Northern Dolomites Ski Traverse

Northern Dolomites Ski Traverse: Day-to-Day Itinerary

The following itinerary outlines, for the most part, the most common Northern Dolomites Ski Traverse route. Throughout the traverse, we will have options to deviate from the itinerary to maximize enjoyment of the skiing, scenery, and summits according to weather and conditions. Almost daily chairlift support enables us to make more turns than we could on a purely muscle-driven traverse. Some nights will be spent in mountain huts (better described as mountain lodges) and others in village hotels or guesthouses. All accommodations have bunk rooms, double, or quadruple rooms, common showers and, of course, always-excellent Italian hospitality. When there is road or cat access to one of our accommodations, we can organize a luggage transfer if enough participants are interested. 

Travel/Arrival Day: Badia Valley, Italy 

Travel day to Badia Valley. Our lodging for the first two nights is in a comfortable, family-owned hotel.

Day 1: Badia Valley

Day packs only today as we head out on a day-trip! Breakfast at the hotel. Be ready to meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel at 8:30am for an equipment check and trip briefing right before we start the day. There are many options today and one of our favourites is the trip to Mount Settsass, which is commonly the second day of the Northern Dolomites Traverse, but given its length and character, it fits better in our program as the warm-up day. Taxi ride to Corvara and chairlift to Pralongia, then complete a transceiver exercise and climb to Mount Settsass (2,600m). A northerly-aspect descent brings us to Armentarola and a taxi ride back to our hotel in Badia.

500 m climb and 960 m descent. The day can also be extended by doing a few runs in the ski resort.

Day 2: Badia Valley to Lavarella Hut

Again, your guide will choose the best amongst a few options to get to the Lavarella Hut depending on weather and avalanche conditions. Most commonly we take the chairlift in St. Leonhard / Pedraces from where a short descending traverse leads to a long climb to the Lavarella Plateau and on to the Heiligkreuzkofel / Le Ciaval (2,907 m) or the Zehnerkofel (3,026)). A mellow descent will take us to the luxurious and very well managed Lavarella Hut.

2040m. 1,000 climb and descent.

Option 2: Another popular option to approach the Lavarella Hut (2040 m) starts higher in the valley at the Capanna Alpina lodge (1760 m) and can be combined with an ascent of the Monte Lavarella (3050 m) en route to the hut.

Day 3: Lavarella Hut

Light packs again today as we explore the Fanes / Sennes Nature Reserve. The Lavarella Hut is probably the best base for ski touring and offers many options for day trips from mellow to very steep on all aspects including Monte Lavarella (3050m), Bechei di Sopra (2790 m), Furcia Rossa Saddle / Monte Ciaval (2910m), Sass dlas Diec (3040 m).

Day 5: Lavarella Hut To Sennes Hut

The quickest route to connect both huts follows an Austrian WW1 supply road and takes only about 2 – 3 hrs (640 m climb, 550 m descent) and commonly we include a peak ascent either en route (for example Lavinores (2460 m) or we make our way to the Sennes Hut (2140 m) first and then venture out in the afternoon to one of the many peaks we can ski along the Sennes Plateau. 

Day 6: Sennes Hut to Pragser Wildsee

Quite a few options for peak ascents along the Sennes Plateau including the Sub-Peak of the Seekofel / Croda del Becco (2750 m) or the Monte Sella di Sennes (2790 m). Ideally in the afternoon, we traverse into the Ofenscharte / Forcella Sora di Forno for a great 900 m descent to the “Wild Lake of Prags” (Pragser Wildsee / Lago di Praies 1490 m) for lodging in the hotel on the lake.

Day 7: Pragser Wildsee to Cortina

Many options to choose from today but commonly we start the day with a taxi ride. A popular trip that fits in well with the traverse character of the week is an ascent of the Duerrenstein / Picco di Villandro (2,850 m), a great ski ascent with excellent views of the glaciated peaks to the north along the divide of the Alps. A long descent brings us to Schluderbach (1,430 m) on the road connecting Cortina and the town of Toblach / Dobiaccho. A taxi pick-up and 15-minute drive will bring us to Cortina D’Ampezzo for lodging in a comfortable hotel.

1,350 m climb, 1,400 m descent

Other options include the long northern aspect runs of Monte Cristallo (3150 m) en route to Cortina.

Departure/Travel Day:

Breakfast at the hotel marks the finish of the trip. Guests to depart after breakfast.

What’s Included

The lodging

Our first two nights will be at a cozy, family-run hotel with close access to the Sella Ronda ski resort – probably the largest in the world.

The remaining nights will be spent in comfortable alpine huts or village guesthouses with multi-bed bunk rooms and whenever possible, in double rooms. All accommodations have showers. The huts are usually heated in the common rooms and they provide wool blankets or down duvets in the bedrooms.

All of the huts offer a four-course dinner (soup, sometimes salad, meat entrée and dessert), and breakfast (coffee or tea, bread, butter, jam, cheese, sometimes sausage). Dinner is not included in the cost of the trip, breakfast is included.

Special dietary needs can usually only be accommodated to a limited extent in the huts. Please talk to us if you have concerns.

The water in the huts is drinkable so there is no need to bring a purifier.

You can buy lunch food in the valleys before departing on each leg of the ski traverse. Snacks and sandwiches are also for sale in the huts.

While this trip is relatively luxurious as ski traverses go, it is still physically demanding and takes us through serious mountain terrain. You must be able to ski safely and in control at all times while wearing a 6-8 kg backpack. Your skiing ability does not need to be technically perfect, but you should be a solid mountain skier with good “survival skiing skills”, and the ability to negotiate adverse snow conditions on steeper slopes without falling while still traveling at a decent pace.

You need to be in very good physical and mental condition, ready to be on your feet for about eight hours each day, including, steep, continuous, uphill climbs of up to 1,200 meters (4,100 ft). Some of the summit ascents require scrambling along exposed ridges on crampons, however, you can also choose to wait at the ski depot. The guide will carry a rope for those clients who prefer a belay.

We do not recommend this trip for backcountry ski touring novices.

We also do not recommend this trip for splitboarders.

Climate and Weather

Mid-March until end of April offers the best combination of weather, conditions and snow stability. Temperatures can vary hugely. If winter weather patterns prevail, you can expect temperatures between -5°C and -22°C. Normally in spring, the temperatures range from -10°C overnight to +15°C during the day, especially on sunny days and when descending to the valleys.

Getting there

Meeting point

We will meet at a welcoming, family-run hotel in Badia, South Tyrol, Italy – 10 km north of Corvara. This comfortable lodging with excellent food will be our home for the first three nights of the trip.

Getting there

Fly to Munich, Germany or to Venice or Milan, Italy. From any of the airports, take a train through Fortezza/Franzensfeste train station to San Lorenzo/St. Lorenzen. You can research your options and make train bookings at thetrainline.com. Try and book your train tickets as early as possible, as they become more expensive closer to the travel date. It is a 30-minute taxi ride from San Lorenzo to Badia.

Alternatively, car rental is relatively cheap in Europe. Just be sure and rent a GPS or bring one from home with the European map system.

If you prefer to arrive a day early to get over the jetlag and to ensure your luggage also arrives, we can assist you with finding a hotel in Munich.

For custom trips and larger groups, we will gladly quote an airport pick up in Munich.

Northern Dolomites Ski Traverse Gear List as Downloadable .PDF

Technical Equipment

 Alpine touring skis for spring ski touring, no wider than 100 mm underfoot
 Alpine touring boots, compatible with touring binding
 Ski crampons compatible with your skis and bindings
 Adjustable ski poles
 Climbing skins, well glued and precisely fitted to your skis (leaving the edges free once applied to ski base)
 Modern, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver
 Lightweight, metal snow shovel
 Avalanche probe (two to three meters long)
 Backpack (40 – 50 liters) with outside straps to attach skis and crampons
 Climbing harness for glacier travel
 One triple-action locking carabiner or two conventional locking carabiners
 Crevasse rescue equipment, if you are familiar with it. (Prusik cords, webbing, pulleys, auto-locking device). Your guide will bring a full set.
 General repair kit and Leatherman (can be shared between several people)
 Spare parts specific to your equipment
 Ski helmet (optional)

Clothing

We suggest using the layering system: Bring light, technical clothing that doesn’t take much space in your backpack and dries quickly when sweaty or wet. Layers can be added and taken off quickly when weather conditions change during the day.  

 Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex or similar)
 Wind and waterproof over pants (Gore-Tex or similar)
 Warm pants (eg. lined Schoeller fabric)
 Thick fleece or wool pullover, or PrimaLoft jacket
 Medium weight fleece shirt
 Capilene, fleece or wool underwear, top and bottoms
 Two or three pairs of gloves (lightweight and heavier weight)
 Scarf or neck gaiter
 Socks (synthetic or wool, thick outer and thin liners)
 Wool or fleece hat, covering the ears
 Gaiters that fit over your ski boot (unless pants seal tightly to your boots)
 Sun hat, preferably with wide rim
 Bandana (optional)

Around the huts and guesthouses

 Spare underwear and socks 
 Toiletries (minimum supply with small containers for soap and shampoo)
 Small, lightweight travel towel
 Down vest or light insulated jacket (optional)
 Lightweight sleeping bag liner (preferably silk). Wool covers or duvets are provided in the huts
 Light hut slippers or crocs (optional). Some huts provide them, others don’t.
 Alpine Club card, if you are a member 
 Ear plugs (recommended)

Other items

 Sun glasses with high UV protection. Nose cover optional. Extra pair of glasses in the group is a good idea
 Goggles with high UV protection
 Sun screen and lip protection with high SPF
 One-litre water bottle with an insulator. Water bladders not recommended
 Small thermos (optional)
 Headlamp with spare battery
 Rain cover specific to your pack, or large plastic bag
 Light stuff sacs or Ziploc bags to keep your backpack organized and important items dry (recommended)
 Snacks (nutrition bars, dried fruit and nuts, etc.) Lunch food can be purchased in the huts and guesthouses
 Personal first aid kit and other needs (eg. blister kit, prescription medicine, anti-inflammatory, contact lenses, prescription glasses, etc.)
 Pocket knife (optional)
 Passport
 Health and travel insurance documents
 Camera, spare batteries (optional)
 Compass, maps and GPS (optional)
 Ski wax / skin wax
 Hand sanitizer or sanitary hand wipes 

FAQ

Do I need to sign a Release of Liability & Assumption of Risk Agreement (a.ka. liability waiver)?

Yes, you do. Mountaineering, skiing, climbing, hiking, via ferrata and all other wilderness and adventure travel activities are inherently risky with potential for injuries or even death.
It is very important to us that you are aware of those risks before you start the booking process, which includes filling out a booking form and paying a deposit.
With signing the liability waiver, you confirm that you understand the potential risks and hazards, and are willing to accept the risks, which includes giving up legal rights you may have.
This would also be the time to ask questions or address concerns before you book.
For your reference here is a link to our Liability Waiver. Our booking terms & cancellation policy with more details can be found here

Will we need ski crampons and/or boot crampons?

For spring ski touring in the Alps the ski crampons are imperative for about 70% of all trips. Once the typical spring diurnal weather cycle kicks in you will likely be walking on a melt-freeze crust on any solar aspects. The boot crampons work well for shorter, steep bits that go straight up but you will likely find yourself on extended side-hilling on a melt-freeze crust that carries for skis but you’d post-hole on boots with crampons. Consequently, what travels easily with ski crampons turns into an excruciating nightmare on boots…

That being said, if you end up picking a week that has more wintery weather with snow fall every day you may not need them at all! But if you do need them, you REALLY need them!

Boots crampons are always a delicate subject. Whether clip-binding in front or behind, one fits on one shoe and not on the other or vice versa.The crampons that always fit are paradoxically the ones that are slowest to put on, those with a strap-binding front and back.

The weight is a very important factor, as well the protective cover to store them safely in the backpack. On Monte Cevedale, for example, we would not make it up to the summit (in certain weather conditions) without boot crampons. And on Monte Pasquale can be challenging without crampons because of 15 meters of hard ground. Please bring a pair along and if the guide feels you do not need them, they can be left with your luggage at the hotel.

Can the Northern Dolomites Ski Traverse be done on a splitboard?

Some sections of the Northern Dolomites Ski Traverse lend themselves to splitboards, but other parts are not splitboard-friendly. There are some low-angle descents and up-and-down sections that must be done in “walk mode”. Also, in case the party needs to rope up in bad visibility, skiing tends to be easier than boarding thanks to the ability to ‘snowplow’. All in all, the Northern Dolomites Ski Traverse is probably not well-suited to split boards.

Are there extras we can purchase at the huts and will we need cash?

All of the huts provide a three- to four-course dinner (soup, sometimes salad, main with meat and dessert), and breakfast (coffee, tea, bread, butter, jam, cheese, sometimes also sausage). These meals are included in your trip price. However, be sure to bring some Euro cash for the extras in the accommodations as they often do not accept credit cards.

To be well on the safe side, we suggest bringing about 50 Euros in cash per day.

Beverages are available for € 3-6 . Good wine costs € 20-35 per bottle. The water at the huts is officially not drinkable, but our guides say “although it is good”. When showers are available, they cost around € 3, or shower + towel is around € 5.

You can purchase lunch-to-go at the huts and in the valleys. Snacks, sandwiches, and hot lunchtime meals can also be purchased in the huts for € 10 to 20.

Can I refill my BCA canister in Europe?

We haven’t seen the BCA system in South Tyrol. If the cartridges are different from those of ABS, Mammut, etc., then it might be difficult to find them. You should look for it in bigger cities before arriving for the traverse. Generally, in higher mountain regions in spring, people don’t bring airbags as often.

Northern Dolomites Ski Traverse  Custom Trips / Private Group Departures

Northern Dolomites private group pricing:
Why not find some friends and put together your own group? For private groups, we can offer the following pricing assuming the same inclusions :

2 participants: 60% premium in addition to our advertised per person price
3 participants: 40% premium in addition to our advertised per person price
4 participants: 8% premium in addition to our advertised per person price
5 participants: Our advertised per person price
6 participants 8% discount from our advertised per person price
7 participants 12% discount from our advertised per person price
8 participants 15% discount from our advertised per person price*

*we only confirm a group of 8 with 1 guide if all participants are strong skiers with previous multi-day hut trip experience. For groups that are not as strong, we recommend 2 guides, in which case the discount does not apply.

For groups larger than 8, please reach out to us for a custom quote.

Northern Dolomites private group/custom trips itinerary options:

Additional days:
A great way to acclimatize and to expand your trip by a day or two is to add ski touring days near the starting point of our traverse. The Dolomites offer endless off-piste skiing options. Ask us for a quote for additional days.

For custom departures, we can also extend or shorten the trip. The huts and lodges offer enough ski touring terrain to keep us entertained for plenty of extra days.

Feedback

We will gladly put potential clients in touch with previous participants of each trip in order for interested guests to get more personalized references and their questions answered from a more objective point of view than what our office could provide.

“Marika was the perfect guide for us and a truly exceptional trip leader!  She is fun, engaging, knowledgeable, and an outstanding skier!!  She did an incredible job finding routes for us and ensuring each day was different and included various technical challenges, peaks, vistas, and always a great lunch spot.  Marika spent a lot of time researching, talking to other guides, and scouting out routes for us. She also spent a lot of time with us before and after our ski days and we really enjoyed her company.  She works hard and takes her job seriously.

Marika has very good things to say about On Top Mountaineering and really respects Jorg’s leadership and experience.  We are glad to know that our tourist dollars are going to such a respected and upstanding company.

Thank you for answering all of our millions of questions and making sure all our paperwork was in order and the logistics worked out.  Everything seemed to go perfectly.  The only thing missing was a bit of fresh powder… but that part was up to Mother Nature.” – Sally B., USA