Epic Dolomites! 3 Valley Trail Running Experience

Arrive in Val Gardena / Gröden (~1,500m / 5,000') at your leisure and check into your hotel (private transfer available on request). The valley of Gardena is best known for skiing, rock climbing, and 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!

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.

In the morning, take the cable car (tickets not included) from the town of Ortisei and reach the area of the world-known Alpe di Siusi, crowned by the Schlern and Rosengarten Massifs.
You will pass by several mountain rifugios, known here as "Schwaige", where you can stop for refreshments and lunch, with magnificent views at the feet of Sassolungo and Sassopiatto mountains.
After lunch, the trail follows an easy, relatively even path at the feet of the Sassopiatto peak (2,958m / 9,761'), the Dente del Sassolungo peak (3,000m /9,900'), and the Grohmann peak (3,126m /10,316') and down to Passo Sella (2,244m / 7,405'), from where you will have a private transfer to your hotel.
(Run ~ 16,7 km / 10 miles, 949m / 3,132' ascent, 675m / 2,227' descent.)

After breakfast, prepare your luggage and take a private transfer. Your luggage will be transferred to the next stop, while you will be taken to the beginning of today's run. This beautiful trail is almost entirely on a dirt road through meadows and forest along the Rio di Vallunga / Langentalbach to Plan dala Ciajeies. During the thawing period, you will spot the fascinating lake "Lech de Ciampedel", which remains visible only for a few weeks each year.
Today's run takes you deep into Puez-Odle Natural Nature Park (Naturpark Puez-Geisler in German), a nature reserve that comprises an expanse of 10,722 hectares (25,194 acres) and is part of the Dolomite Mountains UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Spectacular scenery and sheer vertical rock faces! This trail offers a spectacular view over Alta Badia and its surrounding peaks, such as the Conturines and Lavarella, as well as the further away Tofane, the Pelmo, the Civetta, and the Marmolada.
After a well-deserved lunch and a rest, take the path to the chair lift that will take you down to Alta Badia, where your hotel is located.
(Run ~ 14 km / 8,4 miles, 1,036m / 3,419' ascent, 870mt / 2,871' descent.)

Today you will take the cable car (tickets not included) which, in less than 6 minutes, will take you up to Piz La Ila (2,077m / 6,814'). You will be surrounded by mountains, and directly before you stands the beautiful and glittering Marmolada (3,343m /10,964'). Known as the Queen of the Dolomites, the highest peak and home to the Dolomites' largest remaining glacier. See the towering beauty of Sass dla Crusc, Lavarella, and Conturines.
Experience stunning green pastures with a striking view of Mount Cavallo and the Fanes Peaks.
After lunch and a rest, you'll make your way to a cozy mountain rifugio, your home for tonight. This rifugio sits next to a small emerald-green lake. Not far from the lake is the Tre Sassi Fortress and Museum (open for visits most days). The fortress is a beautifully preserved WW1 Austro-Hungarian fortress, partially destroyed by the Italian troops during the conflict.
(Run ~ 15,5 km / 9,3 miles, 774m / 2,554' ascent, 682m / 2,251' descent.)

This morning you'll follow the road that, centuries ago, connected the ancient Fursil Mines at Colle Santa Lucia to the smelting furnaces at Andraz Castle and Passo Valparola. Reach the ruins of the Andraz Castle and visit its museum. The Andraz Castle stands in a dominant position on a large, rocky outcrop that reached the valley during the last glaciation.
Cross grassy meadows and rock to the rifugio, where you'll enjoy lunch at the perfect spot. They serve some of the best cuisines of the Dolomites. You can savor your lunch and enjoy the incredible scenery, including the Pale di San Martino, Civetta, Monti del Sole, and the Marmolada with its shrinking glacier.
After lunch, descend and admire the views: Croda Negra, Mount Averau, and Nuvolao are just above you!
Reach your rifugio for tonight, set on one of the most scenic mountain passes in the Dolomites: spectacular rock formations of all ages surrounded by gentle green meadows.
(Run ~ 12 km / 7,2 miles, 774m / 2,554' ascent, 711m / 2,346' descent.)

Today you will enjoy a beautiful run around the Croda da Lago massif (2,236m / 1,389').
After breakfast, hike uphill to the rear of grassy Col Piombin, which takes its name from past mining activity. The trail leads over 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.
Reach a fascinating rifugio, a small jewel immersed in a natural paradise. It reflects its image in the water of the nearby lake. Enjoy a refreshing drink on its terrace while waiting for your transport back to your hotel.
(Run ~ 11,8 km / 7,08 miles, 373m / 1,231' ascent, 1,202m / 3,967' descent.)

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