Trip Overview
There is no better way to see the Dolomites than from above, to truly appreciate this myriad of summits strewn across a vast and beautiful landscape. On this itinerary, we invite you to come climb the “classic” routes – or first ascent lines – of the highest summits of the Dolomites! In the 1800s, early climbers ventured into the unknown to conquer these imposing summits, and following the paths of the pioneers of these mountains is a great way to discover the area – even for those that have little previous climbing experience. Although many of these normal routes are technically easy, they can also offer a great challenge, involving a lot of scrambling and easy climbing combined with vertical steps and rappels.
The Dolomites are the largest limestone climbing area in the Alps, situated immediately south of the Austrian/Italian border. Many of the peaks are over 3,000 meters (almost 10,000') high, and have walls ranging 100 to 1,600 meters (~300-5,000') long. In this area, both classic mountaineering and modern sport-climbing coexist on almost every wall, offering a wide array of possibilities at every level of difficulty.
Most climbing routes can be done in a single day, or with an overnight stay in a mountain hut or lodge. Thanks to the variety that the area has, a weeklong visit can mix both long and short climbs. Because the range is fairly compact, all this can be accomplished from one single location, establishing a central “base camp” at a hotel, lodge, or rifugio (mountain inn) and making all of the outings from there.
The terrain in the Dolomites is steep and complex, but the rock is incredibly featured, and seemingly un-climbable walls can be climbed at often surprisingly moderate levels of difficulty. There are climbing options for everyone, from the beginner to the expert, with many routes in the "middle" range of difficulty. Whatever you climb, the views, the exposure and the fantastic convoluted topography are unforgettable!
Highlights
- Climb some of the most scenic and best known routes in the world, following in the footsteps of climbing pioneers
- Weave your way up on the “classic” routes – first ascent lines – following the path of “least resistance” on easy to moderate alpine climbs
- Enjoy climbing in a “playground” that attracts climbers from all over the world!
Day By Day
Trip itinerary may vary based on weather conditions, fitness levels and abilities of participants, and/or the recommendations of the Dolomite Mountains Team and your mountain guide. Daily mileage and altitude gain may vary depending on the device used.
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Day 1
Hotel in Cortina d'Ampezzo (B)
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Day 2
Hotel in Cortina d'Ampezzo (B)
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Day 3
Hotel in Cortina d'Ampezzo (B)
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Day 4
Hotel in Selva Val Gardena (B,D)
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Day 5
Hotel in Selva Val Gardena (B,D)
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Day 6
Accommodation
Great hotels with Dolomite Mountains. Whether intimate lodge, family run B&B, or luxury spa resort, our hotels are unique, eminently local, and hard to leave.
Want to learn more about our Hotels and B&Bs?
The Dolomites has a multi-faceted culture and history that is reflected in each village we visit, and we make sure to provide you with the most authentic experience of the region possible through the hotels and B&Bs we offer. Hotels and chalets are available in the larger villages, while agriturismos (working farms with accommodations similar to B&Bs) are more common in rural areas. And we always make sure you have access to inspired regional cuisine, and the best panoramas you can get in the Dolomites!
Prefer luxury accommodations?
You can also book a custom departure of this trip using our Luxury Hotels. For details, please contact us.
Climbing route difficulty and skill levels:
Level 2: Advanced level, climbing grades 5- to 6-
Level 3: Expert level, climbing grades 6- to 7-
Check out the high definition videos in our SUMMER VIDEO GALLERY!
Still want more? Why not extend your adventure!
Dolomite Mountains offers fantastic extensions that you can enjoy before or after your trip in the Dolomites. Explore Venice, Verona, Lake Garda, Florence, or Milan, or any of the many other magical places found throughout Italy. There's no more perfect way to recover from jet lag upon arrival, or delay your return to reality at the end of your trip!
Cost
All itineraries are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control including, weather, road or trail conditions.
From 3.690€ per person (2 participants)
The cost is based on the specified hotel category (please see the cost inclusions list). If you would like an upgrade, please get in touch with us for a quotation.
We will do our best to accommodate you in the specified class of accommodations. However, if there is no availability in this category, we will offer you the next available classification at a supplementary price.
Important to note:
- There is a high-season 15% surcharge from July 14th to Sept 8th.
- Prices may increase between the time of quotation and booking. Your Dolomite Mountains consultant will inform you of any changes.
Cost Includes:
- Trip briefing
- Logistics and map of the area
- 3 nights accommodation in 3-star hotel in Cortina d'Ampezzo
- 2 nights accommodation in 3-star hotel in Val Gardena
- All breakfasts
- Dinners in Val Gardena
- 1 Local English speaking Professional UIAGM/IFMGA Mountain Guide for 3 days
- Technical climbing equipment
- Transfers as per itinerary
- A €15 donation to Wow Nature’s reforestation projects makes your trip carbon-neutral
- Local tourist tax
- Italian VAT tax
Itinerary in Pictures
Climb the Classic Routes of the Dolomites: Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Tofane, Sassolungo – these are some of the highest – and most magnificent – peaks of the Dolomites. On this great trip, you can climb them all following the “classic” routes – or first ascent lines – following in the footsteps of the pioneers!
Area Map
