Dolomites Trek
August 2-12, 2026
Trek the italian alps!
This adventure is rated 5 out of 5 difficulty level. This means that adventurers should be comfortable hiking 10+ miles with elevation gain/loss of 3k+ feet. This trip requires that you carry a pack with 8 days worth of personal items and hiking gear. Accommodations are in lodges, mountain huts and/or hotels. Highest elevation on the trail does not exceed 9k feet. The trail is uneven in sections, has loose gravel or scree and has exposed sections that may be difficult for people with a fear of heights Training for this adventure mandatory and should be taken seriously. This is one of our most difficult that we offer.
Nestled amidst the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Dolomite Mountains, an intrepid group of women adventurers is about to embark on a journey of a lifetime. Our destination? The renowned Alta Via 1, a high-altitude trail that weaves its way through some of the most spectacular alpine scenery on Earth. With each step, we'll be immersed in a world of rugged peaks, lush valleys, and breathtaking vistas, all while challenging our limits and forging bonds that only a trek of this magnitude can inspire. Join us on this 8 day trek as we set out to conquer the Alta Via 1, a path that promises not just a physical challenge, but a deep connection with the untamed beauty of the Dolomites.
Note that mileage and elevation gain/loss experienced on the trip can be different than what is listed on the website. This depends on the mountain huts that are booked, weather conditions, and decisions made by the guide in the best interest of the group. Mileage listed is a rough estimate of what should be expected each day.
ITINERARY
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Arrive in Venice, Italy and meet the rest of the group at our 4-star accommodations for the evening. We will be located midway between Venice’s historic center and the Venice Marco Polo (VCE) airport.
One group transfer to the hotel will be offered. We will provide you with detailed instructions prior to your departure.
Welcome dinner this evening.
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Today we meet our driver for a transfer to Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Queen of the Dolomites and where we begin our trek tomorrow.
When we arrive we will check into our hotel and drop our luggage.
Lunch is in the city on your own.
We meet in the afternoon for a gear check with our guide.
After that you will have free time to explore the city’s piazzas, shops, enjoy dinner and more before getting a good night’s rest.
Your additional piece of luggage (one medium sized suitcase) can be stored by our guide for the duration of the trek.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
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Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) to Pederü
Today will start with a short taxi ride from our hotel to the starting point of the hike, the famous Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee).
The path is steady but never too steep with a short exposed section will lead to a pass at 7874ft, just above Rifugio Biella where we will stop for a lunch break.
After that, it’s all downhill. We have one last steep section to reach Rifugio Pedero, our home for the night.
Total Distance: 10 miles
Ascent: 3400 feet
Descent: 3300 feet
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
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Pederü to Rifugio Scotoni
After breakfast, we start by climbing up through the forest as we make our way to Rifugio Fanes.
From here we will continue on forest roads and paths all the way to the main Fanes plateau, we will pass Lago di Limo and continue to climb gradually to the Forcella del Lago (8157ft), a very narrow mountain pass.
The descent from here is not to be underestimated, the path is very good but also very steep and the terrain is loose, so concentration is required.
Once at the bottom of the descent you’ll have some time to relax by the shores of Lago Lagazuoi and even enjoy a quick dip. From here we have one more short hike to conquer before arriving at the refuge for the night.
Total Distance: 12 miles
Ascent: 1103m/3900 feet
Descent: 658m/2400 feet
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
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Rifugio Scotoni to Rifugio Averau
After breakfast, we’ll grab our packs and begin our ascent to the stunning Lagazuoi, a viewpoint for the whole Dolomites!
From here we begin to descend to the very busy Falzarego Pass. This used to be the front line between Italy and the Austro Hungarian Empire during WWI, and signs of the war are still visible all around.
From the path becomes very rocky Forcella Averau and the nearby Rifugio Averau. We’re not quite there yet, as our hut is another uphill climb away, perched at the top of the hill.
Tonight, we are in a very traditional refuge, the oldest in the whole of the Dolomites!
Total Distance: 7 miles
Ascent: 864m/2835 feet
Descent: 285m/935 feet
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
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Rifugio Averau to Passo Staulanza
Today we head towards the busy Passo Giau, a mountain pass with cars, motorbikes and bicycles.
After crossing the road we will disappear once again in the forest as we start walking on a beautiful but slightly more technical section of the route. Expect rocky footing.
Next we begin to descend to the other side on a wide gentle track as we make our way towards Rifugio Città di Fiume.
To reach our final destination at Passo Staulanza, we have one last traverse at the foot of Monte Pelmo.
Total Distance: 12 miles
Ascent: 2100 feet
Descent: 4367 feet
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
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Passo Staulanza to Rifugio Vazzoler
oday we begin at Passo Staulanza and from here we will walk along a short road section followed by a wide forest road. The path will quickly get steeper, leading us to the very picturesque Rifugio Coldai, just above 2200 meters or 7,218 feet.
As we continue along, we will meet one of the most famous mountains in the Dolomites, Monte Civetta. Otherwise known as “the wall of all walls”, this is an iconic sheer limestone cliff rich in mountaineering history and one of the most iconic faces in the entire region.
This section of trail is quite rocky in places, and we might need to slow down a bit.
Once we reach the end of the north-west face of Civetta, we’ll join a wider track that will lead us quickly to Rifugio Vazzoler, your home for the night.
Total Distance: 12 miles
Ascent: 3000 feet
Descent: 3000 feet
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
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Rifugio Vazzoler to Rifugio Tomé
We’ll start the day by losing some elevation, walking on a 4x4 track leading towards the valley.
We’ll continue on a side path and this section begins with steep muddy paths to boulder fields and scree slopes. It will definitely require some extra care, attention and patience.
We will make our way through one last exposed section between Forcella Col d’Ors and Forcella del Camp (not ideal for those who feel uncomfortable with heights) before the path easies off a bit and traverses over to Rifugio Carestiato.
We will enjoy a break at the rifugio before we begin the last easier section to Passo Duran and Rifugio Tomé, our stay for the night.
Total Distance: 9 miles
Ascent: 2400 feet
Descent: 2600 feet
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
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Rifugio Tomé to Rifugio Pian de Fontana
Our journey takes us to the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park today, and we’ll notice a change of scenery. Although the big limestone walls are still there, this side of the Dolomites is much wilder and feels more remote than what we have just experienced.
We begin the day with a short road section before we enter the woods.
After a snack break, we start the main climb of the day making our way up to Forcella de Zita Sud pass making way to a beautiful wild valley. Keep your eyes open here, it’s wildlife territory!
From the top of the pass, we’ll start our descent down a very steep section arriving at our hut for the evening, Pian de Fontana, and our final night on the trek.
Total Distance: 12 miles
Ascent: 4100 feet
Descent: 4300 feet
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
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Rifugio Pian de Fontana to La Pissa to Belluno
Today we pack up one last time after breakfast and make our way back towards civilization.
From Pian de Fontana we have a short descent followed by one last climb to a col because we wouldn’t want to end our hike without one last climb, right?
After a nice warm up, we will begin our descent down to the valley towards Rifugio Bianchet.
After leaving the rifugio, the path widens leading us down to a main valley road where our transfer to Belluno will be waiting for us.
Once we arrive in Belluno, we will enjoy one last dinner together after checking into our accommodations for the evening.
Total Distance: 9 miles
Ascent: 1300 feet
Descent: 4570 feet
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
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Wake up and enjoy a delicious breakfast before we check out and make our way to the Venice Marco Polo (VCE) airport today.
The transfer will arrive at the airport approximately mid day. If you would like to be included in the airport transfer from Bellyno, your flight should be booked for 2 p.m. or later.
Meals included: Breakfast
Questions? Please reach out to us at info@womenwhoexplore.com
Join the Waitlist!
Join the Waitlist!
Joining the waitlist does not guarantee a spot on the trip, but it does mean that you will be the first to know when the trip has launched and is ready to book. Anticipated date that the trip will be ready to book is end of July, 2025. Price is subject to change depending on final pricing once lodging is secured.
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$4,595 USD double occupancy, single occupancy is not available for this trip.
If you are traveling solo, you will be assigned roommates upon request.
A deposit is due at booking to hold your spot with regular monthly payments. Additional payments may be applied to the trip balance prior to payment due dates.
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• 1 night stay in Venice, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and Belluno at 3 and 4 star hotels. Double occupancy room with two twin beds.
• 7 nights stay in mountain huts and rifugios along the trek. You will have your own bed in a shared room with other hikers, and may be a mixed gender room. Blankets and pillows will be provided at each of the accommodations. Hotel rooms along the trail are double occupancy.
• One group airport transfer from Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) to and from your hotels in Venice and Belluno.
• Private, fully guided 8-day 75+ mile trek on the Alta Via 1 trail in the heart of the Italian Alps where you will hike past pristine lakes, villages, insane views and more as you conquer the world’s
• IML certified, English speaking female guide local to the area
• Luggage storage for the duration of the trek so you can enjoy the trail only carrying your essentials in your pack for the trek. One bag only.
• Local in country transportation and transfers to and from the trailheads for the trek
• Free time in Cortina d’Ampezzo to explore the city’s highlights
• Welcome and farewell dinners, all breakfasts along with all meals while trekking; in total this includes 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 10 dinners, and water included with all meals
• Trip checklists, detailed packing list, training guide, and pre-travel support provided in a private Facebook and/or WhatsApp group
• Pre-trip Q&A Zoom call to meet your fellow travelers, trip host and ask any questions
• WWE Swag to sport on the trial!
• Small group; maximum of 11 women + your trip host and local female guide
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• International Flights to/from Geneva International Airport (GVA)
• Tips and gratuities for guides (at the discretion of the client)
• Airport transfers outside of designated times and meeting location
• Alcohol, additional beverages, snacks and meals as noted above; meals not included - 3 lunches and 3 dinners.
• Drinking water for your water bladder may need to be purchased depending on which a mountain huts are booked.
• Trekking poles (available to rent), backpack (35-40L suggested), sleeping bag liner (mandatory), pillowcase, headlamp/flashlight and personal items
• Any additional excursions or activities not included in the above itinerary
• Visa if applicable and any pre-travel medical expenses such as immunizations or required Covid-19 testing
• Travelers insurance to cover medical expenses while traveling abroad (proof of insurance required)
• Personal expenses not included in the itinerary such as additional accommodations, transportation, meals, souvenirs, etc.
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All meals will be provided as noted in the itinerary. Please reach out to the trip host after booking if you have any food allergies/sensitivities. We always do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions but cannot make any guarantees.
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This trip requires a minimum number of women to register in order for it to be confirmed. Once the trip reaches the minimum participant number, you will receive a trip confirmation email and a link to be added a private Facebook group just for trip guests. In this group further trip details will be provided along with pre-travel support. Please let us know if you do not have or use Facebook (see contact information below).
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Please see our Terms of Service.
All deposits are non-refundable at the time of booking, but may be transferable if done so within the timeframe outlined in the Terms of Service. Please make sure you are purchasing adequate travel insurance at the time of booking to ensure you are covered in case you need to cancel.
Please note: some of our trips have a non-refundable fee that will be stated in the trip description. Please make sure to refer to the full Terms of Service to make sure you understand fully the Cancellation Policy of each trip.
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Travel (and medical) insurance is required for anyone traveling on a Women Who Explore adventure. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. Your insurance policy should also include specific Covid-19 cover, including cancellation and curtailment cover if you or a close relative are diagnosed with Covid-19.
For recommended travel insurance providers click here.
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Please note that the itinerary provided for your adventure is subject to change. While we strive to adhere to the proposed plan, unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, safety concerns, or other factors beyond our control may necessitate adjustments to the itinerary. We prioritize your safety and enjoyment throughout the adventure, and any modifications made will be done with careful consideration. We will make every effort to inform you in advance of any changes and provide suitable alternatives to ensure a fulfilling experience.