Trail Running the Alta Via N.1 of the Dolomites

We love hiking and trail running, but being in the Dolomites with the sheer beauty of the surroundings and the hospitality of the rifugios made this one of the best trips ever. That and of course all the leg work that Dolomite Mountains did for us to make everything go so smoothly! Peter and I loved the first rifugio very much as it was quiet, small, more off the well-traveled path. The hotel at Passo Giau was not really a rifugio, but more like a hotel which was welcome after so many days on the trail (hot shower and best dinner!). It was very quiet as well even though it was accessed by many day hikers I think as a lunch spot. I'm glad we had one afternoon to explore Cortina as well. As for the running, I would say we managed only about 50% running on those trails, which we were happy with.  It is very similar to the steep trails here in Hong Kong. I would say the only day that seemed too short for a running itinerary was from Laguzuoi to Passo Giau.  We ended up adding a side trip to climb Mt Pore to add 3 more hours to our day.  We loved that side trip by the way. By the way, our hotel in Venice was amazing.  Quite nicely situated and the staff were so welcoming and helpful. We are already looking forward to booking a skiing trip in the Dolomites for February 2016!  We want to bring the kids this time so they can explore the beauty of the area. Thanks again for all of your help along the way!

- Malia Hirschmann -