep pass of Forcella Col Dell’Orso. A final, swift descent brings us to our accommodation for the night. Dinner for tonight is included.

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• The route: 17.4 mi / 28km  - High gain/loss +5085t/1550m | -5249ft/1600m approx

• Approximate time 7 - 8 hours

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Day 7 | Rifugio Passo Duran – Forno Di Zoldo - Cortina d'Ampezzo

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Our last day on the Alta Via trail begins with an early start. Today, we venture through the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park, where the untamed beauty of the mountainside reveals itself with its imposing cliff faces and towering summits. If luck is on our side, there's a high chance of encountering chamois and marmots along the way.

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We'll pause for a well-deserved lunch break and end our journey in Forno di Zoldo, where a private van awaits to transport us back to Cortina d'Ampezzo, a journey of approximately 2 hours.

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We will celebrate this epic journey with a final dinner together. 

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• The route: 17.4 mi / 28km  - High gain/loss +4921t/1500m | -5184ft/1580m approx

• Approximate time 7 - 8 hours

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Day 8 | Cortina d'Ampezzo - Departure

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We enjoy a last breakfast together and then time to pack all the memories back home.

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A note about fitness: This adventure involves physical activity for around 6-8 hours per day. To participate comfortably in the tour, you will require a certain level of fitness. To make a self-assessment of whether or not this is for you, you should consider yourself to be in good shape, be accustomed to running/hiking, and be able to do it comfortably for at least 3 hours a day. Please consult a doctor if you feel that this might be a challenge before booking.

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The entire tour is done in English.

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*We reserve the right to change the itinerary without previous notice due to weather conditions, accommodation availability, National Parks regulations or notifications and unforeseeable circumstances. 

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This tour is governed by the Terms and Conditions

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