Cortina Via Ferrata Hut Trek

Cortina Via Ferrata Itinerary

We can easily adjust the itinerary to accommodate for adverse weather or the group’s preferences. There are usually multiple alternatives to arrive at the day’s destination. If we arrive early enough, you will have the option of doing another via ferrata route, a mountain ascent, or you can just relax with a good book and a cappuccino on the hut terrace.

Please note: Due to the lack of a generally accepted grading system for via ferrata routes (it seems every via ferrata guidebook has its own grading system) we describe the via ferrata used in this itinerary in general terms of difficulty, mileage and duration. Judging the time it takes to complete a via ferrata by merely the vertical and horizontal distance that is being travelled can be hugely deceiving as it may take several hours to travel a kilometer on a via ferrata while on a good hiking trail it usually takes 15 minutes, not to mention if conditions are adverse. We describe some but not all of the trip options available, depending on the participants’ abilities and preferences as well as weather and mountain conditions at the time.

*Your trip is 8 days in total – the first and last days are travel days and the 6 numbered days are guided via ferrata days*

Arrival/Travel Day:

Arrive in Cortina D’Ampezzo for lodging in our preferred hotel. We recommend arriving in the afternoon to allow yourself some time to explore the town, buy snacks at the supermarket, finish any last-minute packing for the hut trip and, and have a leisurely dinner before an early start tomorrow.

Part 1: Traverse of the Fanes / Tofana / Cinque Torri Ranges to Cortina

Day 1: Cortina to Averau Hut

Breakfast at our hotel followed by a guide meeting in the lobby, trip briefing and distribution of via ferrata equipment. You can store your luggage (1 suitcase or duffel) in the storage room at your hotel – please do this before meeting with your guide.

Depending on group size, you will either drive with your guide or in a taxi to your first trailhead at Passo Giau, a 30 minute drive. We start out with the the Ra Gusela Via Ferrata for an easy introduction to via ferrata travel and a great opportunity to familiarize yourselves with the equipment and safety procedures. The route begins with a 40-minute walk before we reach the first cables. Eventually, a short but airy section will lead us to the view terrace of the Nuvolau Hut, which is located right on the summit of the Monte Nuvolau (2540 m), one of the best viewpoints of the Dolomites (2.5 – 3 hrs, 360m = 1200 ft vertical climb). A short walk leads down to the Averau Hut where we can drop our packs and where we will lodge. We will have lunch at either the Nuvolau or Averau Hut. After lunch, we will venture out to climb the Monte Averau route with a light day pack. A short walk leads to the short via ferrata section of the climb, a step up in difficulty from the first one with a harder ascending route. At the end of the via ferrata section, we have a fun scramble to the summit (no cables) that leads to a huge summit cross and an even better viewpoint that includes most of the 3000 meter peaks of the Dolomites including the Tofana, Civetta, Pelmo and the Marmolada with its northern aspect glacier. We descend on the same trail and make our way back to the Averau Hut for dinner and rest. 520m = 1700 ft climb, 320m = 1060 ft descent, 6 km = 3.75 mi horizontal distance, 5-6 hrs walking time.

Bad Weather Option: We may do other lower-level via ferratas or the WW1 tunnels at Lagazuoi, then approach the Averau Hut on non-technical trails.

Day 2: Averau Hut to Lagazuoi Hut 

Early breakfast before we begin our day. There are quite a few via ferrata options today to arrive at the summit of the Lagazuoi (2670m) for lodging in the Rifugio Lagazuoi. The following is the most common:

Descent to Falzarego Pass via Forcella Gallina. We are usually able to drop off our overnight packs at the Gondola there (1.5 hrs walking time). A 30 minute level approach leads to the Col di Bois Via Ferrata. The first 20 minutes of the via ferrata are quite challenging with a short overhanging section, fitted with excellent fixed equipment.  From there, the route becomes easier until the last 30 minutes where the route becomes steep with some more strenuous traverse sections. The via ferrata commonly takes 4 hrs for the 300 meters vertical climb and we usually have a scenic picnic lunch at the top. A pleasant climb via the Forcella Travenanzes and Lagazuoi leads to the Rifugio Lagazuoi, standing at 2752m, this is the highest elevation hut we will lodge in.

730m = 2400 ft vertical climb, 480m = 1600 ft descent, 9 km = 5.63 mi distance = 6 hrs walking time.

In the afternoon we often have time to explore the historic WW1 tunnels in the south face of the Lagazuoi (usually takes 2 hours, several route options – equipped trail without via ferrata rating) and/or easy climb to the main summit of the Lagazuoi (15 minutes one way). Lodging at the top of the mountain in the Lagazoui Rifugio where they serve up an excellent 3-course dinner and have some of the most encompassing views of the Dolomites right off your dinner table!

Day 3: Lagazuoi Hut to Cortina

Breakfast on the panoramic terrace (in good weather). Again, many itinerary options today. The most common option with lots of WW1 history is the Hexenstein/ Sass di Stria /“Witch Stone” with the newly established Via Ferrata Fusetti, which is ideally combined with a descent to the Valparola Pass on the Kaiserjaegersteig (WW1 Austrian supply trail, easy via ferrata with lots of walking sections plus a pretty exciting hanging bridge, 600m = 1980ft descent, 1.5 hrs) and, depending on timing, with the Goiginger Tunnels. The Fusetti via ferrata (40 min approach from Valparola pass) takes about 1.30 hours to complete and offers a moderately difficult route that is concentrated in the first 20 minutes. The via ferrata joins the normal hiking route along the north ridge where we have the option to ascend all the way to the summit of this spectacular peak (30 minutes one way), which used to be a hotspot during WW1 with Austrian summit positions. There are an abundance of tunnels and trenches which we will be using for our descent back to the Tre Sassi parking lot (45 minutes). Should there be time left, we can still visit the WW1 open-air museum which is hosted in a restored Austrian defence fortress. 20 min taxi ride back to Cortina for lodging. Dinner is at your leisure.

1000m = 3300 ft descent, 530m = 1750ft, 6.5 km = 4 mi distance.

More difficult option: We start by retracing yesterday’s steps descending via Forcella Travenanzes to the Lipella Via Ferrata (difficult, relatively sustained, often residual snow in spots during early season), which takes you through some WW1 tunnels to the “Casteletto” and on to the summit of the Tofana di Rozes (3200m), one of the highest peaks of the Dolomites. The entire ferrata takes about 5 hrs, bail out option after about 2/3 of the trip at the “Tre Dite” which about 4/5th of all “ferratista” tend to take advantage of. The descent from the Tofana di Rozes is a poorly marked scramble which can be very challenging in fog or adverse conditions. Return via Rifugio Guissani and Rifugio Dibona for taxi pick up and 20 min return drive to Cortina. Lodging in our hotel in Cortina. Dinner is at your leisure.

1540m = 5080 ft descent, 900m = 2970ft climb, 11km = 6.9 mi = 7-8 hrs walking time if exit via Tre Dite, if going to the summit of Tofana di Rozes add 400m = 1320 ft and 2.5 hrs walking / via ferrata time.

Part 2: Cadini / Sexten Dolomites Traverse

Day 4: Cortina to Fonda Savio Hut

Breakfast at the hotel before we start our 3-day hut trip in the Sexten and Cadini Ranges: 20 minute drive to Misurina. 1.5 hour, 400 m (1300 ft) uphill hike through beautiful forest to the spectacularly located Fonda Savio Hut (excellent dinners, small – large bunk bed dorm rooms, no showers, breakfasts on the small side) where we will lodge for the night. We’ll drop off our overnight bags and have lunch at the hut. In the afternoon we will tackle the difficult “Via Ferrata Merlone” to the Cima Cadin (2788m) This via ferrata route features many ladders, steep and sustained sections, lots of air, 4 hrs round trip, 400 m 1300 ft up and down. Descent on the same route back to the hut for dinner and lodging.

Itinerary Options: The Fonda Savio Hut is also reachable by two longer hiking trails that circumnavigate the entire Cadini Range with chairlift access at Col di Varda. There are some cable-protected sections but no via ferrata clip-in gear is required. The more beautiful itinerary passes on the East side of the range via the Citta di Carpi Hut over 5 cols with a few cable-protected sections. 5 hrs, 7 km (4.4 mi), 700 m (2300 ft) climb, 300 m (1000 ft) climb.

Day 5: Fonda Savio Hut to Buellelejoch Hut (Rifugio Pian di Cengia)

After breakfast at the hut, we make our way to one of the most spectacular and famous trio of peaks in the Dolomites: Tre Cime di Lavaredo, also known as Drei Zinnen. We travel on the “Sentiero Bonacossa,” an equipped trail that largely traverses along a system of ledges with one steeper section that is usually wet/slippery, featuring a ladder.  Expect breathtaking vistas all the way to the Auronzo Hut. From the Auronzo Hut we travel on a fairly level hiking trail into the Center of the Sexten Dolomites for lunch at the Lavaredo Hut (3.5 hrs). In the afternoon, we’ll climb the Innerkofler Via Ferrata to the Paternkofel to enjoy the unique views of the North Faces of the Drei Zinnen/ Tre Cime, one of the many “postcard images” of the Dolomites. Descent by the Via Ferrata Schartenweg (Percoso delle Forcelle) to the Buellelejoch Hut/ Rifugio Pian di Cengia (the smallest and for some, the nicest hut of the Sexten Dolomites) for dinner and lodging! The Rogger family will spoil us with their original south Tyrolian cuisine!

8 hrs, 10 km (6.25 mi), lots of shorter climbs and descents with approx. 600 m (2000 ft) climb and 450 m (1500 ft) descent.

Itinerary Option: The afternoon via ferrata around the Paternkofel / Monte Paterno) can be bypassed by using an easy hiking trail that leads directly to the Buellelejoch Hut in about 2 hrs. 4 km (2.5 mi), 110 m (360 ft) descent, 300 m (1000 ft) vertical climb)

Day 6: Buellelejoch Hut (Rifugio Pian di Cengia) to Cortina

We’ll enjoy our final hut breakfast before we finish our loop around the famous Drei Zinnen / Tre Cime today. An easy, almost level 1 hour hike gets us to the Drei Zinnen Hut/ Rifugio Locatelli. We can drop our backpacks and tackle the “Grand Finale” the “Leiternsteig” (ladder trail) to the Toblinger Knoten,/ Torre Toblino, a short but challenging via ferrata with a series of steep ladders and a slippery chimney that requires attention (takes about 1.5 hrs). The tiny summit offers the best possible view of the Drei Zinnen / Tre Cime, which is why the Austrian troops built the original via ferrata there during WW1 to use the peak as an artillery lookout. We will descend by the much easier “Feldkurat Hosp Via Ferrata” down the east face and back to the hut for lunch and overnight bag retrievel. 3 hrs, very little horizontal, 200 m (660 ft) climb and descent from the Drei Zinnen Hut.

In the afternoon, the “Tourist Trail” (yes, it will be busy) takes us back around the north side of the Tre Cime /Drei Zinnen right underneath the awe-inspiring overhanging north faces to the end of a toll road at the Auronzo Hut. Depending on timing and energy level, we can either descend for drinks to a Malga (traditional high pasture farm) or take a bus/taxi back to Cortina for lodging in our Hotel.

6 hrs, 8 km (5 mi), 500 m (1640 ft) climb, 700 m ( 2300 ft) descent.

Itinerary Option: From the Buellelejoch Hut, we can finish the trip on the easy “Strada degli Alpini” WW1 Via Ferrata and descend to the quaint town of Sexten for a taxi pick up. 1 hour drive back to Cortina. When following that option the day can be extended by climbing the Sextener Rotwand / Croda Rossa via the difficult Zondanella Via Ferrata and descending by the easy normal route Via Ferrata to the Rotwandwiesenhaus where a gondola takes us to the valley bottom in Sexten-Bad.

Please return all rental equipment back to your guide upon returning to our Cortina Hotel. Dinner is at your leisure.

Departure/Travel Day:

Final breakfast before hotel checkout. Thank you for joining us on a via ferrata adventure in Cortina D’Ampezzo. If you had a great time and are ready for something more challenging, check out our Rosengarten Via Ferrata Hut Trek or Brenta Via Ferrata Hut Trek.

Trip Inclusions

Included:

• 6 days of guiding by an internationally certified (UIAGM / IFMGA), English-speaking mountain guide or aspirant under supervision
• 3 nights lodging at a hotel in Cortina (double or twin room)
• 4 nights double, multi-bed or dormitory lodging in mountain lodges or huts
• Luggage storage
• 4 dinners for the nights in mountain huts
• 7 breakfasts
• 4 taxi or bus transfers from Cortina to the trailheads and back
• Guide expenses
• Equipment use: harness, helmet, and shock absorber set for via ferrata
• All trip organization, reservations, and assistance with all pre- and post-trip preparations

Not Included:

• Single hotel room supplement (€70 – €90 per night x 3)
• Airfare
• Transfers to and from Cortina
• 3 dinners in Cortina
• All beverages (water, alcoholic, and non-alcoholic)
• All lunches and snacks
• Gondolas/chairlifts (if applicable)
• Insurance
• Any additional cost due to changes in the itinerary, may they be caused by weather, mountain conditions or personal preference

4 Nights/ 3 Days Guided Via Ferrata

Participate in either Part 1 OR Part 2 of our standard itinerary.

Part 1 is great for beginners. The 3-day itinerary includes 2 days of easy via ferrata + 1 day of exploring the WW1 tunnels at Lagazuoi.

Part 2 is better for those with previous experience on either via ferrata climbs or rock climbing. The itinerary includes a full 3 days of via ferrata in the Sexten Dolomites with incredible views of the Tre Cime Mountain Range.

Dates for these half trips coincide with the dates for our full trips. For example, if our 7 night/6 day trip runs from June 11 – June 18. Part 1 is from june 11 – June 15 and Part 2 is from June 14 -18.

2026 Price: EUR € 1245 per person

Inclusions

• 3 x days of guiding by an internationally certified (UIAGM / IFMGA), English-speaking mountain guide or aspirant under supervision
• 2 x nights lodging at a hotel in Cortina
• 2 x nights double, multi-bed or dormitory lodging in mountain lodges or huts
• 2 x dinners for the nights in mountain huts
• 4 x breakfasts
• 2 x taxi or bus transfers from Cortina to the trailheads and back
• Guide expenses
• Equipment use: harness, helmet, carabiner and shock absorber set for via ferrata
• All trip organization, reservations, and assistance with all pre- and post-trip preparations

Not Included

• Single hotel room supplement (please inquire)
• Airfare
• Airport shuttles (Venice airport transfer from 25 euros one way)
• 2 x dinners in Cortina
• All beverages (water, alcoholic, and non-alcoholic)
• All lunches and snacks
• Gondolas/chairlifts (if applicable)
• Any additional cost due to changes in the itinerary, may they be caused by weather, mountain conditions or personal preference

Transportation

Our Cortina Dolomites trips begin in Cortina D’Ampezzo and can be most easily reached from the Venice Airport.

Public Transport: Most popular is the Cortina Express Bus which leaves at a variety of times daily in high season from Mid-June until Mid-September and then fewer services in the shoulder season starting mid-September.
Departures are either from Venice Mestre Train station or 15 minutes later from Venice Marco Polo Airport and takes around 2.15 hrs to Cortina.

We suggest arriving at Venice Marco Polo Airport before 2 pm to catch one of the 3 daily departures.

Click Here for the booking page of the Cortina Express Bus. To book your ticket with an airport pick up, enter “Venezia Aeroporto” (Venice airport tourist bus pick up) to “Cortina D’Ampezzo”. If you spend the night in Venice before heading to Cortina, you can take a boat to get to Piazzale Roma. From there you need to hop on a bus for about 20 min to get to the main train station in Mestre, which is where the Cortina Express Bus starts. If you are having issues with making your reservation, please email us and we can provide you with a step-by-step guide to booking this transfer.

Click Here to view the timetable for Cortina Express Bus and select the “Cortina – Treviso – Venice” link. 

Another bus company option: ATVO bus

Schedules tend to run from January 1 to September 30 each year. For the Cortina Bus route, departures are available from Venice Piazzale Roma, Venice Mestre Train Station and Venice Marco Polo Airport.

Click Here for the booking page of the ATVO Bus. For the Cortina Bus route, departures are available from Venice Piazzale Roma, Venice Mestre Train Station and Venice Marco Polo Airport.  To book your ticket, enter FROM: “Aeroporto Marco Polo” OR “Mestre – Stazione FF SS.” OR “Venezia – Piazzale Roma: to “Cortina D’Ampezzo”.  If you are having issues with making your reservation, please email us and we can provide you with a step-by-step guide to booking this transfer.

Click Here to view the timetable for the ATVO Bus and search for “line 29”.

If you arrive from different locations (Munich, Bozen / Bolzano) or if the Cortina Bus schedules do not work for you, we gladly assist you with arranging your public transport by other means.

Train Travel to Cortina: This option is a bit cumbersome because you have to make your way to the main train station in Venice, take the train to Calalzo (switch trains) and then get on a bus in Calalzo, which takes you to Cortina.

If you plan to travel by train to another European destination before or after your Cortina trip, then we suggest you travel by train to/from Venice Mestre train station by Italian Rail Services, and the Cortina Express Bus for transport to/from Cortina.

Private Shuttle: Alternatively we can arrange for a private shuttle from Venice Marco Polo Airport or  Piazzale Roma with our preferred taxi that takes about 1.5 hrs at 330 +  Euros depending on group size (1-8 passengers). We can gladly assist you in any transport arrangements or post-trip lodging reservations.

Travel to Cortina from the north (Munich to Cortina = about 7 hrs)
For your train / bus travel from Munich airport best go to the internet page of the Deutsche Bahn https://www.bahn.com/en and enter “Munich airport” for departure and “Toblach” for destination. There are two routes available and departures are about hourly. Best pick the route via Munich Ostbahnhof – Franzensfeste – Toblach which takes 6 hrs requiring 2 changes and costing around Euro 75 (2022) when travelling second class without any discounts. Driving time in a car is 4 hrs per google maps assuming clear roads. If you want to overnight you could do so in Munich, Innsbruck or Toblach / Dobbiaco. For Munich we would recommend taking the S-Bahn (subway / regional train) into town and lodge somewhere around the downtown core close to the Isartor (Medieval City Gate). If you have extra time, a small detour for an overnight in either Brixen / Bressanone or Bozen / Bolzano are really worth while.

From Toblach, take the South Tirolian public bus service http://www.sad.it/ departing in front of the train station. Enter “Toblach Bahnhof” for departure and “Cortina D’Ampezzo” for destination. Departures are roughly every two hours taking 50 minutes for the scenic ride at a cost of Euro 5.

Cortina Via Ferrata Private Trip Pricing

Perfect for families, friends, social groups, and more! Book a private trip and reap the benefits, including:

• Discounts for groups of groups of 6 or more
• Custom itineraries available on request
• Private rooms for smaller groups (when available)

For private groups, we can offer the following premiums or discounts on our advertised prices

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: 20% premium in addition to our advertised per person price
5 participants: Our advertised per-person price
6 participants: 10% discount from our advertised per person price

For groups larger than 6, please contact us for a custom quote.

Custom trips are available any time from June – October, any duration > 3 days

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

Trip Related Questions:

What are the Huts like? Double Rooms? Showers? Food Choices?
The standard of the huts in the Dolomites differ hugely. While some of the huts that we are using for this trek are rather like mountain lodges that offer double or 4 bed rooms and showers in the hall (Lavarella, Lagazuoi, Drei Zinnen) others have only cold running water and bunk bed sleeping in rooms with up to 10 fellow sleepers (Fonda Savio, Buellelejoch). Smaller rooms are in short supply and cannot be guaranteed for every trip or guest. Huts supply pillows, duvets or wool blankets.The food is always delicious and plentiful with lots of choices. Special diets can usually be accommodated.

Can I buy boots / backpacks and other equipment in Cortina?
There are a few sport stores within close walking distance from the Hotel, namely the K2 Sport store and the Cooperativa. The latter is the large department store on the right side shortly after you enter the pedestrian mall. Their sporting department is upstairs and the often have the best deals!

Is there a luggage transport between huts? How much do we have to carry?
All huts and mountain lodges used for this trek are remotely located high in the mountains and away from paved roads. While a luggage transfer can be organized on a custom basis, it is costly and not customary. Instead most people travel lightly and only carry spare underwear & socks, light hut slippers and a few personal hygiene items beyond of what one would usually carry on a day trip. A 25 – 35 liter backpack should be sufficient weighing about 5 kg plus your daily supply of fluids. Don’t forget that the trip is divided into two legs of three days each – hence there is a chance to replenish with fresh clothing mid-trip.

You can also store luggage at your Cortina hotel whilst on trek.

Knowing that we are going hut to hut and carrying a lighter load, what is your recommendations on boots or trekking shoes?
If the weather is nice, we often wear approach shoes (low ankle hiking shoes with a vibram sole with good tread). You are sacrificing a bit of ankle support that a regular high ankle hiking boot would give you, especially in the gravelly sections, which there are a few. It’s also not so great in snow and if the trails are muddy. What we wouldn’t bring are trail running shoes (too flimsy, not enough tread, not enough water resistant) and stiff hiking boots (too cumbersome for walking and on the ferratas). But like any place in the mountains it can snow any day and any time of the year and if so, you may be happy for ankle high hiking boots?…sorry to have to give the “it depends” answer.

Should I take hiking poles?
We recommend using only one collapsible pole if any. On the via ferrata trails you can’t use them anyways and they can get in the way if they stick out too high from the backpack. Hiking poles can be rented or bought at the various sport shops in town.

Will I be able to access a cell network or Wi-Fi?
Internet access is available in Cortina at our hotel and many bars/cafes. Currently, the huts have no Wi-Fi, most people rely on the cell service, which is can be a bit spotty in most hut locations.  Make sure to inquire with your cell phone provider as to your roaming capabilities in Europe

Lunch is not included in the trip price. How is lunch handled during the Hut trek?

The lunch options depend on the day and preferences. Some days will see us passing by a hut close to lunch time giving us an option to stop and do a sit-down lunch. Most days we will bring pic-nic supplies, which gives us more flexibility, especially in high season when lots of huts are super-busy during lunch time. The pic-nic supplies can be bought in town and / or at the huts where we spend the night. Often the huts offer a lunch bag with sandwich, fruit, chocolate etc. if you order it the evening before. Most of our guests start off from town with a supply of snacks (granola bars, nuts, fruit, etc), breads, local cheese and dried meats (salami, speck) and supplement in the huts if need be.

 Are we roped up for this? I’m curious exactly how the Via Ferrata is done.
This seems to be a good example:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PEBtTp644I
You will see that you have 2 leashes attached to a device with a braking/shock system and that is attached to your harness.  When done properly, you are always attached to the cable and when you get to the end, you unclip one leash and attach it to the other side of the bolt and then the other so you are always secure.

Is drinking water available at huts or creeks in the Dolomites?
Generally all guarded huts in the Dolomites have running water. In a very few huts, it is labelled as “not potable” which is not because the water is contaminated but rather because it is not guaranteed that it is potable. For example at the Fonda Savio Hut the water is collected from surface water from a small glacier and the location of water collection changes over the summer and has to be adjusted at times. Most people drink the water at the huts with no problems. If you are uncomfortable with this, take tablets, water filters, water sterilizers, or purchase bottled water directly at the huts. A liter of mineral water costs around 3-4 euros.

Creek water in the Dolomites is usually potable and so far nobody that we know of ever had any problems. That being said, it is nice to drink from creeks that have a good flow and are originating in high regions that have no source of contamination (i.e. no grazing cows etc). We don’t recommend to drink from lakes in the Dolomites.

What are my options if I’d like to do Via Ferrata earlier or later in the season than the trip dates are offered in the Dolomites?
The better venue for early season is the area around the Garda Lake / Lago di Garda. It’s an awesome mix of lake country with a very steep limestone relief of almost 7000 feet and a base elevation of 300 ft = pleasant temps in May and no residual snow coverage.

Where can I do my laundry in Cortina?
Laundry service is available in Cortina at:  http://cortina.lavapiu.it/it/contatti.php  however its a bit out of town—probably 10 minutes by car.  You may be best off to bring a little container of liquid detergent (in a Nalgene or similar) and do a quick sink wash of your stuff and hang it to dry.

Cortina D’Ampezzo

Just 2 hours north of Venice, Cortina D’Ampezzo is the perfect mountain escape for international travellers drawn to the beauty of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cortina has been a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts since the 1930s. Its popularity grew in 1956 as a ski destination when it hosted the first Italian Winter Olympic Games. Summer popularity has grown over the years as sports like rock climbing, via ferrata, and hut-to-hut trekking became more mainstream. Boasting stunning valleys, hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails, 30 via ferrata routes, downhill biking trails, and some of the best ski resorts in Europe, Cortina continues to draw adventure-seekers from around the world.

Arrival Day in Cortina

The day before the trek begins, you will arrive in Cortina D’Ampezzo to check into our preferred Hotel. We suggest arriving in the afternoon to leave yourself time to pack a lunch for the following day and have a leisurely dinner before getting a good night’s rest. There are no group obligations on this day.

First Guide Meeting

You will meet with your UIAGM / IFMGA Mountain Guide on first trekking day after breakfast, in the lobby of your hotel for introductions, a trip briefing and distribution of via ferrata rental gear. You should be ready to start the day immediately after, often with a taxi ride to the first trailhead.

Climate, Weather, Temperatures

The Dolomites, being on the “sunny side of the Alps” are usually blessed with favourable weather. However, as anywhere in the mountains, there is also a chance to see some snow, if a storm hits. This is rare in July and August but can happen in June and September. Daytime temperatures can range from -5C (23F) to 25C (77F). Likelihood of temperatures and precipitation for each month are described on this helpful weather graph for the Dolomites, which averages the past 30 years 

When Are the Huts Open?

The huts in the Cortina area of the Dolomites tend to be open from June 15 – September 25, with some huts being open as early June and as late as mid-October. Busiest times are from late-June through to mid-September. The period around August 5 – 25 being Italy’s busy vacation time.

Why Do You Not Offer this Trip in August? 

The month of August is the Italian’s busy vacation time. Hotels across the Dolomites and other popular vacation towns accommodate for the influx of Italian tourists by imposing minimum night stay requirements of 3 – 7 days that do not align with our itineraries. 1 night stays are often possible but they come with very high premiums, sometimes 3 – 4 x what we budget. Rather than passing these premiums on to our lovely clients, we encourage bookings outside of August or on another high route.

Lodging at the Huts

• The huts are heated and provide sheets and comforters or wool blankets – however, in some of the huts the sheets/blankets are not changed between each client stay, so it is mandatory to bring a sleeping bag liner. The lightest models available are made of silk and weigh around 100 grams (1/2 pound).
• The Huts included along our route vary in size from very large to small and rustic depending on their location – all are built in magnificent settings. Some of the huts only offer coed, multi-bed bunk rooms for 10 to 14 trekkers (when fully occupied).
• When lodging in dorm rooms/ non-private rooms, you will be sleeping with your fellow trekkers and most likely other trekkers as well. If you are a sensitive sleeper, we highly recommend ear plugs, an eye mask, and perhaps a sleep aid.

Breakfasts and Dinners at the Huts

• Breakfasts typically consist of tea/coffee, bread, jams, cold cuts or ham, cheese, muesli, cereal with milk or yogurt. Smaller or more remote huts, like the Fonda Savio Hut, may have smaller breakfast offering. If you have your preferred cereal for breakfast, granola bar or power snack, you should probably bring it along from home, as it might not be available in the small food stores in Italian mountain villages or at the huts.
• Dinners are usually between 3- 4 courses (“mezza pensione”) which consist mostly of pasta or soup, a meat entree and dessert and/or cheese.

Lunches 

Lunches are not included in our trip packages. We recommend packing a lunch for the first day of trekking. Packed lunches are available at each hut and must be ordered the night before.

Luggage Storage and Transfers

You can use the hotel luggage storage facilities at your own risk. Neither OnTop nor the hotel accepts any responsibility for loss of or damage to the luggage or the contents (including any valuables, even if we have been advised) during storage, the disposal process or any luggage transfers that may be part of your trip package. That being said, we have never had any issues with lost luggage during storage or transfer.

Medical/Rescue and Trip Cancellation Insurance

We recommend pandemic coverage with your insurance policy.

Do Huts & restaurants in Cortina, Misurina & Venice take major credit cards?

The most widely accepted credit card is Visa or MC. Many places do not accept Discover or Amex. Cash is king there! I would recommend pulling cash out of an ATM for smaller meals and purchases.

Most huts prefer cash but they can run credit cards for larger bills. Best to charge everything to your account/room and pay the evening before.

Will I need crampons in early season with residual snow in the Dolomites?
If you have YakTraks that is not a bad idea, especially in early season in years with a lot of residual snowpack and in the fall, when precipitation falls as snow in the higher elevations of the Dolomites already. Crampons (10 or 12 points) may be a bit much and a pain to carry.

What is the Shopping like in Cortina and the Dolomites?

You will find a wide variety of shopping in Cortina – from a multi-floor department store to luxury clothing stores. The most popular shopping area in Cortina d’Ampezzo is the Corso Italia pedestrian way. Here one can find souvenirs, popular fashion and clothing brands, designer boutiques, sports equipment, jewelry, antiques, art. Local artists and businesses also have shops downtown and are known for their “made in Italy” products. Sports Equipment Rental Shops are also found in the pedestrian area and rent hardgoods like hiking poles, rock climbing gear, and bikes.

Italian “Riposo”. What is it? Why do Shops and Restaurants Close in the Afternoon?

In Italy, you will come to find that many shops, grocery stores/supermarkets, and restaurants close for a few hours in the afternoon. This is called the “riposo” or in English, simply “rest”.  It is an integral part of Italian culture that typically sees Italians taking a 1.5 – 2 hour rest break after lunch. It is a cherished part of the day where Italians nap, rest, spent time with loved ones, avoid the heat during the hottest hours of the day, etc. Between 12:30 pm and 4 pm is when you will commonly see shops, and restaurants shut down so plan ahead!

Can I Do It?

Our Cortina Via Ferrata Trek is meant as an introductory trip to via ferrata travel and multi-day treks in the Alps. Most days will see you on your feet for 6 – 8 hrs at a moderate pace and involve frequent scrambling on via ferratas, which is less strenuous in a cardio-vascular sense but requires good general fitness. Your backpack will be relatively light since the huts provide excellent food and blankets.

One strength of the itinerary is the high level of flexibility to adjust the program to adverse weather or the group’s preferences. Most days offer multiple alternatives to arrive at the destination and/or we reach our destination by early afternoon and guests have the option between another via ferrata, a peak ascent or relaxing with a good book and a cappuccino on the hut terrace. This trip is ideal for adventurous hikers that don’t mind the exposure of steep, narrow trails.