Grade
While
generally no tougher than our other alpine treks, our route does involve
two short exposed, albeit stunning, sections where a head for heights is
needed. Though no mountaineering experience is necessary for these, it
is a trek most suited to those with previous hillwalking and some
scrambling experience. For these reasons it is graded moderate to
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 during the day, with nights
from 15 C down to below freezing. Although rain and snow is possible at
any time in the season, there are fortunately very few prolonged periods
of bad weather. Clear skies and spectacular sunsets are frequently
experienced.Note that afternoon storms in the Alps, usually
reverting to fine weather and hour or two afterwards occur with some
regularity.
Equipment & Clothing
If
you are a hiker or backpacker you will probably already have much of the
clothing and equipment required.
A
detailed
list of personal equipment and clothing will be sent with confirmation
of reservation. All you need to bring is your personal equipment and
clothing.
Food & Accommodation
Accommodation
is in double/twin rooms. We use a variety of hotels from 3
star to 2 star, and for two nights use a local B&B which has en
suite rooms. All rooms are en suite in the hotels. Single rooms are
usually available at a supplement.
Breakfast
is provided throughout the trek. An evening meal is provided on
four evenings. On other evenings we leave you free to sample the local
cuisine. Lunches are not included. We suggest you budget €150 for
those meals not included.
How the Trekking is Organised
This
is essentially a supported trek. Taxis do the hard work carrying your
baggage. This allows you to walk carrying only the items you require for
the day. Your main baggage is carried from site to site by local
vehicle. It is not a part of our services to transport clients between
hotels at any time
except in serious emergencies.
Average
walking time is about six hours per day, although this will obviously
vary according to the terrain, conditions, group progress and weather.
The
trails in the Dolomites tend to be more rocky underfoot than other areas
of the Alps, so care must be taken along some sections.
In the unlikely event of extreme bad weather necessitating a change to
the itinerary, clients are expected to bear the cost of transport to the
next night's stop.
What's Included
Return
flight London/Verona (except for ‘land only’ clients); train (*but
see below); all accommodation (7 nights hotels); All breakfasts from day 2 onwards, 4 dinners; services of
leader on escorted tour. Baggage movements on trek.
Not Included
Train
journeys at the beginning and end of the tour. During the tour,
transfers by bus, taxi or cable car, for passengers. Passport,
insurance, personal clothing and equipment. Breakfast on the first day,
all lunches, 3 dinners, strudel, drinks and souvenirs. Gratuities..
Self-guided
and Escorted Dates 2008
JDO21
Sat 21 June to Sat 28 June - self guided
JDO30 Sat 30 August to Sat 06 September
- self guided
EJDO24
Sat 21 June to Sat 28 June - escorted
EJDO02 Sat 30 August to Sat 06 September - escorted
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Outline Itinerary
The
following itinerary is intended as a working guide only and may be
subject 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.
q
Day
1:
Fly to Verona. Train via Bolzano and Fortezza. Arrive Dobbiaco.
Overnight at hotel (Half board).
q
Day
2:
13km (7hrs) We take a short bus ride and then begin our trekking by
climbing steadily into the Tre Cime mountain group. This is a famous
block of three vertical sided finger-like towers. The route is often
quiet and the climb unravels with anticipation. We head for the Rifugio
Locatelli taking lunch at or near the refuge, then descend around the Tre Cime to Rifugio
Auronzo. The descent is through pleasant forest to Lake Antorno. Bus to
Cortina. Hotel B&B.
q
Day
3:
15km (7hrs) From Cortina, after a few minutes by bus,
we begin our climb to the Rifugio Dibona. From here we climb a bit and
then traverse, with the vertical rock walls of the Tofana di
Rozes (3219m) and Tofana di Mezzo (3240m) peaks
above. We follow a high-level route to the Forc Lagazuoi pass. The
descent is rocky but easier down to a pretty lake. A steeper section
takes us to the Rifugio Scotoni (drinks and strudel) on the way to our
hotel at Armentarola (Half board).
q
Day
4:
11km (6 hours). 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. The strudel is particularly inviting here.
We continue to Col Alti (1983m), with panoramic views of the Tofana
group and the Sella group, our next destination. We descend to the
pretty village of Corvara and stay nearby at Colfosco (B&B).
q
Day
5:
We have a rest day in this picturesque village. There
are however some spectacular walks; three possibilities include a bus
ride up to Passo Gardena followed by a descent facing the impressive
Sella group, an intriguing but partially exposed route up to the Sas
Songher peak high above Colfosco, or up to a valley viewpoint at Sas
Ciampac north of the village (B&B).
q
Day
6:
15km (7-8 hours). Starting from Colfosco, we return
past the campsite and head up into the trees around the east side of the
Sella group. We may take a cable car part of the way to assist in the
ascent. We then traverse around below the cliffs and above the forests,
with magnificent views of the Marmolada and peaks to the east. (This
route should only be undertaken in dry, clear weather. In the event of
poor weather or too much snow, a direct bus can be taken via Arabba to
Canazei, with connections to Campitello). From Passo Pordoi, after an excellent strudel
stop, we descend to Campitello (on foot or by bus, gondola also possible
for some of the route.) (Half board).
q
Day
7:
Free day to explore Campitello. There are a variety of
different walks of varied grades for the day, with the opportunity to
hike a popular trail below the Sassopiatto from Col Rodela. Close by,
other walks visit the Marmolada glacier or the dramatic Vajolet Towers
(Half board).
q
Day
8:
Departure. Travel by bus and train to Verona. Fly to UK.
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