Hiking Alta Via N.9 of the Dolomites

Arrive in Ortisei / Urtijëi (1,236m / 4,055') at your leisure and check into your hotel (private transfer available on request). Ortisei is the main village of Val Gardena / Gröden, set in a beautiful valley between the slopes of the Rasciesa High Plateau / Hochalm Raschötz and the steep, wooded slopes of the famous Alpe di Siusi / Seiser Alm, the largest plateau in Europe. The valley of Val Gardena is best known for skiing and rock climbing, as well as woodcarving, which has flourished here since the 17th century. Home to three cultures – Italian, Austrian, and the native Ladin, most signage in Val Gardena is written in three languages – Italian, German, and Ladin! Depending on when you arrive, you may have time for a hike or to explore the lively pedestrian zone at the center of the town.

Today's hike begins from a hut at the border of the Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Park and takes you in the heart of the untouched Val Ciamin valley: nestled between the southern spurs of the Sciliar and the towers of the northern sector of the Catinaccio Group, it delivers astounding sceneries of rare beauty.

At the end of the hike, reach your rifugio for the night. The rifugio is a small and cozy hut perched in the heart of the Catinaccio Massif. Indulge in a peaceful evening on the terrace, enjoying fantastic panoramas and the world-famous Rosengarten ("rose garden") or Enrosadira, when the pale Dolomite mountains become red at sunset.
(~3-4 hours hiking 6,6 km / 4 miles, 982m / 3,220' ascent, 35m / 115' descent.)

In the morning, leave your rifugio and head towards a mountain hut nested at the foot of the 'Denti di Terrarossa' peaks. Continue on a ridge walk, mainly on level ground, with great views over Alpe di Siusi / Seiseralm on your left and Val Di Fassa/Val Duron on your right.
Alpe di Siusi is the largest high-altitude alpine plateau in Europe (ranging in elevation from 1,700 to 2,000 meters / 5,577' to 6,562'). It has a front-row seat facing the Dolomites. The Sciliar/Schlern massif, an ancient coral reef, dominates the Alpe. The base volcanic intrusions have encouraged lush pasture carpeted with an unbelievable range of wildflowers, fed by plentiful natural springs drained off the mountain. Reach the entrance of Val Duron, famous for its distinctive volcanic rock formations.

Within the enormous fortress-shaped Sella massif is an excellent network of paths. Windswept and snowbound for an extended season, the group boasts a 3,152m / 10,341' pyramidal peak, Piz Boè. Undoubtedly the most dramatic lookout peak accessible by walkers in the Dolomites. Today you will traverse the south face of this incredible mountain, with incredible views of the Sassolungo, Marmolada, Civetta, Pelmo, Antelao, and Col di Lana mountains.
Today's superb and panoramic trail will take you across the face of the mountain and bring you to your rifugio for the night. The rifugio is perched atop a natural rock balcony at 2,536 meters (8,320') and offers incomparable views of some of the most famous Dolomites' peaks, including Marmolada (2,950m / 9,678') and Antelao (3,264m / 10,709'), the two highest in the Dolomites.
(~4-5 hours hiking 6,5 km / 4 miles, 1,218m / 3,995' ascent, 895m / 2,935' descent.)

Today is a long day, so make sure you start early in the morning. After breakfast, you'll walk along flower-filled meadows adorned with peacefully grazing cows until you reach a lovely rifugio for your lunch stop. You'll be surrounded by mountains, including the Marmolada (3,343m / 10,964'), the Queen of the Dolomites, the highest peak in the Dolomites, and home to its largest remaining glacier.
After lunch, you'll contour the Setsass mountain and have the chance to explore WWI artifacts along the way, and a beautifully preserved WWI Austro-Hungarian fortress that was partially destroyed by the Italian troops during the conflict. Reach your rifugio for tonight.
(~7-8 hours hiking, 17 km / 10,5 miles, 740m / 2,430' ascent, 1,114m / 3,654' descent.)

This morning you will reach the summit of Cima Sief (2,424m / 7,953), connected to the peak of Col di Lana (2,452m / 8,045') through a wire-protected ridge. These two mountains were the scene of heavy fighting during WWI – Italian troops attempted to storm the peak several times, resulting in heavy losses. The Italians later dubbed it "Col di Sangue" or "Blood Mountain." From Col di Lana or Cima Sief, descend to Pieve di Livinallongo (1,470m / 4,823'), where you will have a private transfer to your hotel in Arabba.
(~4-5 hours hiking 11,2 km / 6,9 miles, 515m / 1,689' ascent, 1,219m / 3,998' descent.)

Breakfast and departure on your own (private transfer available on request).