Dolomites Hikes

The Great Dolomites Ladin Valleys Traverse

Hike across the Dolomites South Tyrolean Ladin valleys and explore the incredible geography and geology of the Dolomites – high mountain passes, incredible sweeping vistas of dramatic peaks, and lush green valleys set between vertical walls – as you experience the centuries-old Ladin culture that is so unique to this region.

Trip Overview

For thousands of years, the Dolomites have been home to the Ladin people. In part descended from the Romans in the middle ages, the Ladin culture is rich in traditions and customs that recall ancient times. And on this magical itinerary, you will travel across three or four of the Dolomite Ladin valleys on foot – Val Gardena, Val di Fassa and Alta Badia.

But this is not just a cultural trip. Along the way you’ll experience the mountainous wonders of the Dolomites as you hike through wild alpine meadows, deciduous and evergreen woods, high altitude lunar-like terrain soaring peaks, and dramatic walls with towering heights. These alternate with the refined South Tyrolean towns of Val Gardena and Alta Badia, and hidden delicious mountain inns that you encounter during your hikes.

As you are enjoying these mountains, be sure to enjoy the Ladin people and the cuisine and crafts of this unique tri-cultural region. The Ladin language – a Rhaeto-Romance language also referred to as neo-Latin – is officially recognized as a minority language in parts of the Dolomites. In the valleys where you will be traveling, you will find most signage written in all three languages of the region – Italian, German, and Ladin.  Before you depart, you may even learn to speak some Ladino yourself!

Highlights

  • Traverse the legendary Ladin valleys of the Dolomites as you explore Val Gardena, Val di Fassa and Alta Badia
  • Walk on scenic trails through lush alpine pastures and over high mountain passes
  • Enjoy the atmosphere of the mountain rifugios, the real mountaineer flair
  • Experience the rich Ladin culture with many traditions that make the Italian Alps so unique

Day By Day

Trip itinerary may vary based on weather conditions, fitness levels and abilities of participants, and/or the recommendations of the Dolomite Mountains Team and your mountain guide. Daily mileage and altitude gain may vary depending on the device used.

  • Day 1

    Hotel in Val Gardena (D)

  • Day 2

    Hotel in Val Gardena (B,D)

  • Day 3

    Rifugio (B,D)

  • Day 4

    Rifugio (B,D)

  • Day 5

    Hotel in Val di Fassa (B,D)

  • Day 6

    Hotel in Alta Badia (B,D)

  • Day 7

Accommodation

Great hotels with Dolomite Mountains. Whether intimate lodge, family run B&B, or luxury spa resort, our hotels are unique, eminently local, and hard to leave.

Want to learn more about our Hotels and B&Bs?
The Dolomites has a multi-faceted culture and history that is reflected in each village we visit, and we make sure to provide you with the most authentic experience of the region possible through the hotels and B&Bs we offer. Hotels and chalets are available in the larger villages, while agriturismos (working farms with accommodations similar to B&Bs) are more common in rural areas. And we always make sure you have access to inspired regional cuisine, and the best panoramas you can get in the Dolomites!

Prefer luxury acommodations?
You can also book a custom departure of this trip using our luxury hotels. For details, please contact us.

Want to learn more about our Mountain Inns & Rifugi?            
Rifugi – or mountain huts in English – are the classic accommodation for hikers, climbers, mountaineers, and ski mountaineers in the Alps. Set in spectacular locations high in the Dolomites, rifugi are accessible only on foot (with a few exceptions that are reachable by car). These marvelous establishments are open primarily in the summer, with a select few in winter, and offer meals and sleeping facilities.

The Dolomite rifugi are considered the best in the Alps. While some are dormitory style with bunk beds, many meet the standard of a simple guest house with private rooms and en-suite bathrooms, and each has its own unique character and charm. Bedding and linens are provided, hot showers are available, and meals are served in common dining areas – like a small mountain inn set high in the mountains with the most incredible vistas in the Dolomites. Whether you’re hiking in summer or skiing in winter, an overnight rifugio stay is not to miss on a Dolomite holiday.

To learn even more about rifugi in the Dolomites, check out our Rifugios in the Dolomites article, and learn about one of the best ways to experience these incredible mountains!

Want to see the Dolomites in action?
Check out the high definition videos in our SUMMER VIDEO GALLERY!

Don’t miss our Summer Photo Gallery, for photos of this pristine, mountain landscape!

Want to learn more about hiking in the Dolomites?
Check out our Tips for Hiking in the Dolomites article!

Want to know what type of weather you should expect on your trip?
Check out our Climate and Weather in the Dolomites article!

Still want more adventure?
We can add several days of via ferrata to your trip! Ask us for details.

Still want even more? Why not extend your adventure!
Dolomite Mountains offers fantastic extensions that you can enjoy before or after your trip in the Dolomites. Explore VeniceVeronaLake GardaFlorence, or Milan, or any of the many other magical places found throughout Italy. There's no more perfect way to recover from jet lag upon arrival, or delay your return to reality at the end of your trip!

Cost

All itineraries are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control including, weather, road or trail conditions.

Guided Trip:
€ 3.720 per person (2 participants)
€ 2.600 per person (4 participants)
€ 2.190 per person (6 participants)

Self Guided Trip: 
€ 1.540 per person (2 participants)
€ 1.420 per person (4 participants)
€ 1.340 per person (6 participants)

The cost is based on the specified hotel category. (Please see the cost inclusions list). If you would like an upgrade, please get in touch with us for a quotation.

We will do our best to accommodate you in the specified class of accommodations. However, if there is no availability in this category, we will offer you the next available classification at a supplementary price. 

Important to note:

  • There is a high-season 15% surcharge from July 14th to Sept 8th. 
  • There is a private-room supplement in Rifugi: €40 per Rifugio, per person per night (based on availability).
  • Prices may increase between the time of quotation and booking. Your Dolomite Mountains consultant will inform you of any changes.


Helicopter Sightseeing & Airport Transfers – There's Nothing Else Like It!
Take to the skies for an aerial look at the spectacular Dolomite Mountains, and make memories to last a lifetime! Whether on a panoramic sightseeing ride or an airport transfer, you'll appreciate a bird's eye view of the stunning scenery aboard state-of-the-art single-engine helicopters. With over 30 years in operation, our experienced pilots and ground crew employ the utmost safety standards, quality, and service. Contact us for a quotation.
Rides are weather-dependent. Heli-transfers from/to airports require advanced reservation. In-resort rides can be reserved with shorter notice.

Cost Includes:

  • Trip briefing
  • Logistics and map of the area
  • 2 nights accommodation in 3-star hotel in Val Gardena
  • 2  nights accommodation in rifugio (shared dormitories)
  • 1 night accommodation in 3-star hotel in Val di Fassa
  • 1 nights accommodation in 3-star hotel in Alta Badia
  • Breakfasts & dinners
  • Local English speaking Hiking Guide for 5 days (guided trips)
  • Lift tickets (guided trips)
  • Transfers in the area as per itinerary
  • Luggage transfer between hotels
  • A €15 donation to Wow Nature’s reforestation projects makes your trip carbon-neutral 
  • Local tourist tax
  • Italian VAT tax

Area Map