Self-Guided Dolomites Hut Hike

• This itinerary represents one of many possibilities. Trip length is flexible. There are variations depending on your time frame and level of hiking ability. Below is our standard self-guided itinerary.

Day 1: Arrive Cortina
Independent transfer to the starting point of Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. Cortina is about 2 – 3 hours by bus from Venice. This chic village is situated in the heart of the Dolomites. It has a lovely mountain setting and it is fun to explore.

Day 2: Cortina to Rifugio Fodara Vedla Hut
Morning transfer to Ra Stua (transfer is included). This pleasant hike offers the first views of the Tofane, the Croda Rossa, and the Croda del Becco. Passing the high alpine meadows of Ra Stua, the trail switchbacks up through the larch forest before arriving at the Rifugio Fodara Vedla for the night.

Elevation gain: 2,247′; Elevation loss: 488′; Distance: about 5 miles; Time: 3 – 3½ hours.

A more strenuous option is a morning transfer to Pragser Wildsee (Lago di Braies). This stunning blue-green mountain lake is nestled between the surrounding mountains: the Seekofel, Croda del Becco, and the Grosse Apostel. Your hike around the lake soon gives way to a steady, climb to the Forcella (pass or col) Porta sora L’ Forn (7,880′). The view from here is one of the best anywhere in the Alps! In front of you are spread the  Tofane, Pelmo, Cristallo, and Civetta mountains. views of these will mark your way as you head south. From the pass, you cross a limestone plateau and descend to your rifugio.

Elevation gain: 3,250′; Elevation loss: 1,518′; Distance: about 6.2 miles; Time: 5½ -6 hours.

Day 3: Fodara Vedla
In an effort to enhance the experience at Fodara Vedla and the area they require a 2-night stay in their beautiful rifugio. We think staying for two night is an excellent opportunity to enjoy this amazing spot and have the option to hike in some less well traveled areas. Day hikes from today might include and easy ascent to the Sas dla Para at 2,712’, about a 3 hour round trip. The other option leads to the Joch at Munt de Senes at 8,312’. With your lighter pack you will be treated to some magnificent hikes and you get to return to Fodara Vedla for the night. 

Day 4: Fodara Vedla to Rifugio Scotoni
From last night’s stop, you first descend (1,380′) to the valley and then hike up to Rifugio Fanes and Lago di Limo. A spectacular 360-degree view awaits you at a picnic spot at the Passo di Limo. The trail then opens into a lush, broad valley between the rocky summits of Monte Castello, which was heavily fortified during WWI, and Piz des Cunturines (10,111′). The scenery and colors are stunning. This descent (1,500′) leads down to the valley floor followed by a 40-minute climb to Rifugio Scotoni. This small rifugio is set in a beautiful valley surrounded by the towering mountains of the Cime di Fanes. This is a long day.

Elevation gain: 3,800′; Elevation loss: 3,550′; Distance: 11.5 miles; Time: 6 – 7 hours.

• Some hikers break the long day from Fodara to Scotoni into two days, hiking from Fodara to Rifugio Lavarella or Fanes one day and then to Scotoni the next.

Day 5: Scotoni to Rifugio Cinque Torri
The first part of today’s hike is a steady trek up through the Alpe di Lagazuoi to the Rifugio Lagazuoi (gaining 2,530′). Surrounding you are the Punta di Fanes, the cliffs of the Lagazuoi, and the massive Tofana di Rozes. Near the pass, there are several WWI underground passages called galleries, which serve as memorials to the terrible fighting that took place here in 1916. After a stop for lunch at Rifugio Lagazuoi, a mountain restaurant, you have an optional hike, which takes you down through one of these galleries; otherwise, you can take advantage of the cable car that speeds you to the valley.

Once in the valley, you cross an alpine road, rejoin the hiking route and begin your final ascent (950′) to the very friendly and comfortable Rifugio Cinque Torri, which has been run by the same family since 1936. Once again the setting for this rifugio is remarkable, as it looks at the long wall of the Croda da Lago and sits right near the Cinque Torri (Five Towers). In the distance rise Sorapis and Anteleo. Simply put, the view is awesome.

Elevation gain: 3,646′; Elevation loss: 3,022’ or 887’ depending on option after lunch; Distance: about 7.13 or 4 miles and 3½ – 6½ hours depending on option chosen. 

Day 6: Cinque Torri to Staulanza
Today the trail takes you near two striking rock mountains, Averau and Nuvolao, as you descend to Passo Giau. The trail then leads over the Forcella Giau, where the views of the Tofana and Monte Cavallo are inspiring; the mountains on display to the south include Monte Fromin, Cernera, Pelmo, and the upswept flank of Monte Mondeval. The trail leads over lush alpine meadows, and perhaps you’ll spot some wild edelweiss. The last part of the day leads below Pelmo’s north face, (which is 3,300′ straight up to the top at 10,454′) to your comfortable mountain rifugio at Passo Staulanza.

Elevation gain: 2,283′; Elevation loss: 3,346′; Distance: 11.7 miles; Time: 6 – 7 hours.

Day 7: Staulanza to Rifugio Tissi
From Staulanza, you hike by several farms, join a popular trail and climb to the shoulder of Monte Coldai. Monte Coldai anchors one end of the famous Monte Civetta (10,620′). After stopping for lunch at Lago Coldai, you continue to the Col Negro di Coldai which looks over at the towering west face of Monte Civetta. This “wall of walls” extends for over 4 miles! About midway, past this wall, you climb steeply to Rifugio Tissi perched on a mountaintop looking out at the Val Civetta, down the Alleghe Valley, and west to the Marmolada Glacier. This overnight stop is memorable.

Elevation gain: 3,055′; Elevation loss: 1,500’; Distance: 7.5 miles; Time: 4-5 hours.

Day 8: Tissi to Rifugio Bruto Carestiato
From the rifugio, you descend to the Val Civetta over the Col Rean, through beautiful, open, green meadows, and to the narrow valley of Val Corpassa. The route takes you right below the sheer rock faces of the Torre Venezia and the Torre Trieste, both rising some 2,000′ feet. You may see some climbers ascending these impressive towers. You pass by the Rifugio Vazzoler (5,656′), then ascend steeply through a dense forest to Forcella de l’Orso and alongside Monte Moiazza’s southern flank and Rifugio Bruto Carestiato for the night. Though a strenuous day on some rugged terrain, this may be one of the prettiest and most varied days on the hike.

Elevation gain: 3,168′; Elevation loss: 4,700′; Distance: 9.9 miles; Time: 7 hours.

Day 9: Rifugio Bruto Carestiato to Forno di Zoldo
You have two great options for your last day of hiking, but first you hike from Carestiato on the Alta Via 1 to Passo Duran, about 40 minutes. Once at Passo Duran and after a cappuccino, you can decide which hike you want to take, both are great!

The long hike on the southern route: Carestiato to Malga Pramper and then to Forno di Zoldo arriving late in the afternoon. This long and varied hike is great for strong, fast hikers looking for last and full day of hiking. Starting from Carestiato you hike past the farm of Prampert and then on to Forno. Though the descent looks daunting the downhills generally have good footing including the last two hours which is a smooth dirt and paved track into town, allowing for quick progress.

Elevation gain: 2,200’; Elevation loss: 5,400’; Distance: about 12.5 miles; Time 7-7½ hours.

The short hike on the northern route: Carestiato to Colcerver and then to Forno di Zoldo. This wonderful route wends through the woods on a trail called “Anello Zoldano”.

Elevation gain: 550’; Elevation loss: 3,748’; Distance: about 6.8 miles; Time: 3½ – 4 hours.

Day 10: Depart Forno di Zoldo – transfer to Venice

After breakfast, your van will meet at the hotel for a transfer to Venice. Travel time to the airport is about 2 hours. This transfer is included in the cost of the trip.

Let us know your travel plans and we can assist you with the best hiking options and best options for where to start and depart the route.