Hiking Traverse & Stargazing in the Dolomites

Arrive in Alta Badia on your own (private transfer available on request) and check into your Hotel. Located in a large valley surrounded all around by the gorgeous peaks of the Dolomites, Alta Badia is truly the “heart of the Dolomites.” Geographically in the South Tyrol (Südtirol), this area was part of Austria prior to the First World War. Here you’ll find unique mountain scenery with villages rich in natural beauties and ancient traditions, witness the simple everyday life of the local people (the “Ladini”), as well as the customs and traditions of the ancient Ladin culture. 

In the morning meet your Local English speaking UIAGM/IFMGA mountain guide for a trip briefing and orientation. Ascend the Pralongia Plateau on foot, or with the help of a cable car, depending on your energy level. Take a moment to breath in the pure mountain air and take in the unforgettable sights that surround you, admire the Pelmo and Civetta mountains (3,200m/10,496'), the Marmolada glacier (3,343m / 10,964') and the Sella massif (3,152m / 10,338') in full view in front of your eyes. Notwithstanding that it is only a small plateau it gives a sense of immense space and grandeur. 
There are a number of paths and trails available on the plateau, as well as a large variety of mountain restaurants along the way. Descend from the plateau to Passo Campolongo (1,875m/6,150') either on foot or by chairlify (not included), cross the road and begin to hike uphill to your home for tonight (2,536m / 8,320').
(Hike 3-4 hours, including the use of lifts, 9.4km / 5.9 miles, 336m / 1,103' ascent, 470m / 1,542' descent.)

Today's hike will take you across green fields and rocky sections. You'll be contouring the Setsass mountain (2428,/7,963') and have the chance to explore WW1 artifacts along the way, to reach the Valparola Pass and Passo Falzarego. If the weather is good, you will also have the chance of reaching the summit of Settsass mountain!
Choose among a longer or shorter route, though both paths will eventually take you to Passo Valparola and its small emerald green lake. On the right of the lake you will find the path to the Tre Sassi Fortress and Museum (open for visits most days), a beautifully preserved WW1 Austro-Hungarian fortress that was partially destroyed by the Italian troops during the conflict. (Longer hike ~ 4-5 hours hiking 8km / 4.8 miles, 383m /1,256' ascent, 367m / 1.203' descent. Shorter hike ~ 3-4 hours hiking, 7km  / 4.2 miles, 334m / 1,095 ascent, 304m / 997' descent. Additional hike to summit 2 hours in total, 317m / 1,040’ ascent and descent.)

This stage is of great interest for both the spectacular mountains around and the abundance of reminders of the terrible years of WWI, due to the vicinity of the former border between the long-dismantled Hapsburg Empire and Italy.
From your rifugio, descend to the main road either by cable-car (not included) or on foot. Hike a memorable traverse below the awesome Tofana di Rozes, ascending Forcella Lagazuoi (2,573m / 8,442’), Forcella Travenanzes (2,507m / 8,225’) and Forcella Col dei Bos (2,331m / 7,648’) and gradually descend along the line of trenches. Reach the main road that goes from Cortina to Passo Falzarego, cross it and climb through forests to the fascinating, renowned Cinque Torri area (option to ascend by chairlift, not included) and stop at Rifugio Scoiattoli for lunch, with incredible vistas around.
After lunch, you may wish to circumnavigate the Cinque Torri. This area saw heavy fighting during WWI, trenches and Italian army shelters have been restored creating the Grande Guerra open air museum of WWI, offering insights into the war and fighting through interpretive panels. Here you have the opportunity to walk through the open air museum, through trenches and visiting military installments. After the “museum,” you will hike through the middle of the rock towers, where you will likely see climbers high up on the walls, finally arriving at your Rifugio. You may also choose to skip the museum and interior of the towers, and follow the path directly to your Rifugio at Passo Giau (~5-6 hours hiking 11.6km / 7 miles, 3474m / 1,554’ ascent, 883m / 2,896’ descent).

Today you will enjoy a beautiful hike around the Croda da Lago massif (2,236m / 1,389').
After breakfast, from your rifugio, hike past a chapel, and begin to hike uphill to the rear of grassy Col Piombin, that takes its name from a past mining activity. The trail leads over the Forcella Giau (2,360m / 7,742') with plenty of ups and downs; here the views of the Tofana and Lastoi de Formin are inspiring, not to mention the mountains on display to the south: Monte Fromin, Cernera, Pelmo and the upswept flank of Monte Mondeval. The path drops to cross streams, and then gains the earthy saddle Forcella Ambrizzola (2,277m / 7,470'). At Forcella Ambrizzola take left to Rifugio Croda da Lago G Palmieri (2,042m / 6,699’) and enjoy a rest stop at the rifugio. From here, begin your descent to Ponte de Rucurto and take a private transfer to your rifugio (~4-5 hours hiking 11km / 6.5 miles, 339m / 1125' ascent, 873m / 2,863' descent).
Have you ever watched the stars through a telescope? Embrace science on this informative and fascinating event held at your Rifugio by a local English speaking astronomer. Learn to recognize stars, planets and galaxies above the lodge and to appreciate the magnificent starry sky that too often is taken for granted. This event will last 2-3hrs, it can be moved forward to the previous night in case of bad weather.

This morning begins with a private transfer to Cimabanche, the trailhead from where your trek begins, along Val dei Chenópe valley, which takes the name from the stream ‘Ru de Chenópe’.
Hike along the spectacular section below the northern face of Croda Rossa Mountain and Prato Piazza, set in an idyllic high alpine pasture valley.

This is probably the best vantage point for viewing the Croda Rossa, so called for its blood red rock caused by the presence of iron oxide. Reach Rifugio Vallandro (2,040m / 6,690'), the perfect lunch stop. Here you will enjoy fantastic views of the Croda Rossa Massif (Red Wall in English, Rote Wand in German), the Cristallo group, the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the Natural Park of Fanes–Sennes–Braies. 
Once you arrive, there is an optional additional hike to the top of the Picco di Vallandro/Mt Specie (2,838m / 9,311').
After lunch, descend along the gravel road to Carbonin for your private transfer back to Cortina (please call your driver 1hour ahead). 

(~4-5 hours hiking 10km / 6 miles, 50m / 1,640’ ascent, 560m / 1,840’ descent. Additional hike to Picco di Vallandro/Mt Specie: 3,4km / 1,8 miles, 860m / 2,822' ascent, 30m / 98' descent one way.)

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