Trekking the Dolomites range in Italy

Beginning in Brixen (in German), also known as  Bressanone (in Italian), this medieval town is a historical mix of German or Italian. We meet as a group in the hotel before dinner. I will guide you through the itinerary, the week’s weather forecast, check your kit and answer any questions. 

The journey begins with a cable car from San Andreas village up to the pastures of Valcroce. The first landmark is the Rifugio Plose, the starting point and the first chance to grab a coffee (and cake). This is a mellow introduction and  chance to get used to the terrain. The open trails offer views of the Austrian Tyrol and the Puez-Odle ridgeline. After lunch in the private Schatzerhütte, we cross the Forcella di Putia (2357m) before reaching our night’s accommodation in the popular and fun Rifugio Genova.

The route takes us past high traverses and towering cliffs. We begin with a short walk back to the Passo Poma, through beautiful meadows of wild flowers. After, we begin climbing across a stony hillside with impressive the backdrop of the snowy slopes of Punta del Puez. This is our high point for the day. We’ll scramble through the Forcella della Roa (2617m) and traverse an airy ridge before we drop down into the high valley. Our accommodation is in a remote and unique setting, surrounded by the extraordinary limestone rock features of the Puez range.

The first climb takes us to the Forcella di Ciampac (2366m) before sweeping down to the bright green waters of Lago di Crespeina. Above the lakes is our second ascent, the Passo Crespeina (2528m), greeted with an impressive view of the snowy Sella massif. Dropping down the Pizzes da Cir cliffs, we will reach ‘Jimmy’s’ – one of our favourite restaurants. After lunch we trek down to the famous Passo Gardena with its stunning road. The day ends with a 2-hour uphill hike/ scramble to our night’s accommodation at the Rifugio Pisciadu.

We begin by circling Lago di Pisciadu. It’s a steep climb up to the Altopiano del Meisules, a barren landscape rich in fossils. We then arrive at the Rifugio Boe for a lovely Italian coffee. It’s then a short, gentle climb to the Rifugio Maria. Our path follows a grassy hillside, flanked by huge volcanic formations, until we reach the beautifully located Rifugio Viel del Pan, with its impressive views of the Civetta.

Our route is dominated by the Marmolada (3,343m), the Queen of the Dolomites, one of the highest peaks in the range. The southfacing walls of the Marmolada are up to 1000m high, and it is capped by one of the largest glaciers in the Eastern Alps. After finishing the final climb of the day, relax in the lovely spa-hotel.

We now enter the final section of the Alta Via 2, with the week’s highest pass. Our journey begins with a short, easy section to the Passo di Valles (2031m) and the Rifugio Passa Valles. Here is the day’s first climb, up to the Forcella Venegia (2,217m) which overlooks the impressive, striped red cliffs of Cima Caladora (2,313m). The day becomes more  exciting as we follow a panoramic crest to Monte Mulaz, Cima di Val Grande, and the majestic Cimon della Pala (3038m). Surrounded by rock spires, exposed ridges, and breathtaking scenery, we will navigate rocky ledges, slabs, and scramble. Our night’s accommodation is the spectacularly located Rifugio Mulaz.

Our final trek leaves the Rifugio Mulaz to climb over the Col de Mulaz. This marks our final point in the high Dolomites, as from here it’s a descent to more mellow terrain. Our initial goal is the rocky plateau of Castellaz. From here, we may loop  and climb up to the summit of Cristo Pensante. We will stop for the final coffee and cake stop at the Rifugio Capanna Cervino. Then we get a taxi back to our starting point in Brixen, over 100km away. This final night is back in our original hotel, grateful for the luxury, hot showers and celebratory beers!

The trip ends after breakfast!