Trail Running the Alta Via N.2 of the Dolomites – Getaway

Arrive in Alta Badia (1,226m / 4,022') on your own and check into your hotel (private transfer available on request). 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 South Tyrol (Südtirol / Alto Adige), this area was part of Austria prior to the First World War. Here you’ll find unique mountain scenery with villages rich in natural beauty and ancient traditions, with the opportunity to witness the simple everyday life of the local people (the “Ladini”), as well as the customs and traditions of the ancient Ladin culture.

If you are taking a self guided trip, in the afternoon, meet with a Dolomite Mountains representative who will provide a trip briefing and orientation, as well as maps, and everything necessary for your self guided adventure.
If you are taking a guided trip, you will meet with your guide tomorrow morning.

Today is a great warm-up day, to wake up your legs, to help you acclimatize to the altitude and you’ll get your first taste of running on the Alta Via 2!
After breakfast, run to the town of La Villa in Alta Badia (1,433m / 4,701'), followed by a steep ascent on Mount Gardenaccia. Continue through beautiful green pastures to Puez-Odle Natural Park, and on to a rifugio where you can stop for lunch. Be sure to take in the geological richness of the area that surrounds you. A final downhill run on a rocky but panoramic trail returns you to Corvara, via Colfosco.
(Run ~ 20,6 km / 12,8 miles, 1,183m / 3,880' ascent and descent.)

The enormous fortress-shaped Sella Massif is an excellent network of paths, and today you will traverse the entire massif. The natural beauty of the surrounding Sella walls makes the views from this hike some of the most impressive in the entire region.
Today is the first day of your hut-to-hut adventure on the Alta Via 2, and probably the hardest day of the entire journey, but the effort is adequately rewarded by the extraordinary views.
In the morning, depart from Corvara running toward Le Cascate del Pisciadù (the Pisciadù Waterfalls) and ascend to a local, historic rifugio. The rifugio is situated in a wonderful position with fantastic panoramic views into the Pisciadù Valley that will literally take your breath away. Continue your run across the Sella Massif, passing by it's highest peak, Piz Boè.
Then comes the time to leave the Sella Massif behind, and begin to run on the “Viel del Pan” (“Way of the Bread”) until you reach your rifugio for the night, located by a lake at the foot of the Marmolada Glacier.
(Run ~24,9 km / 15,4 miles, 2,006m / 6,580' ascent, 1,478m / 4,848' descent.)

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