Mountain Adventure Holidays
Run the 'best of the best' of the fabulous Italian Dolomites! This spectacular mountainous area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. It has eighteen peaks rising to over 3000 metres, many with spectacular rock spires and towers, such as the world famous Tre Cime. It is the exceptional natural beauty of the rock formations and geology that have made the Dolomites famous throughout the world. Be prepared to be impressed as you run through some of the most beautiful mountains in the world.
If you are going to run a mountain trail only once in your life then you really need to do the 'Dollies'! We think the Dolomites are truly spectacular! This is a very special and interesting part of the world on a number of counts. It is unique in terms of it's geology, and in it's culture, presenting an interesting mix of Austrian and Italian traditions, food, and folklore. The area is know as the Sud Tirol in German, and as the Alto Adige in Italian. It can be a little confusing to find that every village has two names, but it all adds to the feeling that you are truly somewhere 'a little different'. The running is spectacular!
Today you arrive in Dobbiaco, Italy, also know as Toblach. The Sud Tirol is predominantly German speaking, with Italian the second language. If arriving by bus/train be sure to check both names, Dobbiaco/Toblach. The village is very small and our hotel, which is normally the 3* Hotel Tschurtschenthaler, is within easy walking distance as it is only a few hundred metres from the train station. Your hotel will be confirmed when you receive your Joining Information one month before the trip start date.
We start with a short bus ride to the famous beauty spot of Lago di Braies. The lake is spectacular filled with turquoise waters, and surrounded by towering cliffs. After running along the lake shore we will climb steadily under the striated cliffs of Monte Muro to our first pass at Porta Sora il Forn, at 2388m (7832ft), to be rewarded with immense views, and with the glacier of the Marmolada glittering to the south west. the glacier is the only major ice field in the Dolomites. After taking in the views its a short trot down to the Rifugio Biella for a bowl of minestrone, or whatever else takes your fancy. After lunch we have a lovely descent through flower meadows and farms, until a final steep jeep road takes us down to our overnight at the Rifugio Pederu.
Ascent: 1045m (3427ft) Descent: 1020m (3345ft) Distance: 18km (11.3 miles) Duration: 5h00-6h00
This morning we take the wild and rocky Vallone di Rudo to Lago Piciodil to reach Rifugio Fanes and a coffee stop! The Rifugio, which was built in 1928 has a long history and tradition and is a great spot for a rest. Stunning views en route to Passo di Limo, at 2172m (7124ft), and its lake of the same name. High peaks surround this pastoral amphitheatre with its curious limestone slabs. We then traverse a rugged mountainside to arrive at the Forcetta del Lago an impressive notch on the skyline sitting at 2486m (8154ft). You will probably think it looks like an impossible descent down the other side, but the path does exist and you have stunning views all the way down towards Lago di Lagazuoi at 2182m (7156ft). There is a 200m (656ft) climb to finish the day to our Rifugio as we walk along what was a front line in WW1, and where you can explore the gun emplacements and tunnels carved in the ridgeline. The Rifugio Lagazuoi is in a truly amazing location perched high in the mountains, and there is even a wood fired sauna where you can ease your muscles. It’s a day with a big climb, but the descent is minimal and our knees will appreciate that!
Ascent: 1685m (5526ft) Descent: 450m (1476ft) Distance: 22km (13.7 miles) Duration: 6h00-7h00
Today we go from WW1 galleries hewn into the Lagazuoi and Casteletto mountains, to a close up of the wonderful summits of Le Tofane. We begin by heading dropping down to a pass and then over the Forcella Travenanzes at 2507m (8222ft) before descending past a WW1 memorial. This is a sobering reminder of the bitter fighting which took place during this period of history. Then it's over the Forcella Col dei Bos while enjoying fabulous views to Cinque Torri, the Five Towers. A morning coffee on the terrace at the rustic Rifugio Dibona then a steep descent through the larch forests before climbing all the way back up the other side. However, there is the reward of lunch under the Cinque Torri at yet another lovely Italian Rifugio. You will notice a theme developing - run, coffee, run, cake, run, lunch! Then it's a steady short climb to the pass at Averau, before a final descent to a rocky traversing trail under impressive cliffs that takes us to the pass and our accommodation at the famous pass of Passo Giau, which sits as 2236m (7334ft). The pass has featured in the Giro d'Italia and has a fearsome reputation.
Ascent: 1055m (3460ft) Descent: 1400m (4592ft) Distance: 19km (11.8 miles) Duration: 6h00-7h00
We begin this morning with a lovely traversing trail through flower meadows before reaching our first grassy pass where we descend into the next valley. This really is a gorgeous start to our day with a great running route which often takes us past the herds of horses grazing on the mountainside. After descending into the next valley we climb back up the mountain as we follow Monte Formin’s impressive south cliffs leading to the Forcella Ambrizzola at 2277m (7468ft). As we make our way to our third pass of the day we have views of the mighty Civetta mountain range and then a gentle descent over pasture through dairy herds to the Rifugio Citta de Fiume where we can enjoy a break. Our final stretch for today is another traversing trail under the impressive peaks and spires of the wild and rugged Monte Pelmo, one of the famous landmark mountains of the Dolomites. Finally, it's down through the larch forests to another lovely rifugio where we spend the night at Palafavera.
Ascent: 550m (1804ft) Descent: 810m (2656ft) Distance: 17km (10.6 miles) Duration: 5h00-6h00
A steady climb this morning as we leave this rural scene of cow and goat herds and their tinkling bells. We climb up a well graded mule track to the shoulder of Cima Coldai, an outlier of the Civetta, until we arrive at the Rifugio Sonino Al Coldai. Then it's west to the turquoise waters of Lago Coldai. This really is a very beautiful situation, and is to be enjoyed as we drop to the lake and over the Forcella Col Negro at 2203m (7225ft) before losing height and entering Val Civetta. With its slabs, peaks and pinnacles the 7km (4 miles) long west face of Monte Civetta towers 1200m (3936ft) overhead. A hanging icefield, the Cristallo, is suspended below the highest top. This face is known as the ‘wall of walls’ and is unique in the Alps. We now head over the Forcella di Col Rean, towards the Rifugio Vazzoler enjoying stunning views of the spires of the Torre Trieste, at 2458m (8062ft), and Cima della Busazza, at 2894m (9492ft). We gain the steep little pass of Forcella Col Dell’Orso at 1823m (5979ft), then it's a short section with chains along a flowered rock face. The remainder of our Alta Via is through pasture and meadows down to the Passo Duran. Here we can enjoy a celebratory drink before we are collected by taxi and taken back to our hotel at Dobbiaco and a well earned spa! The drive is approximately 2 hours.
Ascent: 1285m (4214ft) Descent: 1600m (5248ft) Distance: 28km (17.5 miles) Duration: 8h00-9h00
Today is your departure day from Dobbiaco.
It is always our aim to complete the proposed itinerary outlined above, however, it may be necessary for our guides/instructors to adjust the daily itinerary based on the weather conditions, group safety and enjoyment.
On all of our trips we aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, comfortable, characterful, family run accommodation.
We take time to research, update and view the best options available to us on every trip. Detailed below are examples of our favoured venues and those we intend to use. If unavailable at the time of booking we will use alternative accommodation of a similar standard.
The trip fees are based on two people sharing a room. However on many of our trips single rooms are available on request for a supplementary fee.
Accommodation will be in a twin room in a hotel in Dobbiaco, although a single room may be available for a supplement. This is normally the, 3* Hotel Tschurtschenthaler, which has a spa. This does require early booking, and if the Hotel Tschurtschenthaler is not available we will be in similar accommodation in the village. The Dolomite Rifugios are definitely a 'cut above" normal mountain huts, and our guests have said they are more like hotels than huts! We usually manage to secure bedrooms, or small dormitory style rooms of between 2 - 4 people which allows same gender in one room, rather than mixed. On some occasions it may be necessary for mixed gender. It is worth pointing out that in other mountainous hiking areas 'mixed' would be the only option! In Dobbiaco single rooms may be available on request for a supplementary payment. However, these are limited in number and we recommend that you book early if you wish to be sure of a single room. Please contact us for details.
The Hotel Tschurtschenthaler is a family run hotel right in the heart of Dobbiaco/Toblach. It is ideally positioned for easy access to the many outdoor shops, as well as the bars, and coffee shops. The hotel has a really lovely spa area which is great for easing any tired muscles.
All rooms are all en suite, and some have balconies. The hotel is run by Marlies whom we have gotten to know over several years of visiting the Dolomites. Single rooms may be available on request for a supplementary fee.
The Rifugio Pederu is a lovely overnight stop. It is very comfortable, and has open meadows around the building. It is more 'guest house' than rifugio, and our accommodation may be in bedrooms rather than dorms, though we cannot make any promises as it depends on early booking. The bedrooms are en suite, and there are also showers available on the floors for the dorms. Dinner is usually very good with great local dishes.
Situated in the heart of the Dolomites at 2752m (9026ft), the Rifugio offers a magnificent and cosy place to reward our efforts. The rifugio is famed for its stunning views of the mountains. It is perched on the edge of a cliff and the evening and dawn views are worth watching! It has cosy rooms decorated in traditional style with wood featuring extensively.
It has a wood fired sauna which is outside the main building and there is something quite wonderful about taking a sauna while gazing at the Dolomites. The rooms are generally bedrooms for between 2 and 4 people, and there are showers on the floor. Dinner is usually very Italian featuring pastas and sauces.
The Berg Hotel, 'berg' means mountain in German, is in a stunning location beneath the towering spires. It sits at 2236 metres (7330ft) on the Passo Giau which has featured in the famous Giro d'Italia road bike race. It has 10 bedrooms and is one of the highest and remotest hotels in the Dolomites. There are wonderful views of the valley of Cortina d'Ampezzo and the peaks of the Tofane, Croda Rossa, Cristallo and Croda da Lago. A wonderful overnight location.
Our Rifugio tonight is, like many Rifugios in the Dolomites, more hotel than hut! The Palafavera is situated on a pass with open meadows around it. It is in the midst of the Pelmo and Civetta mountains and has been providing accommodation to mountaineers, skiers and climbers for many years. The rooms are comfortable with en suite facilities and it is ideally situation for the beginning of our climb the following morning.
If choosing to travel by air you can fly to Innsbruck, Austria or Venice, Italy. Verona airport, Italy is another possibility.
If flying to Innsbruck you then take a train to Dobbiaco, also called Toblach on train schedules. Be aware that in the Dolomites/Sud Tirol all the towns and village have an Italian name and a German name. If choosing Innsbruck you can take a free shuttle bus, takes 15 mins and leaves every 10 mins, from the airport to Innsbruck central railway station. The train departs hourly, for Brennero/Brenner, change here for Fortezza/Franzensfeste, then on to Dobbiaco/Toblach. The journey takes just approx. 3 hrs, and the changes are every 30 mins at Fortezza and Brennero. If your departure flight is too early for the first local train between Dobbiaco, and Fortezza then you can book a taxi at the hotel to take you direct to Fortezza.You can also fly to Venice either Marco Polo or Treviso airports, and then take the Cortina Express bus to Cortina, and then change for the local bus to Dobbiaco. Our guests have said that either route works well, and the journey is enjoyable.
A useful link which gives other options, such as the trains from Venice to Dobbiaco, is Rome2Rio which gives a map and overall picture. Local trains for Dobbiaco can be found at www.sad.it. You can also take the train from the UK all the way to Dobbiaco, you can check times here.
It is a condition of booking that you have appropriate insurance for your chosen activity, including emergency helicopter rescue, repatriation, medical costs, as well as trip cancellation/curtailment insurance in the event of you being unable to join/complete the trip.
Please read the relevant clauses which are numbered 10, 11, 11a, 12, and 22 and are set out in our Terms and Conditions.
We also recommend your insurance covers you for baggage loss/damage. Tracks and Trails Ltd are unable to accept responsibility for the loss or damage to any client equipment or luggage.
If you are booking on behalf of other people it is important that you ensure that insurance has been arranged by all others included in your Booking Form.
You should bring all insurance documentation with you at the time of the activity. If you fail to provide proof of insurance we reserve the right to ask you to leave the trip.
If you are joining a trip in the UK helicopter/mountain rescue insurance is not required as this is a free service.
For further details, please read the Insurance section on our website.
Summer mountain weather in the European Alps can vary considerably, and in this respect it is no different to any mountain environment where the terrain influences the weather and it can change from valley to valley.
However, in the summer months it is generally good in the Alps, but it can deliver everything from glorious sunshine, to rain, fog, high winds and even snow. Temperatures can reach over 30°Celsius (86°F) in July and August, but can drop to 5°Celsius (41°F) on the high passes, or 'Cols' as they are known in the Alps. Essentially, as with all mountain journeys, you should be prepared for any eventuality. The average temperatures range from 15-25°Celsius (59-77°F) in the valleys and 5-15°Celsius (41-59°F) on the passes.
Even in mid-summer we can be faced with overnight snow especially when we have spent the night in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut at higher altitude.
On many of our trips there will be an element of 'group kit' which will be shared amongst our guests. As mountain people you will be used to team work and working together to the mutual benefit and safety of the group.
The 'group kit' will be minimal and usually just a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example on a week-long trip you may carry a small shelter for just one day before passing it on to the next person.
If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items. These will be distributed in such a way that no one is over burdened.
Other group items necessary for safety and comfort will be carried by your guide/instructor.
After we have processed your booking we will send you a comprehensive clothing and equipment list that is appropriate to your trip and activity. There will be some items on this list that we strongly recommend and others which are suggested. Our list is based on our experience of what is needed for any particular trip, but it is not the definitive article! If you have items you like to use then do bring them, but be aware of over-loading your 'day' rucksack with items that are heavy and therefore making the trip more challenging.
Please contact us if in any doubt about what to bring.
For each of our trips there is a minimum number of guests required to book before we can 'guarantee' your trip will run. It depends on the particular trip in question, but it is normally 4. The maximum number of guests on your trip is displayed in the 'At a Glance' box on the righthand side of the trip page.
We strongly advise you do not book travel until we have confirmed your trip is 'guaranteed' to run. If you book travel before we have confirmed it is 'guaranteed' we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss if the trip does not go ahead.
When booking a holiday as a solo traveller a twin bedded room comprising of two single beds, is booked as standard. This will be with someone of the same gender unless you request to pay extra for your own room. Single rooms are often limited in supply so if you would like to pay a supplement for a single room we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. This trip has a single supplement of £230.
We go to great lengths to work with first class guides and instructors who are passionate about their work. They are all fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation.
Please note your guide/instructor has complete discretion to make a daily decision on whether or not to take the advertised route based on the weather and the ability of the members of the group. They have our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment.
For our walking, family, and snowshoeing trips your guide will be a fully qualified and experienced International Mountain Leader. For our running trips your guide will be an International Mountain Leader, and an experienced mountain 'trail runner'.
If you have booked on a cross country ski trip you will be with a fully qualified professional BASI Nordic Ski Instructor or equivalent. BASI is the British Association of Snowsport Instructors.
On this point-to-point trip you will have luggage support which means your bags are transferred each day to the next accommodation and you only need to carry a small/medium sized 'rucksack' for items you might need during the course of the day. Please refer to the kit list for this trip for guidance on the size of rucksack required.
As your luggage will be moved along the route by taxi we ask that you keep the weight to a maximum of 15kgs (33lbs), and ONE bag per person. Many of the taxi companies who move your bags impose a 15kg (33lbs) limit and restrict the number of bags simply because they have to unload and reload the vehicle many times each day. If you take more than one bag you may be asked to pay a supplement. Also with regard to weight be aware that you may have to carry your luggage to your bedroom, which may involve climbing several flights of stairs as not all hotels have elevators. Luggage on wheels is a good idea.
If your trip begins and ends at the same hotel it is normally possible to leave any unwanted luggage at the hotel for your return.
We do not include lunches in your trip fee for various reasons. We have found our guests have particular tastes and requirements for 'trail' or 'hill' food and it is better you choose and buy what you require. Buying supplies and trying local specialities is a great way to inter-act with the local people and to practise your language skills.
Lunches on our trips are 'picnic' style lunches, in other words you take a packed lunch with sufficient snacks, food and fluid to sustain you throughout your day of activity. If there is the possibility of lunch being taken at a restaurant/farm/cafe beside the trail, your guide/instructor will advise you of this.
Each evening you can choose to order a picnic or a sandwich from the hotel, or your guide/instructor will advise you of other options such as a local shop or market and whether you need to purchase items in the evening or if the shop/market is open early enough the next morning not to delay your start. In all cases we would always ask you to settle any 'bill' for lunch or drinks in the evening before you depart, and not on the morning of your last day when there may be a queue.
On your itinerary you will find an indication of the amount of ascent and descent you can expect each day. This offers a guideline to how much effort might be expended each day and allows you to decide, based on previous experience, if your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip.
We make every attempt to ensure these statistics are as accurate as possible, but ask you to note that the most modern of technology used to record these details can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance. In other words no two people using GPS devices on the same route will have exactly the same details recorded at the end of the day.
The statistics given should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required.
It is useful to arrive at your destination with some cash in the local currency, however, on most occasions it is relatively easy to visit a 'cash machine' after arrival and withdraw money on a credit or debit card. Some of our locations are an exception to this in particular Norway, where the accommodation will often have no facilities for withdrawing cash, but they will take a credit card.
On many of our trips we will visit remote cafes/farms where it is wonderful to enjoy a drink and a cake, at places such as these they will only accept payment in the local currency in cash.
Food
On our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes that reflect the culture of the country and for this reason many of our accommodation options will be family run with a reputation for the traditional food of the region.
If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy or intolerance to a certain food type which will make you ill the accommodation will cater for this as best they can, eg gluten free, nut free, lactose free.
If you are vegetarian then this is not a problem as the hotels/refuges are used to being asked for vegetarian meals. Our accommodation will try to cater for those with vegan diets but in remote refuges in the mountains this is more difficult. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet please contact us. Gluten-free diets will be possible with regard to the evening meals, but we would advise that you bring along some gluten-free snacks for your breakfasts and lunches.
If you have a 'special' diet which is NOT because of an allergy or intolerance, and is not 'veggie' then we apologise, but we cannot cater for this. The accommodation on the popular routes will be catering for many people each evening, in some cases up to 70/80 meals per night, 7 days a week, and realistically they cannot produce many different meal options unless the food will result in illness.
Water
The countries we visit all have tap water which is drinkable. If for any reason a particular hotel is having a problem with a remote mountain water supply they will normally post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water. At all times you are welcome to ask your guide/instructor if the water can be drunk. We would ask, for environmental reasons, that you avoid using single-use plastic bottles, and bring a water bottle that can be used repeatedly.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required for visits to countries outside the EU, such as Norway. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for other nationalities. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.
We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:
http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/
Note that if your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut that electric sockets may be in short supply and for that night you may not be able to charge any items. Although the accommodation will have electricity this will often be supplied by solar panels or a generator and limited to use by the staff. For this reason we advise that carrying a small slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be very useful for recharging phones which many of you will also use as your camera.
Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor.
For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring with you a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment in certain European countries, but is not a substitute for medical travel insurance. Also note that if/when the UK leaves the European Union that the EHIC card may no longer be valid. Please check this before departing. We advise that you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number.
We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We would point out that we operate a ‘zero tolerance’ for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all your rubbish items from the mountain even those you consider to be bio-degradable. In particular we ask that you remove any toilet tissue.
You can read our full policy here.
Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means that the price of our trips can change overnight. We have, however, undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. In this respect we urge you to book early to ensure that you receive the price advertised on our website. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained in your individual case.
Due to the specialised nature of our holidays, we co-sell a number of trips with 'partner' companies. These are carefully selected to ensure they reflect our ethos and standards in terms of the service we offer our guests. By encouraging other companies to sell our trips it means that your chosen holiday may reach its 'minimum' number earlier, allowing us to guarantee the trip and to give you the go-ahead to book your travel arrangements.
There may be occasions when our partners have helped book your accommodation and organise the logistics for your trip. On these occasions your hotel may have recorded your room reservation in the name of one of our partners.
We guarantee that companies with whom we work will offer the same package as Tracks and Trails Ltd. The price will be the same, though occasionally they may be operating in a different currency. Your itinerary and the items that are included, or not included in your trip fee, will also be the same.
We believe in team work, and enjoy working with other small high quality companies. If you have any questions about this policy please contact us and we will be happy to discuss it with you.
Prices may vary depending on date.
| From Price | £0 |
| Holiday Type | Trail Running |
| Duration | 7 Days |
| Group Size | 10 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Maximum Altitude | 2507m (8222ft) |
| Countries Visited | Italy |
| Meet In | Dobbiaco (Toblach), Italy |
