The Great Dolomite Traverse

From the Sciliar to the Dolomites of Sesto

The guides of the Dolomite Adventure Service have given a great deal of thought when putting together this trek across the best known mountains of the Dolomites. Starting at the Catinaccio and ending in Sesto Pusteria you will pass by o over well known landmarks like the Catinaccio di Antermoia, Sassolungo, Sella and Fanes groups as well as the famous Three Peaks of Lavaredo, above Misurina. Most of the time you will trek at about 2,000 m with occasional climbs up to 3,000 m.

HIGHLIGHTS: Every day new mountains and landscapes; Mountain peaks with exciting views; Famous names and untouched nature; Mixture of cosy mountain lodges and comfortable hotels; Luggage transport to the hotels; Small groups (4-8 people); Guidance by an experienced local mountain or trekking guide.

ITINERARY:

(subject to change without prior notice)

Ideal climbing landscape!

Day 1: Saturday - Arrival

Meet our guide at the hotel*** in Castelrotto at 6:00 pm. Over welcome drinks there will be a briefing about the week to come.

Day 2: Sunday - Crossing the Catinaccio

Transfer to Alpe di Siusi, descent to Alpe di Tires and through the Grasleiten Gorge to Passo Grasleiten, where we can have our lunch. Ascent to Scalieret Peak (2,890 m). We are surrounded by the spectacular scenery of the bizarre rock walls of Catinaccio and the Vajolet Towers. Descent to the mountain lodge Antermoia next to a lake (2,496 m), where we pass our first night.

Walking hours: approx. 5 (if Scalieret Peak included 6:30)

Day 3: Monday - Alpe di Siusi / Sasso Piatto

We wander down the picturesque Val Duron and after a short climb we follow the edge of the plateau of the Cresta di Siusi until we reach the mountain lodge Sasso Piatto. An option today is to climb to the top of the Sassopiatto (2,965 m) before continuing on down to the Sella Pass and overnight stop at 2,298 m. Now we are in the Ladin speaking area.

Luggage transport. Walking hours: approx. 4-5 (if Sasso Piatto included 7:30)

Day 4: Tuesday - The Sella Group

Up with the cable car to Sasso Pordoi (2,980 m) we cross the Sella Group to climb the Piz Boe at 3,150 m. From there we have wonderful views to the surrounding mountains including the Marmolada, the only glacier in the Dolomites! Afterwards we have a wonderful long walk down the Vallon (2,535 m) and to Corvara, where we shall spend the night (1,560 m).

Luggage transfer. Walking hours: approx. 6-7

Day 5: Wednesday - Sasso della Croce / Fanes

Transfer to La Ila and a steep rocky ascent to Forcella Lavarella (Forcella de Medesc 2,533 m) with an optional climb to Sasso Santa Croce (2,910 m). Upon reaching the plateau with its areas of karstic terrain sliced with natural fissures, you will realize why this area has inspired more legends than any other part of the Dolomites! Lovely and relaxing walking down to our overnight mountain lodge Utia di Lavarella (2,050 m).

Walking hours: approx. 5-6

Day 6: Thursday - Val di Fanes / Cortina

Descending from the Fanes basin, we pass picturesque alpine meadows and waterfalls en route. At the bottom of the Tofana our path leads us to Laghi Ghedina and to Cortina, where you have the possibility to soak up the atmosphere, perhaps visiting the centre or havina a coffee at one of the local bars. Transfer to Lago Misurina (1,750 m), just right at the bottom of the spectacular south-face of the Cime di Lavaredo.

Luggage transfer. Walking hours: approx. 4-5

Day 7: Friday - Tre Cime di Lavaredo - Sesto

A marvellous traverse of the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks of Lavaredo). Towering at almost 3,000 m these three peaks attract walkers and climbers alike and are one of the most scenic and photographed areas of the Dolomites. From here we descend the Val Fiscalina to Sesto, where we are met by our taxi for the transfer back to Castelrotto.

Walking hours: approx. 5. Driving hours: approx. 2. Overnight in hotel,  accommodation with farewell banquet.

Day 8: Saturday - Departure

After breakfast the tour is at its end.