So, you’re planning a hiking holiday to the Dolomites?
Wild and breathtakingly beautiful, this incredible region packs a punch for thrill seekers. Smaller than the Alps and more rugged than the Pyrenees, the Dolomites promise a magical getaway. It’s perfectly suited to mountain biking, climbing, and long-distance hiking tours too.
Below, we’ve covered three of our top tips to help you prepare for a safe, successful and unforgettable hiking holiday in the Dolomite Mountains.
Get yourself ready
Don’t underestimate the difficulty levels of hiking in the Dolomites.
Even if you’re familiar with mountainous areas in the UK, such as the Lake District or Snowdonia, the technical terrain and unpredictable weather in the Dolomites should be taken seriously.
Firstly, you’ll need very good levels of physical fitness to cope with multi-day treks in the area. Steep inclines, loose ground and high altitudes make every walk challenging. You must be a good navigator to confidently hike in this area, so it’s worth getting familiar with GPS tools and maps.
You can stop for food and rest at the many refugios on the mountain peaks, but it’s worth researching your routes and only planning to cover a realistic distance every day.
Choose top-rated trails
With knowledge of your mountaineering skills and fitness levels, it’s time to plan your hiking routes. Popular choices include:
- Alta Via 1: Perhaps the most famous hut-to-hut hiking route in the region, this 140km-long trek puts you through a staggering 7,200 metres of total elevation. It typically takes between 7-10 days.
- Tre Cime di Lavaredo: With plenty of via feratta routes to choose from, the Tre Cime Nature Park is beautiful and jam-packed in peak season. Loops in the area start at just 8.8km long.
- Rosengarten Traverse: This beautiful route includes something for all abilities. It calls for an overnight stay in the Refugio Passo Principe and takes just 3-5 days to complete.
If you can’t find a route that suits your plans or fitness levels, don’t worry. There are plenty of specialised providers of bespoke Italy tours to craft your itinerary for you. When you book with a tour provider, you can rest assured that you’ll be within your physical limits – all while enjoying a brilliant challenge and unbelievable views.
Stay safe
Hiking in any mountain range is tied to inherent safety risks, but these should be taken very seriously in the Dolomites.
Even though mobile phone signal is excellent across the region, we recommend never going alone. Hike with experienced walkers or hire a tour guide if you’re going with friends.
Preserving energy levels is also critical. If you’re going to be on the move all day, remember to stay hydrated. Electrolyte tablets can play an invaluable role in helping you to hydrate, even in hot weather. Don’t forget to layer up with moisture-wicking clothes and pack a quality set of waterproofs.
Ready for a challenge?
Before you set off, make sure to do some research on local regulations, protocols and trail markers. Understanding the local area – and how to navigate it – could save your life in that you suffer an injury or lose the trail.
Remember, hiking the Dolomites shouldn’t be taken lightly. But if you’d like to test your mind and body on challenging terrain, this region will promise a wonderful adventure. Just leave no trace of your visit on the trails.
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