Dolomites Hiking

• Hike and climb the Alta Via 4, one of the more challenging High Routes in the Dolomites
• Enjoy the cozy atmosphere of the mountain rifugios, the real mountaineer experience
• Explore the majestic Dolomite Mountains – hidden valleys, towering peaks, and a recently added UNESCO World Heritage Site   
• Tackle some of the most challenging and rewarding terrain on earth, climbing a different via ferrata almost every day

The Italian Dolomites are truly a hiker and climber's paradise. Thousands of trails and via ferrata wind their way between the fantastic pinnacles of these jagged mountains, which magically turn from pale grey to gold and pink at dusk. Our Alta Via 4 itinerary takes you directly into the heart of these mountains, combining hiking and via ferrata. On this incredible journey you’ll experience adrenaline-pumping daily hikes and exhilarating vertical via ferrata climbs, surrounded by some of the most spectacular and unforgettable panoramic views in the world.

The world famous vie ferrate (“iron paths”) of the Dolomites provide access to mountains and views usually reserved for climbers and mountaineers. Wire cables are fixed to the rock walls for safety, in addition to iron rods and steps. These incredible well-protected routes allow almost anyone to safely ascend a mountainside, reaching destinations otherwise not traveled. But this itinerary is certainly not for the feint of heart! With a different via ferrata almost every day, you have your work cut out for you. But the effort is well worth it – you will climb on some of the most famous mountains in the Dolomites, enjoying otherworldly vistas with every step!

The Alta Via 4 – subtitled the “Alta Via di Paul Grohmann” – was named for the Viennese mountaineer who was the first to scale many of the peaks that punctuate this route: Tre Scarpèri, Croda dei Barànci, Cima Grande di Lavaredo, Cristallo, Sorapìss and Antelao. And lucky you – you get to hike and climb them all on one great trip!

Check out the high definition videos in our SUMMER VIDEO GALLERY!

TRIP DETAILS

Length: 6n / 7d

Start / Finish: San Candido / Calalzo 

Activity Level: For everybody in good and active physical health (no climbing experience required).

Cost: Guided trip starting at €1880 with min 5 persons 

Includes: Double room accommodation in 3-star hotel, private/shared dormitory (3-8 people) accommodations in charming rifugios, meals as noted in itinerary, UIAGM/IFMGA professional mountain guide, via ferrata equipment, local transportation, luggage transfer from 1st to last hotel.

Airport transfers available on request.

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Via Ferrata in the Dolomites

ITINERARY:
Trip itinerary may vary based on weather conditions, fitness levels and abilities of participants, and/or the recommendations of your guide. Most days there is an option for a shorter hike. 

Day 1 ~ Arrive in San Candido, Dolomites
Arrive in San Candido / Innichen (1,388m / 4,554') on your own. Meet your Dolomite Mountains UIAGM/IFMGA guide, who will provide a trip briefing and via ferrata equipment for the week ahead. You begin your trek right away, taking a short transfer followed by a 30-minute hike up to a mountain inn, your home for tonight. Here you may have the opportunity to taste local delicacies such as canederli, a form of dumpling served in broth, and flavored with speck (a local ham), spinach, or cheese, and “Kaiserschmarren”, an omelette with cranberry jam – perfect for a meal or a dessert! (30 minutes hiking).
D… Rifugio

Day 2 ~ Tre Cime di Lavaredo
After breakfast, hike for about 3 hours to Rifugio Locatelli (2,405m / 7,890'), where you will stop for lunch. In the afternoon you will climb the Via Ferrata Sentiero De Luca / Innerkofler on Monte Paterno (2,746m / 9,009'), which includes an exciting 600 meter (1/3 mile) tunnel (don’t forget your headlamp!). Once you reach the col, continue on the via ferrata, descending on Croda del Passaporto to Forcella Lavaredo (2,454m / 8,051'). From here, descend to 2,344 meters (7,690') to your rifugio for the evening.

From the rifugio you will have an incredible view of the Tre Cime di Lavardeo, literally “the three peaks of Lavaredo” (also called the Drei Zinnen in German, meaninhg “three merlons”). You’ll also have incredible vistas of other peaks in every direction – Tre Scarperi, Monte Paterno, Croda dei Toni, Marmarole, Cadini di Misurina, Antelao, Monte Cristallo, Monte Piana, and
Croda Rossa d'Ampezzo. (6-7 hours hiking and climbing, including a 3 hour 1,000m / 3,280' via ferrata.)
B,D… Rifugio

Day 3 ~ Bonacossa Path – Cortina d’Ampezzo
Departing your rifugio, hike on the Bonacossa track between the peaks of the Cadini of Misurina. While equipped with cables, this route is more of a protected walk than a formal via ferrata, but it takes you through dramatic and dramatically contrasting scenery. It is also very interesting World War One path built in 1915-16 by the soldiers, restored in 1955 and dedicated to the mountaineer A. Bonacossa.

Stop to enjoy a wonderful lunch at Rifugio Fonda Savio (2,359m / 7,739'). After lunch continue on the Bonacossa path to the mountain inn Citta’ di Carpi (2,110m / 6,923') and further to Col de Varda (2,115m / 6,939'), where you can enjoy a fantastic view of the mountains Marmaròle, Sorapìss, and Cristallo. Descend to Misurina by cable car, which ends at the southern end of Misurina Lake. This is the largest natural lake of Cadore, with a surface area of 12 hectares, and 600 x 300 meters (1,968 x 984') at it’s widest points.

Transfer to Cortina d’Ampezzo and check in to your B&B for the evening. Host to the 1956 Winter Olympics, Cortina enjoys a reputation for great skiing in winter, and in the summer attracts hikers and mountain climbers who challenge the rocky faces of the nearby mountains. It is also a destination for the international society set, and offers many year-round social activities, shopping, and dining. (7 hours hiking.)  
B… B&B in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Day 4 ~ Hike to Mount Sorapiss
Begin today by taking the Faloria cable car to Rifugio Capanna Tondi (2,340m / 7,677'). New landscapes are revealed every step of the way and there are ample opportunities to see wildlife in the shape of chamois – an antelope-like mountain goat native to Europe, in addition to marmots and ibex. From Rifugio Capanna Tondi you will continue on the path “il Cadin del Laudo” to the cirque at the base of Sorapiss (1,926m / 6,319'), where you will find your rifugio for the night. There is a beautiful waterfall just steps away from the refuge, and a turquoise lake to explore just a short hike up a hill. (4.5 hours hiking.)
B,D… Rifugio

Day 5 ~ Via Ferrata on Mount Sorapiss
After breakfast, start your hiking day with the Via Ferrata Vandelli on the wonderful Mount Croda del Fogo (2,540m / 8,333'), part of the Sorapiss mountain group. You will hike to the Comici camp and then continue on the Minazio Path, over the spectacular and wild Val di San Vito to the Forcella Grande (2,255m / 7,398'). En route you’ll have a great view looking back at last night’s rifugio and the turquoise lake below!

Descend to a family run rifugio (1,823m / 5, 819') for the evening. Surrounded by fantastic mountains, this rifugio is located in a truly idyllic spot – the views you can enjoy from here are truly incomparable as you gaze out upon some of the most famous Dolomites’ peaks: Antelao (3,264m / 10,709'), Sorapiss (3,205m / 10,515'), and Marmole. (8 hours hiking.)

Note: There is an option to shorten today’s itinerary by doing the beautiful Via Ferrata Berti, at the south side of the Mount Sorapiss. (6.5 hours hiking.)
B,D… Rifugio 

Day 6 ~ Via Ferrata Antelao
Mount Antelao, rising to an altitude of 3,264 meters (10,709'), is the second highest mountain of Dolomites. Often referred to as the “King of the Dolomites,” it has an excellent network of paths, and sheer flanks perfect for via ferrata and mountaineering.

Begin today ascending the Forcella Piccola of Mount Antelao (2,120m / 6,955'). You will continue with one more via ferrata to the Antelao Glacier to reach the Forcella Alta, from where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the glacier. Descend to Rifugio Antelao (1,054m / 3,458'), and then to the village of Calalzo (806m / 2,644'). Check into your B&B and enjoy a relaxing evening recounting tales of your Alta Via 4 journey! (8.5 hours hiking.)
B… B&B in Calalzo di Cadore

Day 7 ~ Depart
Enjoy one last hearty mountain breakfast and prepare for departure, leaving with incredible memories to last a lifetime.
B…