Outdoor Experience - Summer
TRE CIME DI LAVAREDO LOOP (easy to moderate)
Have a private transfer at 06:00 a.m. of about 40 minutes to Rifugio Auronzo. A superb itinerary to the soaring Tre Cime di Lavaredo – probably the most famous landmark in all the Dolomites, and known across the world. You can have lunch (not included) in one of the rifugios in the area, tasting local specialties such as canederli (a Tyrolean dumpling) and goulash (a beef soup or stew). A wonderful way to appreciate the Tre Cime di Lavaredo in summer is by hiking a loop around these mountains, during which their usual shapes mutate from sharp points to soft corners, the three sections of the mountain apparently merging into one. The area is a sort of “open air museum,” as there are lots of reminders of the First World War – tunnels, bunkers, and old barracks. Tre Cime is also part of the world history of mountaineering – the first routes were climbed in the 1930s. In the afternoon transfer back to Cortina.
(~6 hours hiking 12,9km / 8 miles, 610m / 2,000′ ascent and descent. Option to do it shorter or the other way round. Simple loop around Tre Cime di Lavaredo: ~4 hours hiking 8,6km / 5,4 miles, 568m / 1,863′ ascent and descent.)
Cost: Euro 810 (1person) – Euro 830 (2persons) – Euro 960 (3persons) – Euro 980 (4persons) – Euro 1020 (5persons) – Euro 1040 (6persons).
What’s included: local English speaking hiking guide, private transfers to/from the start/end point, map of the area, guide’s lunch, A Wow Nature’s reforestation projects contribution to make your trip carbon-neutral.
Hike Gores de Federa to Lake Croda da Lago
Take a private transfer to Lake Pianotze. This is an expert hike where you will need a hiking guide. Very good fitness is required. There are primarily accessible paths, but sure-footedness is also needed. Gores de Federa (Gorges of Federa) is the new path created by the Regole d’Ampezzo, which crosses the Federa Forest and leads to the Federa Malga. Begin walking along the paved road until you reach Col Purin, about 45 minutes above Lake Pianozes. Here you will find a wooden sign marking the deviation of the Gores di Federa route. The route is in the uncontaminated Federa forest. It evolves between gentle climbs and gentle descents, skirting waterfalls, gorges, and streams, crossing various suspension bridges over the Ru Federa and panoramic points over the Ampezzo basin. After about an hour and a half of walking, you arrive at Malga Federa, where a fantastic panorama opens up: Becco di Mezzodì on one side, Pomagagnon, Cristallo, and Faloria on the other. You can stop for refreshments and, after a rest, continue on path n.432 up to the Croda da Lago Refuge and Lake. You can then return along the same path or make a loop to reach the starting point again along the paved road.
(~5 hours hiking, 13,8km / 8,6 miles, 871m / 2,857′ ascent, 870m / 2,857′ descent.)
Cost: Euro 630 (1person) – Euro 650 (2persons) – Euro 720 (3persons) – Euro 740 (4persons) – Euro 780 (5persons) – Euro 800 (6persons).
What’s included: local English speaking hiking guide, private transfers to/from the start/end point , map of the area, lift tickets if needed (one way), guide’s lunch, A Wow Nature’s reforestation projects contribution to make your trip carbon-neutral.
CRODA DA LAGO (easy to moderate)
After breakfast have a private transfer of about 20 minutes to Passo Giau. From the Rifugio, begin to hike uphill to the rear of grassy Col Piombin, that takes its name from a past mining activity. During your hike, the views of the Tofana and Monte Cavallo will be inspiring, not to mention the mountains on display to the south: Monte Fromin, Cernera, Pelmo and the upswept flank of Monte Mondeval. Reach Rifugio Croda da Lago Palmieri (2,042m / 6,699’). Continue hiking to Malga Federa. After the Malga, continue on the dirt road until a cross-bar where the asphalt starts: here you will find your transfer back to Cortina d’Ampezzo.
(~4-5 hours hiking 7,8km / 4,9 miles, 303m / 994′ ascent, 566m / 1,858′ descent.)
Cost: Euro 750 (1person) – Euro 770 (2persons) – Euro 860 (3persons) – Euro 880 (4persons) – Euro 920 (5persons) – Euro 940 (6persons).
What’s included: local English speaking hiking guide, private transfers to/from the start/end point, map of the area, guide’s lunch, A Wow Nature’s reforestation projects contribution to make your trip carbon-neutral
LAGO SORAPISS (easy to moderate)
In the morning take a private transfer at 06:30 a.m. to Passo Tre Croci. Hike on a varied loop route that leads to Rifugio Vandelli, a lovely hut set below towering Punta Sorapiss (3,205m / 10,515′), which promises extensive views over neighbouring Dolomite peaks. After enjoying lunch at the rifugio (not included), explore the nearby Sorapiss Lake and head back, before returning to Cortina with a private transfer. Option to choose a longer hike for the return trip.
(4-5 hours hiking 12km / 7,5 miles, 123m / 404′ ascent and descent.)
Cost: Euro 690 (1person) – Euro 710 (2persons) – Euro 810 (3persons) – Euro 830 (4persons) – Euro 870 (5persons) – Euro 890 (6persons). What’s included: local English speaking hiking guide, private transfers to/from the start/end point , map of the area, lift tickets if needed (one way), guide’s lunch, A Wow Nature’s reforestation projects contribution to make your trip carbon-neutral
HIKE THROUGH THE WW1 TUNNELS (moderate)
Take a private transfer to Passo Falzarego. Hike up to the Galleria del Lagazuoi, a fascinating open-air WWI museum carved into the mountains. At the end of the Tunnels you arrive at Rifugio Lagazuoi where you can stop for lunch (not included) and enjoy the wonderful 360° degrees view. Hike downhill to Passo Falzarego through a different path and transfer back to your hotel. (5-6 hours hiking, 7.3km / 4.5 miles, 670m / 2,198’ ascent, 1,000m / 3,281’ descent.)
Cost: Euro 970 (1person) – Euro 1040 (2persons) – Euro 1190 (3persons) – Euro 1260 (4persons) – Euro 2030 (5persons) – Euro 2100 (6persons).
What’s included: local English speaking professional UIAGM/IFMGA mountain guide (2 guides with 5-6 people), torches and helmets, map of the area, private transfers to/from the start/end point. guide’s lunch, A Wow Nature’s reforestation projects contribution to make your trip carbon-neutral
VIA FERRATA MARIO FUSETTI AT SASS DE STRIA (easy)
Created during the summer of 2018 by the Army’s Alpine troop, a new Via Ferrata has been inaugurated in October on the Sasso de Stria peak. This relatively easy and short Via Ferrata is recommended to everyone wanting to test their climbing skills and take in the history of the area. It takes the name from Lieutenant ‘Mario Fusetti’ whom, in 1915 during WW1, climbed the Sasso di Stria peak to occupy the summit. Unfortunately, Fusetti’s platoon was sighted, encircled and after several hours of intense fighting, annihilated by the Austro-Hungarian enemy troop. Many Italian soldiers were taken prisoner, four died, including Lieutenant Fusetti. To commemorate the sacrifice of these soldiers, in the year of the centenary of the end of the First World War, the Army’s Alpine Troop secured the original trail with sturdy bolts and cables, to reach the summit from the South West side, opening up to wonderful 360 degree views over the neighboring mountain ranges. The approach to the Via Ferrata is itself a step back in history. From ‘Forte Tre Sassi’ WW1 museum, hike along the Goiginger gallery – once an active military post with artillery directly aimed at the opposite ‘Cengia Martini’ (Martini ledge). The trail continues across the saddle, home to Austro-Hungarian post, and reaches the start of the Via Ferrata in approx 25 minutes. Begin your climb on the equipped trail, to reach the trenches located 110m/360’ above, in approximately 40 minutes. The Via Ferrata ends beneath the summit, which can be reached following the already existing trail. The descent is on a well marked trail to ‘Forte Tre Sassi’ WW1 museum, which is open to visitors in the summer months (ascend an easy 204m/670’ Via Ferrata).
Cost: Euro 970 (1person) – Euro 1030 (2persons) – Euro 1170 (3persons) – Euro 1230 (4persons) – Euro 1990 (5persons) – Euro 2050 (6persons).
What’s included: local English speaking professional UIAGM/IFMGA mountain guide (2 guides with 5-6 people), via ferrata equipment, map of the area, private transfers to/from the start/end point, guide’s lunch, A Wow Nature’s reforestation projects contribution to make your trip carbon-neutral
VIA FERRATA COL DEI BOS (moderate)
Transfer to Passo Falzarego from where you’ll begin your hike. Because it is still used for training by the Italian alpine military units, and because it is quite new (it was created by Italian Alpine Troops in 2009), the Col dei Bos via ferrata is not marked on older maps or guide books. Comprised of an impressive network of steel cables, protective cones and special bolt reinforcements, this via ferrata begins above Col Gallina near the Falzarego Pass and ascends along the south face of the Col dei Bos. The first part is the most challenging section, but it gradually gets easier and it is a quite a safe and enjoyable journey! Spectacular views await you at the summit (2,559m / 8,396′), where you can rest in the scenic meadows and admire the summit of the Ampezzo Basin. (Ascend a moderate 400m / 1,312′ via ferrata.) After you’ve enjoyed the vistas, descend from here along the normal path and traverse under the Tofana Massif, where a final ascent will bring you to your rifugio for the night. (3-4 hours hiking ~6 km / 3.6 miles, and ascending a moderate 400m / 1,312′ via ferrata, for a total 1,090m / 3,571′ ascent, 660m / 2,166′ descent.)
Cost: Euro 970 (1person) – Euro 1030 (2persons) – Euro 1170 (3persons) – Euro 1230 (4persons) – Euro 1990 (5persons) – Euro 2050 (6persons).
What’s included: local English speaking professional UIAGM/IFMGA mountain guide (2 guides with 5-6 people), via ferrata equipment, map of the area, private transfers to/from the start/end, guide’s lunch, A Wow Nature’s reforestation projects contribution to make your trip carbon-neutral
MOUNTAIN BIKE TOUR TO DOBBIACO, SAN CANDIDO OR LIENZ (easy to moderate)
One of the best ways to see the Dolomites is by mountain bike. You have the benefit of being off-the-beaten path away from paved roads, and covering more ground and helping you see more of these majestic mountains from trails than you would be able to on foot. Today you’ll ride from Cortina d’Ampezzo to Dobbiaco or San Candido, where you’ll have incredible vistas of Tre Cime, probably the most famous landmark in the Dolomites. Return to Cortina d’Ampezzo by bus or with your bike.
(Biking 28km / 17 miles each way, 800m / 2,625’ elevation change.) From San Candido bike towards east, passing the Austrian border and reaching the town of Lienz (650m / 2,132’) in East Tyrol, cycling along the Drava River. From Lienz take a train back to San Candido. (Biking 43km / 26,7 miles, 500m / 1,640’ elevation change.)
Cost: Euro 750 (1person) – Euro 880 (2persons) – Euro 1020 (3persons) – Euro 1150 (4persons) – Euro 1290 (5persons) – Euro 1420 (6persons).
What’s included: local English speaking biking guide, map of the area, mountain bike and helmet rental, train and bus ticket for the return trip if needed, guide’s lunch , A Wow Nature’s reforestation projects contribution to make your trip carbon-neutral.
E-bike supplement: 20€ per person
Escursione in E-Bike (o Mountain Bike) intorno a Cortina d'Ampezzo: Castello di Bodestagno, Cascate di Fiames e Pomagagnon
Starting from Cortina, join the main cycle route and head north, along the Boîte Valley to Fiames. Your route will follow an old railway line that provided communication between the towns of Calalzo, Cortina, Dobbiaco, and Austria. Electrified in 1929, the Cortina-Dobbiaco train line operated up until 1960s, when the bus transport took over. Nowadays the bridges and stations are still standing, and the route is perfect for biking. The slope here is very gradual and easy to bike, and the incredible iron bridges traverse deep canyons providing views of the mountains and glaciers that are some of the most beautiful in the Dolomites. Shortly after Fiames you will reach the remains of the Bodestagno Castle (also called Pedestagno) boasting great views over the three valleys surrounding Cortina: Fanes, Boîte and Felizon valleys. The construction of the castle dates back to the year 1000 – owned by the patriarch of Acquileia first, by the Serenissima and then, finally, by the emperor of Austria; for centuries it served as defense of the Boîte river lock north of Cortina and then it was definitively abandoned from 1800 onwards. Depart from the ruins of the castle and enter Val di Fanes, part of the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park, comprising an area of approximately 25,453 hectares (62,069 acres). Ride on the gravel dirt road to the Fanes waterfalls and, if you like, continue a bit further into the Fanes valley along the dirt road. Return to Cortina along the same road, or choose to ride the opposite side of River Boîte. Before you reach Cortina, begin ascending on the dirt road at the foot of Pomagagnon range and reach Rifugio Mietres for lunch, offering wonderful views over the Cortina Valley and Tofana massif. After lunch begin your descent to Cortina, with the option of visiting Malga Brite de Larieto, a small agriturismo/farm-house offering food experiences such as cheese tasting and picnics.
(~ 5 hours biking, 30km / 18 miles, 1,145m /3,755 ascent and descent).
Cost: Euro 690 (1person) – Euro 790 (2persons) – Euro 900 (3persons) – Euro 1000 (4persons) – Euro 1110 (5persons) – Euro 1210 (6persons).
What’s included: local English speaking biking guide, map of the area, mountain bike and helmet rental, guide’s lunch , A Wow Nature’s reforestation projects contribution to make your trip carbon-neutral.
E-bike supplement: 20€ per person