Take the high route this summer in the incredible Italian Dolomites in the northeastern corner of Italy. The Italian Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009, have been described by the explorer Reinhold Messner as “the most beautiful mountains in the world.” On this hut-to-hut runcation, or trail running/hiking adventure, we'll crest the impressionable rock spires, mountain passes, and descend through alpine meadows along the famous Alta Via 1 along some of the most beautiful trails in the world. Along the way, we'll take respite from the trail in scenic and comfortable staffed mountain lodges, or rifugios, which offer warm lodges, scenic vistas, and four-course Italian dinners as well as a full bar and beverage list. On this guided trail running tour, our hut-to-hut adventure ensures that we'll be waking up and falling asleep to spectacular mountain sunrises and sunsets by sleeping up high at the foot of these impressive mountains.
This retreat adventure is open to ages 15 and up of any pace. Must be able to complete 8-15 miles/day of hiking/running at altitude, including 2,000-6,000 feet of elevation gain per day. Optional 12-week training package available from an experienced running coach to ensure you're trained and ready to go for this adventure of a lifetime!
Roundtrip transportation from Cortina d'Ampezzo
Trip logistics of route planning, lodging, and transportation reservations
A 8:1 ratio of guide to participants
Breakfast and dinners at the mountain lodges, or rifugios
Baggage transport from accommodations
Knowledgable guide and running coach along the entire route
Special bonus adventures including a guided trail run tours and wellness options
International airfare
Alcoholic beverages and lunch/snacks during the day
Travel Insurance
Passport:
Must have a valid passport valid through 6 months upon date of travel.
Travel Insurance:
Must have travel insurance prior to start of trip.
Room info at the Rifugios:
Rooms are FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. If you are inclined to participate, book or contact the organizer ASAP as rooms will book up in advance by other vacationers.
Fitness/Pacing:
While there are guides to accommodate every pace of attending runner, this trip requires participants to be able to run/hike for 7-14 miles on trails at a time in mountainous/high altitude climates with an elevation gain of 2,000-6,000 feet per day. Training for this trip is essential in order to be able to complete and enjoy the trip. It is highly recommended that you participate in the 12-week group training program designed specifically for this trip as a package add-on to ensure you're able to tackle the trails and get maximum enjoyment of this running retreat!
Weather:
Although the weather in late summer is often ideal, weather in the mountains is variable and trail conditions are subject to change on an hourly basis! Route subjective to change based on the safety of conditions and climate of the trail.
July 15: Our trip will start midday on July 15th with a meet-and-greet and orientation meeting to meet the guides and go over the logistics and itinerary of the upcoming week! After meeting in Cortina, we'll get a start on the road to our Dolomite adventure. Our base for the evening will be a nearby mountain town with a stunning alpine lake that sits at the start of our route, the Alta Via 1. We'll enjoy a light shakeout run on the spectacular trails of Parco Naturale Fanes-Senes-Braies and enjoy checking out town.