Monte Sella-Fanes, Dolomites

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Spend the evenings in rifugios – charming mountain inns – where you’ll be high above the Ladin Valleys, and have an elevated perspective of these majestic mountains, with incredible vistas!
• Travel through the Dolomites from valley to valley, experiencing three different languages, cultures, and cuisines – Italian, Austrian, and Ladin – that make this region so unique
• Explore spectacular and magical winter landscapes amidst some of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world

The Dolomites in winter are positively enchanting. On this seven-day snowshoe trip you’ll hike from one lodge to another, crossing several Dolomitic valleys with incredible panoramic views. Our mountain lodges, or rifugios, provide all meals and linens, so all you have to carry is a light backpack. And, you’ll enjoy the most incredible sunrises and sunsets across snow-swept vistas from these charming alpine lodges.  Explore the incredible Dolomites on foot, just as it’s been done for generations.

This itinerary also combines the beauty of the region with its cultural and historical highlights. We will snowshoe through areas rich not only in visual appeal, but in artifacts from the First World War.  From cannons to galleries built into the mountains, these relics commemorate the bravery of the soldiers who fought in these challenging mountain conditions.

Rifugi and artifacts, vistas and valleys – exploring the Dolomites in winter is an experience not to be missed!

Check out our video gallery with some of the best free-ride videos in the Dolomites!

VIDEO: Freeride Off-Piste: Val Culea Integrale in the Sella Group

TRIP DETAILS: 

Length:  6 nights / 7 days

Start / Finish:  Cortina d’Ampezzo

Activity Level: Active trip for everybody in good and active physical health

Guide Ratio 1:6: Dolomite Mountains professional UIAGM/IFMGA mountain & ski guides have many years of experience skiing the Dolomites. We have guides that speak Italian, English, French and Spanish. From the moment you arrive in the Dolomites they will look after you. They know the best ski runs, mountain restaurants, and how things work in the Italian mountains.

Cost: Bespoke trip price on request

Includes: 5 nights accommodation rifugios, 1 night double room accommodation in Cortina d’Ampezzo, meals as per programme (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), transfer as per programme, English speaking local UIAGM mountain guide, maps, briefing of trip, snow shoes and ski poles, basic medical and evacuation insurance.

• INFORMATION REQUEST
  Ready to take the next step? Just complete and return our Trip Questionnaire, or contact us directly to plan your Dolomites snowshoeing trip today!

ITINERARY
Trip itinerary may vary based on weather conditions, fitness levels and abilities of participants, and/or the recommendations of your guide.

Day 1 ~ Welcome!   - Pratopiazza (1991 m) - Knollkopf (2179 m) - Pratopiazza
You’ll arrive via transfer to beautiful Pratopiazza (1991 m) to begin your unforgettable week long adventure.  Check in and settle down in the charming mountain rifugio, your home away from home for the next two nights.  There you’ll meet with your expert guide who will present you with the snowshoe and security techniques and have you exercise with the avalanche beacon.  Then you’ll enjoy a delicious picnic in the hut and embark on an invigorating warm up hike towards the Knollkopf (2179 m).
(2 h 30 hike. A = D: 250 m.)
L,D…Rifugio

Day 2 ~ Pratopiazza - Vallandro  hut - Mont Specie (2307 m) - Pratopiazza hut
We’ll get a nice early start from the Pratopiazza hut this morning and head towards the Vallandro hut.  Hike down to the mont Specie plateau and ascent of the namesake summit.  Every step you take you will be amazed and inspired by the incredible scenic views that surround you!  After a full day of snowy adventure, return to your welcoming rifugio to relax and unwind for a charming evening in the mountains.
(4 h 30 snowshoe. A: 520 m. D: 520 m.)
B,D…Rifugio

Day 3 ~ Pratopiazza hut - Lerosa pass - Ra Stua hut
We’ll head out bright and early with an exhilarating hike down the Chenope valley,  across the Colfieldo glen to reach the Gotres valley.  From there we’ll hike up to Lerosa pass and then down to Ra Stua hut.  The surrounding peaks provide a warm and inviting sense of security as you spend the day discovering the breathtaking terrain before turning in for the night at your new cozy mountain hut.
(6 h snowshoe. A: 450 m. D: 700 m.)
B,D…Rifugio

Day 4 ~ Ra Stua hut - Fodara Velda cabin - Peduru cabin - Lavarela hut (2042 m)
Today we’ll make our way down to Fodara Vedla hut and then on to Peduru hut.  Then, we’ll hike up in the Fanes valley along the Al Plan river and to Lavarela hut.   The entire journey will be filled with adventure and some of the most breathtaking views you’ve ever laid eyes on.  Take a few moments to reflect on the beauty of nature around you and marvel at the fact that you too are exploring these spectacular mountain trails on foot, just as they have been traversed for generations before you.  At the end of the day, rest your tired muscles in the comfort of your warm mountain hut for the night.
(5 h  snowshoe. A: 500 m. D: 120 m.)
B,D…Rifugio

Day 5 ~ Lavarela hut - Medesc pass (2533 m) (optional Crusc pass (2612 m) - Lavarela hut
Another early start will reveal a spectacular mountain sunrise before we embark on our hike up the valley to reach the Parom lake, a large grassy basin where ancient Ladin legends magically come back to life. Here you can enjoy some of the most incredible scenery on earth.  Next, we’ll make our way up the Medesc pass and down to the hut through the Ciamplac plateau.  Here’s where you’ll lay your head for the evening, in the peaceful bliss of the surrounding Dolomites.
(5 h 30 snowshoe. A = D: 600.)
B,D…Rifugio 

Day 6 ~ Lavarela hut - Limo lake –Cortina
Our final day of hiking will begin with a rewarding journey up Limo lake and down in Fanes valley where picturesque sights of an enchanting winter wonderland await.  Enjoy the exhilaration of your journey while witnessing the Dolomites Mountains in all their wintery glory!  It’s simply spectacular and a truly unforgettable sight.  A taxi will transfer you back to Cortina in the afternoon where you will spend your last evening.
(4 h 30 snowshoe. A: 200. D: 850 m.)
B,D…Hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo 

Day 7 ~ Depart
Enjoy one final hearty mountain breakfast before departing on your own with memories to last a life time.
B…