Hiking Alta Via N.2 of the Dolomites

Arrive in Alta Badia on your onw (private transfer available on request) and check into your hotel. Corvara is situated in a wide basin-shaped valley at the foot of the Sassongher Massif. It is one of several villages in Alta Badia, a sunny hollow on the south side of the Val Badia in the Alto Adige region, where incredible hiking, skiing, and vistas abound.

If you are taking a self guided trip, you will meet with a Dolomite Mountains representative In the afternoon. He or she will provide a trip briefing and orientation, as well as maps, and everything necessary for your self guided adventure.
If you are taking a guided trip, you will meet with your guide tomorrow morning. 

The Puez-Odle/Geisler Nature Reserve comprises an expanse of 10,722 hectares (25,194 acres) and is named after the striking peaks of the Puez and the pinnacles of the Odle/Geisler massifs. Today’s hike presents some challenges, but the views will be breathtaking!
In the morning, take a private transfer to a mountain pass, then follow a wider trail on undulating terrain that leads to a cozy mountain rifugio where you can stop for lunch. A final three-hour hike downhill on an easy and panoramic trail brings you to the town of Colfosco and then onto Corvara (1,560m / 5,120').
(~7-8 hours hiking, 15 km / 9,3 miles, 590 m / 1,935' ascent, 1,150m / 3,775' descent.)

Today begins the first day of your hut-to-hut adventure on the Alta Via N.2, hiking on the enormous fortress-shaped Sella Massif. The natural beauty of the surrounding Sella walls makes the views from this hike some of the most impressive in the entire region.
In the morning, depart from Corvara hiking toward Cascate del Pisciadù (the Pisciadù Waterfalls). Ascend through the Val di Mesdì, and continue to a rifugio located on the northern terraces of the Sella Group (2,585m / 8,481'), your home for tonight. The rifugio is situated in a wonderful position with fantastic panoramic views into the Pisciadù Valley that will literally take your breath away.
There is also a small but fabulous turquoise alpine lake next to the rifugio – perfect for relaxing or exploring.
(~4-5 hours hiking, 7 km / 4,3 miles, 1,155m / 3,789' ascent, 127m / 417' descent.)

Start your day with a steep ascent through the Valun dl Pisciadú to the Plateau dles Mesules. After the initial ascent, you get your first dramatic glimpses plunging down the Val di Mesdì, which you climbed up yesterday. Climb up to the highly panoramic Antersass (2,900m / 9,514'). A gentle descent leads to another steep ascent across scree that brings you to the top of Piz Boé (3,152m / 10,341') – the highest peak of the Sella Massif. You will be amply rewarded for the long hike: enjoy lunch at a rifugio and admire an incredible 360-degree view of the mountains surrounding you. When you’re full and rested, descend down the other side of the mountain to your rifugio for tonight. Situated atop of a natural rock balcony, the views you can enjoy from here are incomparable!
(~6-7 hours hiking, 8 km / 5,5 miles, 650 m / 2,099' ascent, 700m / 2,296' descent.)

After a hearty alpine breakfast, hike under the majestic Sella Massif and down to the Pass (2,239m / 7,345'). From here, you begin to hike on the “Viel del Pan” (“Way of the Bread”). This footpath stretches right across the mountain and was once used by flour merchants who traded flour for handcrafted goods and other products. It is a wide path, and is one of the most spectacular footpaths in the Dolomites – offering an incomparable view of the majestic Marmolada (3,343m / 10,964'). Often referred to as the “Queen of the Dolomites,” Marmolada is the highest mountain in this range and home to its largest glacier.

In the morning, take a short transfer to Malga Ciapela and hike west along the river Torrente Pettorina. The trail climbs steadily through thick forest to reach pasture clearings. After you pass a local farm, the uphill section begins in earnest and then becomes easier as you reach a second farm. This farm marks the entrance to Valle Ombreta, the “Valley of Shade,” named for its position in the shadows of Marmolada to the north. At the end of the valley, you will reach a rifugio, nestled right under the imposing south walls of the Marmolada, with fantastic views eastwards of the Civetta and Pelmo Groups. Hike up to a mountain pass and then descend to your rifugio for tonight.
(~7 hours hiking, 10,4 km / 6,5 miles, 1,300 m / 4,2650' ascent, 700 m / 2,300' descent.)

From your rifugio, walk on green pastures and woods towards the east. The path soon leads over a steep rocky area and then reaches a large crater, the Val de le Cirele, continuing to the Pas de le Cirele (2,683m / 8,802'), between the Cima dell’Uomo group and Punta Zigole. From here, descend on numerous hairpin turns into the dramatic Valle di Tasca. This has to be the best scree slope in the Dolomites, with stones just the right size to make this a memorable, effortless, and extremely enjoyable descent! Reach the green oasis of Fuciade (1,982m / 6,502') and have a private transfer to your hotel.
(~5-6 hours hiking, 9 km / 5,6 miles, 700 m / 2,300' ascent, 800 m / 2,630' descent.)

Breakfast and departure on your own (private transfer available on request).

After breakfast depart from your rifugio past a string of photogenic hay barns and chalets into a lightly wooded area. The path strikes out southeast across marshy terrain, chopped up by cows and horses that belong to the nearby farm. You quickly enter some pretty woods and climb steadily, crossing a cascading stream along the way.
Continue to climb to a broad crest on the edge of the Altopiano degli Zingari. Hike down the dirt track beneath Monte Predazzo admiring the vast slabs of the metamorphic Lagorai chain extending east to north, to Passo Valles (2,031m / 6,663') and have a private transfer to your hotel, where you can enjoy a well-deserved dinner and night’s rest. Relax and celebrate the conclusion of your trek along the Alta Via 2.
(~4-5 hours hiking, 11 km / 6,8 miles, 400 m / 1,310’ ascent, 350 m / 1,150‘ descent.)

Breakfast and departure at your discretion (private transfer available on request).