Hiking in the Cortina Dolomites

Nothing quite prepares the eye for the awesome spectacle of the Dolomites, Italy’s magnificent rooftop of enormous spires and pinnacles. These snow-dusted towers soar like an apparition above deep green valleys, storybook villages, and steepled churches. This magnificent natural setting is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our journey focuses on the Cortina Dolomites, justly famed for unearthly towers including the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the broad expanse of Marmolada, the highest peak in the Dolomites. With two (and often three) Trip Leaders and moderate or challenging hiking options, we explore some of Europe’s most incredible mountain scenery by day, and by night we delight in northern Italy’s alpine culture and mouth-watering cuisine, with a special overnight in a spectacularly situated hike-in lodge.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Day 1
Venice / Passo Giau

From Venice, we head up to the mountains to our chalet-style hotel, the Albergo Passo Giau, in the heart of the Dolomites. From the broad deck of our hotel, there are wonderful views of the Tofane, Croda Rossa, Cristallo, and Croda da Lago massifs. We enjoy a short warm-up hike this afternoon.

Days 2-3
Passo Giau / Civetta Massif

Starting right from our hotel, we ascend to Forc d’ Giau (7,800') through beautiful meadows to Ambrizolla Pass, visit Rifugio Palmieri for lunch, and descend past waterfalls with stunning views of the Tofane Massif. An easier choice is a lovely ramble through woodlands beneath the soaring Tofane peaks. The next day, we hike a fantastic route circling the regal massif of Monte Pelmo, called the “Doge’s Cap” by patriotic Venetians. Other hiking trails bring us into the magnificent Civetta Massif, with its famous six-mile-wide north face known as “the wall of walls.”

Day 4
Rifugio Lagazuoi

We offer a strenuous or a moderate trail option (or even a cable car) to reach the fantastic Rifugio Lagazuoi, our awesomely situated mountain lodge, with its wonderful food and amazing views. From our lunch stop at Rifugio Nuvolau, panoramas stretch from Tofane to Marmolada (10,965'), the “Queen of the Dolomites.” Sunsets at Lagazuoi are marvelous, with the massive rock pinnacles taking on an extraordinary palette of ever-changing luminous hues.

Days 5-7
Cortina d’Ampezzo / Tofane / Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Cortina’s most famous massif is the Tofane: Tofane di Roses, Tofane di Mezzo, and Tofane di Dentro, three stunning peaks over 10,500 feet in height and renowned by alpinists worldwide. One challenging option in this massif features the “secret” valley behind the Tofane that few hikers explore. Our moderate option leads along a trail below the great spires of the Tofane di Roses and continues along the Alta Via 1, a long-distance footpath that traverses the Dolomites from north to south. Other hikes we can choose from on these days include an excursion northeast of Cortina into the world of the Sesto Dolomites and the famous Tre Cime Di Lavaredo (Three Peaks of Lavaredo), three steep, yellow-pink spires that offer quintessential Dolomites hiking. No matter which hikes we choose, the views are simply out of this world. Overnights are in the famous alpine village of Cortina, nestled beneath a grand cirque of peaks.

Day 8
Venice

Return to Venice Airport for afternoon flights home, or extend your stay in this glorious city.

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What the Trip is Like

This trip is Level 4 or 5, depending on the hiking options you choose. During our six days of hiking (approximately three to seven hours a day), we have two hiking options to choose from each day. Most hiking is between 5,000 and 9,000 feet, with the routes featuring a good bit of up-and-down (although some level walks are available). The hikes show you some of the finest mountains and the most stunning scenery in the Dolomites. While the Dolomites are not exceptionally high, they are steep and rugged, and this trip, while not difficult, is aimed for those who have at least some experience of mountain hiking. All participants must be in good physical condition. No climbing or mountaineering experience is necessary. Of course, you are always free to skip a day’s hike and travel to the next destination in the support vehicle. On most nights, we return to our comfortable hotels to sample the gastronomic delights that the Dolomites offer. (On Day 4, we overnight at the Rifugio Lagazuoi, where there is no road access for our vans, but your overnight needs can be transported by cable car in a small bag). For your own enjoyment, we recommend that you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. Daily brisk walking and/or regular hiking (or using a stair-climbing machine at your gym) are excellent preparatory exercises. Sturdy, well-broken-in hiking boots are essential.

Explanation of Trip Levels