Mountain Adventure Holidays
Trail run the Alta Via - the 'best of the best' of the fabulous Italian Dolomites in 6 days! This spectacular mountainous area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. It has eighteen peaks rising to over 3000 metres, many with spectacular rock spires and towers, such as the world famous Tre Cime. Run north to south through exceptional natural beauty of the rock formations and geology that have made the Dolomites famous throughout the world. Be prepared to be impressed as you run through some of the most beautiful mountains in the world.
If you are going to run a mountain trail only once in your life then you really need to do the 'Dollies'! We think the Dolomites are truly spectacular! This is a very special and interesting part of the world on a number of counts. Unique in terms of it's geology and culture, presenting an interesting mix of Austrian and Italian traditions, food, and folklore. The area is known as the Sud Tyrol in German, and as the Alto Adige in Italian. It can be a little confusing to find that every village has two names, but it all adds to the feeling that you are truly somewhere 'a little different'. The running is truly spectacular!
Our meeting point for this week is Cortina d'Ampezzo a town with a beautiful landscape and within easy reach of the regions most iconic mountains. Enjoy Italian hospitality whilst exploring the regions jaw dropping scenery. Explore trails that negotiate this dramatic mountain environment offering a unique perspective on this magical place.
Optional Extra: Try Via Ferrata?
A via ferrata, which in Italian means the 'iron way', is a mountain route with fixed ‘protection’ such as metal ladders, handles and chain that you remain attached to using a climbing harness. This allows access to isolated trail systems, rocky cliff lines and summits normally reserved for climbers. The technique was initially developed by soldiers in the First World War, but has become an established, safe and popular sport. If you would like to try this activity before or after your trip then please ask us for more details. NB: Please note, we only use qualified IFMGA Guides for this activity and it is in addition to the proposed itinerary.
On this trip you are on holiday, it is not the race, and therefore we spend one week running the route and taking time to enjoy the mountains. Each day we will run/hike between 15-28km kilometres (10-17 miles), with at least one high mountain pass per day. We’re likely to be on our feet for between 5-8 hours per day with lots of ascent and descent on a variety of mountain trails. This trip is suitable for experienced mountain trail runners at an Advanced level.
Today you arrive in the town of Cortina d' Ampezzo in Italy, known as the jewel of the Dolomites. The beauty of the Ampezzo Valley along with it's 1000 year history attracts visitors all year round. Surrounded by majestic peaks Cortina, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, can't fail to impress any mountain lover. Our hotel for this trip is within easy walking distance to the bustling pedestrian town centre and numerous musems and galleries. Proud of it's heritage, learn about the local traditions, history and environment at the Ethnograhic Museum or visit the "Rinaldo Zardini" Palaeontological Museum which houses one of the most significant collections of fossils that exists anywhere today.
Your guide will meet you at the hotel before the evening meal, at approximately 1800 hrs, to answer any questions and discuss the days ahead.
We start with a short taxi ride to the famous beauty spot of Lago di Braies and true start of the Alta Via trail. The lake is spectacular filled with turquoise waters surrounded by towering cliffs. After running along the lake shore we begin to climb steadily under the striated cliffs of Monte Muro to our first pass at Porta Sora il Forn, at 2388m (7832ft), to be rewarded with immense views, and with the glacier of the Marmolada glittering to the south west. the glacier is the only major ice field in the Dolomites. After taking in the views its a short trot down to the Rifugio Biella for a a morning coffee, or whatever else takes your fancy. We then have a lovely descent through flower meadows and farms, until a final steep jeep road takes us down to our overnight at the Rifugio Pederu.
Ascent: 1045m (3427ft) Descent: 1020m (3345ft) Distance: 18km (11.3 miles) Duration: 4h00-5h00
This morning we take the wild and rocky Vallone di Rudo to Lago Piciodil to reach Rifugio Fanes and a potential coffee stop! The Rifugio, which was built in 1928 has a long history and tradition and is a great spot for a rest. Stunning views en route to Passo di Limo, at 2172m (7124ft), and its lake of the same name. High peaks surround this pastoral amphitheatre strewn with cows and its curious limestone slabs. We then traverse a rugged mountainside and a final climb to arrive at the Forcetta del Lago an impressive notch on the skyline sitting at 2486m (8154ft). You will probably think it looks like an impossible descent down the other side, but the path does exist and you have stunning views all the way down towards Lago di Lagazuoi at 2182m (7156ft). There is a 200m (656ft) climb to finish the day to our Rifugio as we hike along what was a front line in WW1, and where you can explore the gun emplacements and tunnels carved in the ridgeline. The Rifugio Lagazuoi is in a truly amazing location perched high in the mountains, and there is even a wood fired sauna where you can ease your muscles. It’s a day with a big climb, but the descent is minimal and our knees will appreciate that! In the afternoon there will be time to explore the Lagazuoi museum then climb a little higher to the stunning view point of the Piccolo Lagazoui for a sunset to remember.
Ascent: 1685m (5526ft) Descent: 450m (1476ft) Distance: 22km (13.7 miles) Duration: 6h00-7h00
Today we go from WW1 galleries hewn into the Lagazuoi and Casteletto mountains, to a close up of the wonderful summits of Le Tofana. We begin by dropping down to a pass and then over the Forcella Travenanzes at 2507m (8222ft) before descending past a WW1 memorial. This is a sobering reminder of the bitter fighting which took place during this period of history. Then it's over the Forcella Col dei Bos while enjoying fabulous views to Cinque Torri, the Five Towers. A beautiful traversing trail brings us to the rustic Rifugio Dibona were we can enjoy a cappucino on the terrace, then it's a steep descent through the larch forests before climbing all the way back up the other side. On route there will be time to explore the 'sentiere de trenci' the open air WW1 trench museum around the base of the towers before setting off on our final short climb of the day to the pass at Averau. However, there is the reward of lunch at the top at another lovely Italian Rifugio. You will notice a theme developing - run, coffee, run, cake, run, lunch! We end this rather unique day with a rocky traversing trail under impressive cliffs that takes us to the pass and our accommodation at the famous pass of Passo Giau, at 2236m (7334ft) and the 3* Berg Hotel where we spend the night. The pass offer superbs sunsets with impressive views north towards Cortina and south further into Veneto. We are now well on our way along the fabulous Alta Via 1 trail.
Ascent: 900m (2052ft) Descent: 1000m (3280ft) Distance: 18km (11 miles) Duration: 5h30-7h00
Leaving Passo Giau, we begin the crossing of 3 passes where we notice a distinct change of trail as we link leave the hash rocky paths for lush green meadows. Our route climbs up and down through flower meadows where we descend into the next valley. This really is a gorgeous start to our day which often takes us past the herds of horses, donkeys and cattle grazing on the mountainside. After descending into the next valley we climb back up to the next mountain pass as we follow Monte Formin’s impressive south cliffs leading to the Forcella Ambrizzola at 2277m (7468ft) and our third pass of the day. From here we have views of the mighty Civetta mountain range and a neolitic site. A gentle descent over pastures and through dairy herds brings us to the Rifugio Citta de Fiume where we can enjoy a lunch break. Our final stretch for today is another traversing trail under the impressive peaks and spires of the wild and rugged Monte Pelmo, one of the famous landmark mountains of the Dolomites. Finally, it's down through the larch forests and if there's time to spare we can detour off in search of some dinosaur foot prints in the foot hills of the mighty Pelmo. A bit further down the mountain side brings us to another Rifugio Staulanza where we spend the night.
Ascent: 550m (1804ft) Descent: 800m (2624ft) Distance: 15km (9.5miles) Duration: 5h00-6h00
An early start today as we commence the start of two longer days on the trail. A steady climb this morning as we leave the larch trees. We climb up a well graded mule track to the shoulder of Cima Coldai, an outlier of the Civetta, until we arrive at the Rifugio Sonino Al Coldai for refreshments then it's west to the turquoise waters of Lago Coldai. This really is a very beautiful situation, and is to be enjoyed as we drop to the lake and over the Forcella Col Negro at 2203m (7225ft) before losing height and entering Val Civetta. With its slabs, peaks and pinnacles the 7km (4 miles) long west face of Monte Civetta towers 1200m (3936ft) overhead. A hanging icefield, the Cristallo, is suspended below the highest top. This face is known as the ‘wall of walls’ and is unique in the Alps for it's rock climbing routes. We now head over the Forcella di Col Rean, to reach the Rifugio Vazzoler for a well earned lunch surrounded by an amphitheatre of the rock spires including the Torre Trieste, at 2458m (8062ft), and Cima della Busazza, at 2894m (9492ft). In the afternoon in the shade of the trees we traverse around the mountain side to gain the steep little pass of Forcella Col Dell’Orso at 1823m (5979ft). Then it's a short section with a few chains as a handrail along a flowered rock face. The remainder of our Alta Via is through woodland where we cross an ancient Austrian-Hungarian border then meadows to reach idyllic setting of Rifugio Carestiato where we can stop for resfeshments. A final quick descent brings us down to the Passo Duran and our accommodation at Rifugio Sebastiano by mid afternoon.
Ascent: 1550m (5085ft) Descent: 1600m (5249ft) Distance: 28km (17.5 miles) Duration: 8h00-9h00
Another prompt start to complete our final day on the Alta Via trail. Today we enter the Parco Nazionale delle Dolomiti Bellunesi, the wildest of the national parks on the Alta Via 1 trail and where there is a good chance of spotting chamois and marmots. From the Passo Duran our trail first leads us around the southern slopes of the Tamer Grande. Immediately we experience the wildness of this mountainside with its cliff faces and towering summits. After passing through the forest we have another climb to the remains of Moschesin garrison to reach the Forcella del Moschesin at 1940m (6364ft). The trail continues on and down slighty to a point near the Rifugio Pramparet which sits in a wonderful remote setting with views along the Costa dei Nass valley where we can break for refreshments. Our path continues on and up to reach the Portela dei Pezedei where the terrain becomes more open and rockier under foot. As we reach the western slopes of the Cima de Zita the trail then narrows to a ridge path, which can feel exposed for a very short section, to reach the day’s highest pass at 2451m (8041ft). It's here if time and the weather allows we can reach the summit. Enjoy glimpses of the Venetian plain as we descend sharply down the grassy mountainside where edelweiss are to be found growing by the trail to Rifugio Pian de Fontana perched on a shelf at 1632m (5354ft) where we will stop for our lunch. Leaving the peace and tranquil location of the Rifugio Fontana our path soon descends into the pine forests to pick up the 'Alta Via Bellunesi' trail which we follow down to the road head where we meet a private taxi to take us back to Cortina d'Ampezzo. The drive is approximately 2 hours. There will be time in the afternoon for a spa and aperos before a celebratory final group meal.
Ascent: 1500m (4921ft) Descent: 1580m (5183ft) Distance: 28km (17 miles) Duration: 8h00- 9h00
Today is your departure day from Cortina d'Ampezza and the package finishes after breakfast.
It is always our aim to complete the proposed itinerary outlined above, however, it may be necessary for our guides/instructors to adjust the daily itinerary based on the weather conditions, group safety and enjoyment.
We always aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, clean, characterful, family run accommodation. All of our trips are based on two people sharing a bedroom, what we call a 'twin' means two single beds in one bedroom. If you are booking as a single traveller you will share with someone of the same gender. In many cases a single room is available for a supplementary fee, but these can be in short supply and require early booking. Note that it is very rare to have air conditioning in European mountain areas, and most bedrooms do not have this facility. If you have any questions about the accommodation please contact us.
Accommodation will be in a twin room in a hotel in Cortina, although a single room may be available for a supplement. All the hotels we use in Cortina are comfortable and welcoming, with en suite facilities. The Dolomite Rifugios are definitely a 'cut above" normal mountain huts, and our guests have said they are more like hotels than huts! We usually manage to secure bedrooms, or small dormitory style rooms of between 2 - 4 people which allows same gender in one room, rather than mixed. On some occasions it may be necessary for mixed gender. It is worth pointing out that in other mountainous hiking areas 'mixed' would be the only option. In Cortina single rooms may be available on request for a supplementary payment. However, these are limited in number and we recommend that you book early if you wish to be sure of a single room. Contact us for details.
Our hotel in Cortina d'Ampezzo is the family run, 3***Hotel Pontecheisa. The hotel, which is situated beside the river, is in a peaceful location and there is a garden to enjoy. It is just a 5-minute walk from Cortina’s Corso Italia pedestrian area and from the Tofana cable car and is also near the Freccia nel Cielo cable car. The hotel also has a small spa which should be booked ahead of time. The cost of the spa is not included in your accommodation package. The hotel is run by Emaneula and her family who are the 4th generation to manage the hotel.
The Rifugio Pederu is a lovely overnight stop. It is very comfortable, and has open meadows around the building. It is more 'guest house' than rifugio, and our accommodation may be in bedrooms rather than dorms, though we cannot make any promises as it depends on early booking. The bedrooms are en suite, and there are also showers available on the floors for the dorms. Dinner is usually very good with great local dishes.
Situated in the heart of the Dolomites at 2752m (9026ft), the Rifugio Lagazoui is a cosy place to spend the night. It is perched on the edge of a cliff and the evening and dawn views are worth watching! It has rooms decorated in traditional style with wood featuring extensively. Accommodation will either be in small rustic rooms, with showers and toilets on the same floor, or in dormitories.
It has a wood fired sauna which is outside the main building and there is something quite wonderful about taking a sauna while gazing at the Dolomites. The rooms are generally bedrooms for between 2 and 4 people, and there are showers on the floor. Dinner is usually very Italian featuring pastas and sauces.
The Berg Hotel, 'berg' means mountain in German, is in a stunning location beneath the towering spires. It sits at 2236 metres (7330ft) on the Passo Giau which has featured in the famous Giro d'Italia road bike race. It has 10 bedrooms and is one of the highest and remotest hotels in the Dolomites. There are wonderful views of the valley of Cortina d'Ampezzo and the peaks of the Tofane, Croda Rossa, Cristallo and Croda da Lago. A wonderful overnight location.
The Staulanza is definitely more 'hotel' than rifugio. It is run by Marco Sala a respected Italian mountaineer and the walls are adorned with his photographs taken during some impressive expeditions to the Himalaya, and other famous mountain ranges. The accommodation sits right on the high pass of Staulanza, and has a lovely terrace for enjoying a well-earned drink.
The bar area is very cosy, and the bedrooms are generally all en suite. Dinner is very Italian and features local dishes.
The Tomé Hut is a welcoming rifugio located at Passo Duran.
Built by the Italian Alpine Club in 1952 it was dedicated to the Agordino mountaineer Cesare Tomè, it is currently owned by the family of Soro Dorotei - an Alpine Guide and famous mountaineer from Belluno - who directly manages it.
In 2023 our guests and guide loved the location, the food and most of all the owner, whose love of the area and of the mountains bubbled over in easy conversation at every opportunity.
Cortina has excellent train and bus links. Rome2Rio is a useful site which gives a map and overall picture of how the local public transport network links up and who to book with. Local trains and buses to reach Cortina can be found at www.sad.it and trains from the UK to Dobbiaco can be sourced here.
The closest airports are Venice in Italy and Innsbruck in Austria.
Venice: Venice has two airports. The main airport is Venice Marco Polo but some airlines such as Ryanair fly to Venice ‘Treviso'. There is a 15 minute drive between these two airports. To transfer from Venice to Cortina choose either the Cortina Express or Flixbus the journey time is between 2h-2h30. We recommend buying tickets in advance which can be done easily and in English. Check the timetables carefully as they vary with stops and times. If arriving into Treviso airport you will need to take an airport bus into Treviso town to pick up the Cortina bus. The bus tickets vary in price depending on how far in advance you book, from 5€ - 20€ one way.
Innsbruck: From Innsbruck the journey time about 4 hours. From the airport you can take a free shuttle bus, it takes 15 mins and leaves every 10 mins, to reach Innsbruck central railway station. From the central rail way travel by train to Brennero (also known as Brenner) then to Fortezza (also known as Franzensfeste) then to Dobbiaco (also called Toblach) and then the local Sud Tirol no. 445 bus to Cortina.
If you would like to arrange a private transfer from Innsbruck or Venice or any other destination then we can recommend the services of www.taxicortinasci.it
Upon arrival at the bus station in Cortina you can take the local bus to your hotel. Bus No1 departs at 30 minutes past the hour, eg 1630hrs, 1730hrs and bus No2 departs on the hour eg 1300hrs, 1400hrs. It costs approximately 1.20€.
If you choose to walk from Cortina bus station it will take 15 minutes. The route is called the 'Lunga Via delle Dolomiti' and is the long distance cycle path to Dobbiaco. It is mostly flat, is covered in tarmac, has a smooth surface and is a very pleasant walk. When you get off the bus you will see 'yellow' dashed lines painted on the tarmac and you follow these through the car park onto the cycle way. After approximately 1km you will pass under a road bridge, you will then see a sign for Hotel Menardi on a tree on your left, and you follow the tiny tarmac path through the hotel garden.
There are also taxis at the bus station which will cost between 10-13€.
Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue
It is a condition of booking that you are insured against medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. For all of our trips your insurance must also cover mountain rescue. The exception to this is if the trip is being held in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge. Please ensure that your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude for any trip can be checked on the 'At A Glance' box on each trip page.
Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance
You should also have insurance to cover trip cancellation and curtailment. Insurance should be booked as soon as we have confirmed that your trip is going ahead. Note that your deposit and balance payments are non-refundable unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the required minimum numbers. In this case we will offer you a refund or the option of transferring to another trip if one is available. We also advise that you should have insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage as Tracks and Trails will not be held responsible for loss/damage to baggage/equipment.
All of the above insurances are detailed in our Terms and Conditions. For further details, please read the Insurance section on our website.
Summer mountain weather in the European Alps can vary considerably, and in this respect it is no different to any mountain environment where the terrain influences the weather and it can change from valley to valley.
However, in the summer months it is generally good in the Alps, but it can deliver everything from glorious sunshine, to rain, fog, high winds and even snow. Temperatures can reach over 30°Celsius (86°F) in July and August, but can drop to 5°Celsius (41°F) on the high passes, or 'Cols' as they are known in the Alps. Essentially, as with all mountain journeys, you should be prepared for any eventuality. The average temperatures range from 15-25°Celsius (59-77°F) in the valleys and 5-15°Celsius (41-59°F) on the passes.
Even in mid-summer we can be faced with overnight snow especially when we have spent the night in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut at higher altitude.
When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you might encounter and accommodation you will be staying in. If you have any questions with regards to what to bring, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Equipment
Clothing
You must be able to cover yourself with 3 full layers on your upper body and 2 full layers on your legs
Comfort
Personal First Aid
Documentation
Additional Items
Your luggage will be moved each day by a taxi driver. Please restrict yourself to one bag of approximately 15kg (33lbs) per person. Not all hotels have 'lifts' and you must be able to carry your luggage upstairs. There may be a charge imposed by the taxi company if you have more than 1 bag, and we would ask you to cover this.
**Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet**
Leaders are all first aid trained and will carry their own first aid kit
On many of our trips there will be an element of 'group kit' which will be shared amongst our guests. As mountain people you will be used to team work and working together to the mutual benefit and safety of the group.
The 'group kit' will be minimal and usually just a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example on a week-long trip you may carry a small shelter for just one day before passing it on to the next person.
If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items. These will be distributed in such a way that no one is over burdened.
Other group items necessary for safety and comfort will be carried by your guide/instructor.
For each of our trips a minimum number of guests is required before we can confirm that your trip will go-ahead. The minimum and maximum number of guests on your trip is displayed in the 'At a Glance' box on the righthand side of the trip page.
We strongly advise you do not book travel until we have confirmed your trip is 'guaranteed' to run. If you book travel before we have confirmed it is 'guaranteed' we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss if the trip does not go ahead.
When booking a holiday as a solo traveller a twin bedded room comprising of two single beds, is booked as standard. This will be with someone of the same gender unless you request to pay extra for your own room. Single rooms are often limited in supply so if you would like to pay a supplement for a single room we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. This trip has a single supplement of £450.
We go to great lengths to work with first class guides who are passionate about their work. They are all fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation.
Please note your guide has complete discretion to make a daily decision on whether or not to take the advertised route based on the weather and the ability of the members of the group. They have our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment.
Your trail running guide will be a fully qualified and experienced International Mountain Leader. International Mountain Leaders are not only qualified to ensure the safe management of the group, but are also a source of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, and traditions of the area which you are visiting. For our trail running trips we employ International Mountain Leaders who have a particular passion for trail running. Many of our trail running guides have competed in mountain marathons, and ultra marathons in the European Alps and further afield.
You can learn more about our guides and instructors on the About Us page.
On this point-to-point trip you will have luggage support which means your bags are transferred each day to the next accommodation and you only need to carry a small/medium sized 'rucksack' for items you might need during the course of the day. Please refer to the kit list for this trip for guidance on the size of rucksack required.
As your luggage will be moved along the route by taxi we ask that you keep the weight to a maximum of 15kgs (33lbs), and ONE bag per person. Many of the taxi companies who move your bags impose a 15kg (33lbs) limit and restrict the number of bags simply because they have to unload and reload the vehicle many times each day. If you take more than one bag you may be asked to pay a supplement. Also with regard to weight be aware that you may have to carry your luggage to your bedroom, which may involve climbing several flights of stairs as not all hotels have elevators. Luggage on wheels is a good idea.
If your trip begins and ends at the same hotel it is normally possible to leave any unwanted luggage at the hotel for your return.
We do not include lunches in your trip fee for various reasons, the most important of which is food waste. In general our guests have particular tastes and requirements for 'trail' or 'hill' food and it is better you purchase your own snacks rather than throw away items from the picnic lunch which we would supply.
Lunches on our trips are 'picnic' style lunches, in other words you take a packed lunch with sufficient snacks, food and fluid to sustain you throughout the day. Buying snacks and trying local specialities is a great way to inter-act with local people and to practise your language skills.
If there is the possibility of lunch being taken at a restaurant/farm/cafe beside the trail, your guide/instructor will advise you of this. Each evening you can order a picnic or a sandwich from the hotel, or your guide/instructor will advise you of other options such as a local shop or market. In all cases we would ask you to settle any 'bill' for lunch or drinks the evening before you depart, and not in the morning when there may be a queue.
On your itinerary you will find an indication of the amount of ascent and descent you can expect each day. This offers a guideline to how much effort might be expended each day and allows you to decide, based on previous experience, if your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip.
We make every attempt to ensure these statistics are as accurate as possible, but ask you to note that the most modern of technology used to record these details can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance. In other words no two people using GPS devices on the same route will have exactly the same details recorded at the end of the day.
The statistics given should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required.
Your leader will carry the correct maps and you are not expected to navigate, but if you would like to have maps of the itinerary you could consider those listed below:
Tabacco Maps 031: Pragser Dolomiten - Enneberg 1:25,000
Tabacco Maps 03: Cortina d'Ampezzo e Dolomiti Ampezzane 1:25,000
Tabacco Maps 025: Dolomiti di Zoldo Cadorine e Agordino 1:25,000
Tabacco Maps 024: Prealpi e Dolomiti Bellunesi 1:25,000
It is useful to arrive at your destination with some cash in the local currency, however, on most occasions it is relatively easy to visit a 'cash machine' after arrival and withdraw money on a credit or debit card. Some of our locations are an exception to this in particular Norway, where the accommodation will often have no facilities for withdrawing cash, but they will take a credit card.
On many of our trips we will visit remote cafes/farms where it is wonderful to enjoy a drink and a cake, at places such as these they will often only accept payment in the local currency in cash.
Food
On all of our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes.
If you are vegetarian catering for your diet is not generally a problem. If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy/intolerance we would ask that you make your needs clear on your booking form so we can discuss your requirements with the accommodation as soon as possible. A diet that is not related to an allergy/intolerance or beliefs cannot be catered for. It is simply not possible for mountain accommodation to deal with many variations in diet while providing meals for groups.
In addition, if you have an allergy/intolerance we would suggest you bring/purchase suitable snacks as a supplement to the picnic lunches. At times finding gluten free bread, for example, can be an issue. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance please contact us.
We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.
Water
The countries we visit all have tap water which is drinkable. If for any reason a particular hotel or mountain hut is having a problem with a water supply they will normally post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for the country you are visiting, paying attention to your citizenship. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.
New European Travel Regulations from mid 2025
If you are a guest travelling to one of our European holidays you may be impacted by a significant change to travel regulations expected to be in place from the middle of 2025. The new EITAS scheme will start operating this year and, whilst a start date is not yet confirmed, it is likely to affect our summer holidays in 2025 and any winter holiday thereafter. As your holiday approaches we recommend that you check for updates on the website HERE.
We ask that you carry a paper copy of your passport with you on your trip. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in any luggage you might have. If your trip is without luggage transfers then keep a paper copy somewhere in your rucksack, separate from your original document.
We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:
Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country
Note that if your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut that electric sockets may be in short supply and for that night you may not be able to charge any items. Although the accommodation will have electricity this will often be supplied by solar panels or a generator and limited to use by the staff. For this reason we advise that carrying a small slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be very useful for recharging phones which many of you will also use as your camera.
Optional Extra: A via ferrata, which in Italian means the 'iron way', is a mountain route with fixed ‘protection’ such as metal ladders, handles and chain that you remain attached to using a climbing harness. This allows access to isolated trail systems, rocky cliff lines and summits normally reserved for climbers. The technique was initially developed by soldiers in the First World War, but has become an established, safe and popular sport. Ask us for details if you would like to try this activity before or after your trip. NB: We only use qualified IFMGA Guides for this activity and it is in addition to the proposed itinerary.
Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. However, if you feel your guide/instructor has provided an excellent service that went 'above and beyond' then it is at the discretion of each guest whether to tip or not. Guests will often give a tip of between 2 - 5 per cent of the total value of their trip. It is entirely up to you and any gesture will no doubt be appreciated no matter the size.
Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor.
For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring with you a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment in certain European countries, but is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.
If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC to replace it. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Please check this before departing. We advise that you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number.
We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We would point out that we operate a ‘zero tolerance’ for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all your rubbish items from the mountain even those you consider to be bio-degradable. In particular we ask that you remove any toilet tissue.
You can read our full policy here.
Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means that the price of our trips can change overnight. We have, however, undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. In this respect we urge you to book early to ensure that you receive the price advertised on our website. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained in your individual case.
Prices may vary depending on date.
| Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sat 06 Sep - Sat 13 Sep Code: AVR2 |
Price: £2475 | Spaces available | Book |
| Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sat 11 Jul - Sat 18 Jul Code: AVR1 |
Price: £2575 | Spaces available | Book |
|
Sat 05 Sep - Sat 12 Sep Code: AVR2 |
Price: £2575 | Spaces available | Book |
| From Price | £2475 |
| Holiday Type | Trail Running |
| Duration | 8 Days |
| Group Size | 4-10 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Maximum Altitude | 2507m (8222ft) |
| Countries Visited | Italy |
| Meet In | Cortina, Italy |
