Italy: Dolomites Hut to Hut Hike

FLIGHT & TRANSPORTATION

This trip starts in Dobbiaco (also known in German as Toblach) and ends in Cortina. Transportation to and from Dobbiaco and Cortina (outside of our itinerary) is not included.

The closest airports you could fly into are Innsbruck, Verona, or Venice.

To and from Innsbruck (Austria), you can take a bus or a train to reach the Innsbruck main train station (HB) and then get a train to Dobbiaco (to check timetables use a service like Rome2Rio or Omio or Austria's OBB app).

To and from Verona (Italy) airport you can take a shuttle that runs every 20 minutes to the city center, or you could choose a train. When you are in Verona Porta Nuova railway station, take a train to Dobbiaco (please check timetables at www.trenitalia.com).

To and from Venice (Italy) Marco Polo airport OR Mestre station there are ONLY bus options to Cortina and Dobbiaco, you cannot take a train directly from Venice, nor is there ONE bus that takes you the entire way - you must first take a bus to Cortina and switch to a bus for Dobbiaco. Use Cortina Express or Flixbus to get a bus from Venice/Mestre to Cortina, purchase your ticket online in advance. Then use Sudtirol Alto Adige (SAD) bus to Dobbiaco from Cortina, purchase your ticket ON THE BUS. These go every couple of hours, check the timetable here.

Private Transfers: If you would like to book a private transfer to Dobbiaco or from Cortina from/to Venice or otherwise, we can give you information to book it. Private transfers are not included and can cost from 300-700 euros depending on the number of people/route, etc. We recommend buses and trains if they work for your itinerary.

PHYSICAL FITNESS

This is a HUGE multi-day hiking trip. You will spend hours each day hiking with daypacks at altitudes of up to and around 7,000 - 9,000 ft, with very significant elevation gain and loss along steep and technical trails. A proficient level of physical fitness and ability is necessary for this trip, so that YOU feel your absolute best every day!

We specifically recommend (and use) nuun tablets for electrolyte replacement and hydration, compression socks for blood flow and fast recovery each night, and emergen-C packets to start each day with a boost of energy. These are in addition to physical fitness, they do NOT replace your training!

If you are interested in a personal training program to prepare for this trip, we can help you.

LUNCHES

You will have the opportunity to select and purchase your own picnic/box lunches every day of this hike, OR, when they are available, hot lunches from mountain huts you will pass along the way - think pasta on a mountain top!! We specifically opting for lunch on your own to allow you to choose your own amount of food and what you're in the mood for that day, OR to bring your own food if you have dietary restrictions (without paying extra every day for food you can't eat).

We suggest budgeting about 10-15 euros for lunch each day if you plan to purchase from the lodges (whether boxed lunch or hot lunch).

Most lodges' picnic lunch options will include any combination of the following:

• Sandwiches (usually speck/salami and cheese), fruit, snacks, and drink
• Vegetarians, Gluten-Free, Vegan: Most lodges can cater to vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan items as long as we inform them in advance (please list any dietary restrictions when you book, and plan accordingly).
• We highly recommend packing extra protein-rich snacks and packable foods that you can count on to be happy just in case!

Carrying your own lunch food:

Keep in mind, we do have luggage support (most days), so you will be able to carry your own food and restock each day from your main pack without carrying a ton of extra weight (except Day 4/5 and 7/8 as described in itinerary).

Water:

About half the lodges have drinkable tap water, the others require you to purchase bottled water. You may bring a water filter and use it in the sinks at those lodges (we encourage this to avoid single-use plastic at all costs). Always bring your re-usable water bottle!

VIA FERRATA INFO

"Via ferrata" means "iron way" in Italian. It is essentially a climbing trail with permanently-fixed iron rungs, ladders, and cables to make your way up and across technical sections. You attach yourself to the cables via carabiners and a harness. Learn more about it here.

THE KAISERJÄGER TRAIL

"The Kaiserjägersteig (Italian: Sentiero dei Kaserjäger) is a via ferrata along the summit of Lagazuoi Piccolo. The route is graded “A” (Austrian gradation) or “K1” (German gradation) and therefore best described as “easy”. The route is a combination of a hiking trail and a "true" via ferrata. The most famous asset of the route is the large wooden hanging bridge along the route that enables climbers to cross a large ravine. The route takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete."

Read more here - NOTE that we'll do the trail in reverse of this account - we'll be going in a descending direction (both are normal).

You will have alpine guides and equipment (harnesses and helmets) for this portion of your hike. It is a perfect opportunity to try an easy via ferrata without getting the exposed heights that most via ferratas boast. This trail is more historical than technical, and finding leftover war shrapnel along the way and hearing stories from the guides is reason in itself to go, not to mention the views! It is an absolutely gorgeous and unforgettable experience!

If you absolutely do NOT want to participate in this portion of the trek, don't worry! You can very easily take the gondola down right from the rifugio, although the price of the gondola ticket is not included.

LUGGAGE TRANSFER

Luggage support/transfer mean you'll have access to your luggage without having to haul it on your back every day! You will carry just your day pack with the essentials each day, while your luggage will be transported for you to your accommodations each night.

This service will be provided most days, with the exception of Day 4 and Day 7 due to the remoteness of the mountain lodges on these nights (which vehicles cannot access). This means for Day 4 and Day 7, you will set out those days also carrying any essential overnight and next day gear, and you will meet back up with your luggage on the night of Day 5 and after the hike on Day 8. The rest of the days, you can travel super light with only what you need on the trail during the day.

Day packs around 30L in size are sufficient for this hike. If you can't pack in about 30L for this trek, you're probably packing too much - mind the weight, you don't need any extra hindrances on this trail. Hiking poles are recommended.

Be sure to have a soft-sided duffel or backpack for your daily transfer luggage, as these are the most acceptable on gondolas and jeeps that will be hauling them through the mountains for you (no hard-sided suitcases for the daily transfer).

TRIP FAQ & NOTES

• Mountain Lodges/Beds & Occupancy: Due to the remoteness of the Dolomites and limited accommodations, single occupancy is not possible at any point along this itinerary except the last night in Cortina (limited availability and extra charge - you may select this when you book). One of the best experiences of this itinerary is the cozy mountain lodge environment - where there will be dorms! Be prepared to sleep in anywhere from double to multiple-bed occupancy.
• WiFi/Cell Service: WiFi is provided at some accommodations, and there is also cell service in some places. Be prepared to be somewhat off grid, especially if the WiFi or cell service is spotty. The lodges all have phones in case of emergency. Alternatively, turn your phones to airplane mode and enjoy one week connected only to the mighty presence of the Dolomites.
• Outlets: Italy uses rounded two-pronged outlets (Type C and F). A travel adapter will be necessary to charge your electronics (leave your electric razors and hair dryers at home). We always recommend bringing a mobile power bank to easily charge your phone when electricity is limited.
• Water: About half the lodges have drinkable tap water, the others require you to purchase bottled water. You may bring a water filter and use it in the sinks at those lodges (we encourage this to avoid single-use plastic at all costs). Always bring your re-usable water bottle!
• Saunas: Three of our mountain lodges (depending on availability) offer a sauna for an extra charge (~10-25 euros per person). These have limited space and usually must be reserved by the hour, so you may reserve at the front desk as soon as you arrive at the rifugio. There is also an optional spa/sauna at the final hotel in Cortina - we highly recommend you indulge in at least the gorgeous spa, and you can even request to book a massage if you have time (and depending on availability)! You may reserve a massage time slot upon your arrival to the hotel.
• Trail Safety: Rescues are difficult in the mountains. Take your time, with steady steps, and take care of each other out there! Trekking poles (collapsible, lightweight) are highly encouraged for this trail.

GUIDED V. SELF-GUIDED

This trip can be done with or without a guide. If you feel confident in your navigational skills (maps will be provided), then you don't need a guide -- that is, unless you understand what magic a guide can provide. We have a wonderful guide ready to hike alongside you should you need one. Please request a guide upon booking if that's your choice!