Dolmites, Trekking with history in the Italian Alps

Description

The Destination

The Dolomites are "the most beautiful mountains in the world," as someone once said, perhaps Reinhold Messner, the best known of Italy's long list of mountaineers and a living legend of mountaineering. Not in vain, in 2009, the Dolomites were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Although each one has its own "most beautiful mountains in the world," what is clear is that the Dolomites are an ideal destination for summer trekking.

During the First World War, the Alps were the scene of fierce battles. It was right here, in "the most beautiful mountains in the world," that one of the bloodiest fronts of the Great War took place. Even today, we can find vestiges of those battles, such as trenches, wooden steps, and via ferratas, which were part of the strategic paths used by the Alpini, the Italian army's infantry corps, to surprise the enemy. You can also visit the open-air museum of the Great War in Cinque Torri and Monte Lagazuoi, a perfect combination of history and nature.

Some people have never considered the origins of via ferratas and see them as just another leisure activity, like trekking or mountaineering. This trekking can be a good opportunity not only to discover "the most beautiful mountains in the world" in the summer but also to reflect on a not-so-distant past.

Basic Information

Destination: The Dolomites (Italy).
Activity: Trekking.
Level: NF**/NT**.
Duration: 8 days.
Season: June to September. Minimum-maximum group size: 4-12 people.

3.1 Physical level and type of terrain for this trip

No porque sea un nivel determinado, las jornadas tienen que tener el desnivel y kms que aparece en la tabla.
Por ejemplo, podemos tener un nivel *** con 1.300 metros de desnivel positivos y que la etapa tenga 12 km).

4. Program
Below, you can see the Program: summary (kilometers, elevation gain, and duration of each day) and the Detailed Program with a description of the most relevant aspects.

4.1 Program Summary
Day 1. Meet at Venice Marco Polo Airport. Possibility of flying to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and Treviso Airport (TSF).
Public transportation is available between airports. If you choose to fly to Treviso, please note that the meeting point and time will be at Marco Polo Airport at 4:30 pm.
Day 2. Angelo Dibona Refuge (2,083 m) – Lagazuoi Refuge (2,752 m).
Distance 14 km. Elevation gain + 1,300 m. Elevation gain - 700 m. Time 7 hrs.
Day 3. Lagazuoi Refuge (2,752 m) – Gran Fanes Refuge (2,060 m).
Distance 11 km. Elevation gain + 450 m. Elevation gain - 1,100 m. Time 4 hrs.
Optional. Climbing Croda de Valon Bianco. Distance 10 km. Elevation gain + 600 m. Elevation gain - 600 m. Time 4 hrs.
Day 4. Gran Fanes Refuge (2,060 m) – Sennes Refuge (2,116 m).
Distance 12 km. Elevation gain + 700 m. Elevation gain - 600 m. Time 5 1/2 hours
Optional: Muntejela de Senes. Elevation gain + 550 m. Elevation gain - 564 m
Day 5. Sennes Refuge (2,116 m) - Vallandro Refuge (2,028 m).
Distance: 17 km. Elevation gain + 600 m. Elevation gain - 1,000 m. Time: 6 1/2 hours
Optional ascent to Croda del Beco. Elevation gain + 420 m. Elevation gain - 420 m. Time: 2 hours.
Day 6. Vallandro Refuge (2,028 m) - Locatelli Refuge (2,405 m).
Distance: 16 km. Elevation gain + 1,300 m. Elevation gain - 900 m. Time 7 hours.
Day 7.Locatelli Refuge (2,405 m) – Lake Misurina (1,795 m) – Cortina d'Ampezzo
Distance 14 km. Elevation gain + 525 m. Elevation gain - 850 m. Time 5 hours.
Transfer to Mestre. Overnight in hotel.
Day 8. Transfer Mestre – Venice Airport. End of trip.
Day 9. Optional: day in Venice.

4.2 Detailed Program
Day 1. Meet at Venice Marco Polo Airport. Possibility of flying to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and Treviso Airport (TSF). Public transportation is available between airports. If you choose to fly to Treviso, please note that the meeting point and time will be at Marco Polo Airport at 4:30 pm. Transfer by van to the Angelo Dibona refuge in the Cortina d'Ampezzo Valley. Approximate travel time 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Day 2. Angelo Dibona Refuge (2,083 m) – Lagazuoi Refuge (2,752 m).
We will begin our trek from the Angelo Dibona Refuge towards the Col de Fontananegra and the Camillo Giussianidon Refuge, where we will find settlements from the First World War. We will descend towards the Travenanzes Valley where we will find the Travenanzes Hut. From here we will continue ascending to the Lagazuoi Refuge where we will spend the night. This refuge is located at an excellent viewpoint that will allow us to enjoy a sunset in the Dolomites with great views of the Marmolada, Civetta, and Pelmo massifs. We'll also be able to visit the trenches that were the scene of bloody clashes during the First World War.
Distance: 14 km. Elevation gain: +1,300 m. Elevation gain: -700 m. Time: 7 hr.

Day 3. Lagazuoi Refuge (2,752 m) – Gran Fanes Refuge (2,060 m).
A comfortable day with a steep descent down Monte de Lagazuoi, with a few meters of ascent towards Forcela di Lech, then continue our descent through the Fanes valley. Once we reach the refuge, we can optionally take a hike in the surrounding area, such as ascending to Croda de Valon Bianco (an additional 650 meters of elevation gain). A spectacular ascent following old war roads.
The refuge is notable for its impeccable, friendly service provided by its owners and the tranquility of the place.
Distance: 11 km. Elevation gain: +450 m. Elevation gain: -1,100 m. Time: 4.5 hours.
Optional: Ascent of Croda de Valon Bianco
Distance: 10 km. Elevation gain: +600 m. Elevation gain: -600 m. Time: 4 hours.

Day 4. Gran Fanes Refuge (2,060 m) - Sennes Refuge (2,116 m).
On this day, we also begin descending, to an altitude of 1,548 meters, and then ascend along a comfortable path to the summit where our next refuge is located. We will have enjoyed a unique landscape, where karst erosion has capriciously shaped the relief. Optionally, those who still have energy can climb with the guide to a peak in the area, such as Muntejela de Senes at 2,598 m (an additional 500 meters of elevation gain).
Distance: 12 km. Elevation gain + 700 m. Elevation gain - 600 m. Time: 5 hr ½
Optional: Muntejela de Senes. Elevation gain + 550 m. Elevation gain - 564 m

Day 5. Sennes Refuge (2,116 m) – Vallandro Refuge (2,028 m).
A fantastic day awaits us, during which we will see the Tre Cime di Lavaredo for the first time. The path will surprise us with a spectacular layout halfway up the north face of the Croda Rosa to reach our next refuge at the foot of the Durrensteino Picco di Valandro (2,839 m). Along the way, we can ascend the Croda del Beco, and those who prefer to rest can do so with beautiful views from a refuge over a coffee. Once we reach the Vallandro Refuge, where we will spend the night, we will enjoy views of the Massif del Cristallo from its terrace. Distance: 17 km. Elevation gain +600 m. Elevation gain -1000 m. Time: 6 1/2 hours.
Optional ascent of Croda del Beco Elevation gain +420 m. Elevation gain -420 m. Time: 2 hours.

Day 6. Vallandro Refuge (2,028 m) – Locatelli Refuge (2,405 m).
Our objective is Locatelli Refuge, a protagonist in both Alpine history as an overnight center for climbers in the area, and a military one as a conflict zone during the war. We will reach the summit of Strudelkopf (2,307 m), an easy climb, before descending through Vall Chiara to Lago di Landro. From here, a long but comfortable path leads to the Locatelli Refuge, at the foot of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
Magnificent sunset and sunrise over the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. In fact, many people spend the night at the refuge with no other purpose than to watch the sunset and sunrise.
Distance 16 km. Elevation gain +1,300 m. Elevation gain -900 m. Time 7 hours.

Day 7. Locatelli Refuge (2,405 m) – Lake Misurina (1,795 m) – Cortina d'Ampezzo
After circling the Tre Cime di Lavaredo at the base of the north face and observing its spectacular climbing routes, we will reach the Auronzo Refuge. From here, there are several options to descend to Lake Misurina, which will be the final point of the trek.
Distance: 14 km. Elevation gain + 525 m. Elevation gain - 850 m. Time: 5 hours. Transfer to Mestre. Overnight in hotel.

Day 8. Transfer Mestre – Venice Airport. End of trip.

Day 9. Optional, day in Venice.

5. More information

Price: €1,295.

5.1 Includes

• Mountain guide service throughout the trip.
• 6 nights in mountain huts/mountain hotels with half-board.
• 1 night in a double room with breakfast (individual accommodations available).
• Airport-Dolomites/Dolomites-Mestrey transfers to return to Cortina from Lake Misurina.
• Muntania Outdoors short-sleeved technical T-shirt, ideal for mountain activities.
• Accident and rescue insurance.
• Reservation management.

5.2 Not included

• Plane ticket to Venice. Muntania Outdoors can arrange this service (€30 booking fee).
• Lunches. Daily picnic purchased at the shelters or a hot meal at a shelter along the way.
• Drinks not included in the menu.
• Shower fee in case a shelter requires it (Lagazoui, Locatelli)
• Any additional activity not included in the program.
• Transportation from Mestre to the airport on the last day is not included. There are several transportation options for just a few euros.

5.3 Necessary equipment and clothing for trekking
It's important to pack light weight in your backpack to walk comfortably, so it's recommended to bring only the essential equipment and clothing. You can hand-wash some clothes each day, and you shouldn't carry any food. We'll advise you to pack your backpack at a weight of no more than 6-8 kilos.

• Backpack (between 30-35 liters).
• Botas tipo trekking o zapatillas de montaña (recomendamos no usar zapatillas de correr en montaña).
• Ropa técnica:
  • Socks.
  • Lightweight trekking-style shorts and pants.
  • Thermal shirt (base layer). One spare.
  • Fleece lining or similar (second layer).
  • Light and thin primaloft or down jacket.
  • Gore-Tex type jacket (third layer).
  • Sun hat.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Front (spare batteries).
  • I took a sheet and a very small, light towel.
  • Canteen or Camel back type water bag minimum 1 liter.
  • First aid kit and personal toiletry bag.
  • Sunscreen and lip protection.
  • Telescopic poles.

5.4 Observations

Date Flexibility
We always offer multiple departures on various dates, but we also adapt trips to your availability. So, don't hesitate to contact us if the dates don't work for you, and we'll schedule a departure for you.

Meeting Time and Place
7 to 5 days before the start of the trip, we will send you information about the meeting place and time, as well as the name and phone number of the guide who will accompany the group. We will also send you other useful information to help you make final preparations.

Plane ticket if necessary
If you are interested in having us arrange your ticket, please let us know, including the departure and return airports and whether you would like to check a bag in the plane's hold. If you can fit the telescopic poles in your suitcase, you will not have to check a second bag. We will inform you of the price before purchasing the ticket. We use our search engines to find the lowest possible price. If you arrange the ticket yourself, you must ask us for the meeting place (airport or hotel) and time before purchasing, as well as the return flight, so we can coordinate the meeting time for the group and the tour guide.
We recommend that you carry the essentials in your carry-on bag so that if your suitcase doesn't arrive, you can still take the excursions.

Muntania Outdoors charges a €30 ticket issuance fee if you choose to have us handle the ticket purchase process. This service does not include pre-flight check-in (you will have to do this yourself). If, for any reason beyond Muntania Outdoors' control, you need to cancel your flight, you will be responsible for handling the necessary paperwork with the airline. If the airline cancels your flight and offers us a similar option, we will accept the change without further consultation and will send you the new schedule. If the airline cancels your flight, we will refund you once the ticket cost has been reimbursed. If the airline cancels your flight and you wish to file a claim, you will be responsible for handling the required paperwork. If you wish us to arrange another flight for you, as this involves processing a new ticket, it will cost an additional €25.

If you are the one purchasing your flight, please check the schedules with us to better coordinate arrival and departure times with the rest of the group. We recommend that, if your trip requires stopovers, you always purchase the full ticket either through an airline that operates all segments of the journey with its own planes or with other airlines that are part of the airline alliance to which it belongs, thus making the purchase a single payment. If, on the other hand, you choose to purchase a one-way or return leg with stopovers and each stopover requires a purchase with a different airline, if one airline cancels the flight or arrives late, preventing you from catching the next flight, it will be difficult or impossible for one airline to take responsibility for missing the next flight. Opting to book the outbound flight with a different airline than the return flight may also be an option to find better schedules.

Backpacking during the trek
It's important to pack light in your backpack for comfortable walking, so it's recommended to bring only essential clothing and gear. You can hand-wash some clothes each day, and you shouldn't carry any food. We'll advise you to pack your backpack at a weight of no more than 6-8 kilos.

Airport Transfer
Pickup time will be at 4:30 p.m. at Venice Marco Polo Airport. If the entire group arrives earlier, the pickup time will be set by the last person to arrive. Those who have a few hours can visit Venice by leaving their luggage at the airport drop-off location beforehand.
You can leave a small bag or suitcase with some clean clothes for your last night either in the transfer van or at the hotel where you will spend your last night (night of day 7 of the program).
From reservation number 8 onward, transfers from the airport to Cortina and from Cortina to Mestre will be by bus. These buses run directly and do not increase the transfer time excessively (2 hours and 30 minutes in total). From Cortina to the first refuge, the transfer is by taxi. These transfers are included in the price.

Accommodations
The refuges are very well equipped. Meals are hearty with a starter, main course, and dessert, and most offer several options. All except the Grand Fannes have showers. The rooms are shared (for 4 to 10 people), but several offer double or triple accommodations (please inquire). Three of the six refuges have Wi-Fi, and cell phone coverage is available along most of the route.
It won't be cold in the refuges. Primaloft or light down jackets should be worn during the activity if the temperature is very low. Slippers are provided in all refuges, so there's no need to carry extra shoes.
The refuge selection may change, and one refuge may be substituted for another in the area depending on availability at the time of group formation and the reservation and cancellation conditions communicated to us in advance.
You have the option of a single room in the accommodation on day 7 of the program, if the hotel has availability. Please request information about this if you are interested.
If you do not wish to pay the single room supplement, please let us know you prefer a double room. This will depend on whether another person is also interested in sharing, based on the date of your reservation payment. Whenever possible, a room will be shared with someone of the same sex, but if not, we will notify you in advance so you can decide whether to share with someone of the opposite sex or choose a single room. If the group is uneven and everyone wants to share a room, the last person to check in will have to pay a single supplement.
Unforeseen events during the trip
In case of any unforeseen event that forces a member of the group to abandon the trip, early return to the airport can be arranged without any problems.
Travel insurance (included in the trip price)

The activity includes travel insurance with Iris Global that includes:

• Mountain rescue up to €6,000
• Medical expenses due to illness or accident: up to €30,000
• Repatriation or medical transport: unlimited.
• Early return for justified reasons: unlimited.
• Lost, stolen or damaged luggage: up to €600.

You also have the option of purchasing cancellation insurance for justified reasons with the Iris Global insurance, which we include in your trip for a cost of €20 for every €1,000 insured, with a maximum insured amount of €3,000. This insurance must be purchased at the time of booking your trip. If it is not purchased in time, there is a 72-hour waiting period during which you will not be covered if you have to cancel for a justified reason.

In addition, we offer annual insurance with Intermundial that not only covers your trip but also any other trips within the contract period. Intermundial also offers this insurance with the cancellation option for reasons justified in its terms and conditions.

You can view information about the travel insurance we offer and that of Intermundial at the following link:

Travel insurance included
* Travel insurance included. Iris Global 24-hour assistance phone number: 91 572 43 43
** It is the client's responsibility to report the accident to the insurer as soon as possible, providing the operator with their full name and ID number.
*** Depending on where the incident occurs, the client may be required to advance payment if the insurance company so requests, which may be refunded later. In any case, Muntania Outdoors S.L. is not responsible for advancing any required payment.

Otras cuestiones
La selección de los itinerarios puede sufrir cambios por motivos meteorológicos o por cualquier otra causa que haga no seguro el recorrido. En ese caso el guía del viaje buscará la mejor de las alternativas posibles.
Cualquier cambio del itinerario ajeno a Muntania Outdoors (por ejemplo, causa meteorológicos) que genere un gasto no presupuestado será asumido por los participantes.

5.5 Links of interest

• dolomiti.org/it
• rifugiolagazuoi.com/

5.5 Links of interest

• Breathtaking landscapes.
• Convenient network of shelters and good food.
• Region steeped in history.

6. Other similar trips

• Trekking in the Brenta and Adamello Dolomites, Italy
• Alta Via 2. Dolomites. Ascent to the Marmolada
• Trekking in Slovenia. Ascent to Triglav. Julian Alps
• Alta Via 1. The great trekking of the Dolomites

7. Contact

Muntania Outdoors, S.L.U.CICMA: 2608
+34 629 379 894 info@muntania.com www.muntania.com
c/ Las Cruces Nº 1,portal 2,2ºC, 28491 Navacerrada (España).