Hut-to-Hut Hiking Cortina Getaway

Arrive in Cortina d’Ampezzo (1,224m / 4,016') on your own and check into your hotel (private transfer available on request). Cortina is a charming alpine resort town surrounded by stunning peaks. Host to the 1956 Winter Olympics, and co-host to the forthcoming 2026 Winter Olympics, Cortina enjoys a reputation for great skiing in winter, and in the summer attracts hikers and climbers who challenge the rocky faces of the nearby mountains.

In the afternoon, meet with your guide (or a Dolomite Mountains representative for self guided trips) who will provide a trip briefing, orientation, maps and everything necessary for your adventure in the Dolomites.

In the morning take a private transfer to the start of your hike. Today, you will ascend through fragant woods and travel under the Tofana di Rozes massif to the summit of Mount Lagazuoi (2,778m / 9,114'), a veritable castle of rock, with lots of spires, turrets and hidden military forts to explore. Here you will reach one of the highest rifugios in the Dolomites. Spend the afternoon exploring World War I  tunnels built into the hillside or relaxing on its patios, where you’ll feel as though you're sitting at the edge of the world – its spacious deck offers 360° view of the Dolomites!
(~4 hours hiking, 7,8 km / 4,8 miles, 905 m / 2,969' ascent, 97m / 318’ descent.)

This stage is of great interest for both the spectacular mountains around and the abundance of reminders of the terrible years of WWI, due to the vicinity of the former border between the long-dismantled Hapsburg Empire and Italy. Hike a memorable traverse below the awesome Tofana di Rozes, gradually descend along the line of trenches.
Reach the main road that goes from Cortina to Passo Falzarego, cross it and climb through grassy fields to Forcella Averau, looking over the green pastures of Passo Giau. From here the incredible vistas around, including the Pale di San Martino, Civetta, Monti del Sole and the Marmolada with its shrinking glacier. Take some time to relax and continue your hike below the impressive rocks of Mount Averau, onto Rifugio Averau (2,413m / 7,917’) where you can enjoy a delicious lunch with spectacular views. Depending on availability, you may sleep at Rifugio Averau, or descend to the south to Passo Giau and reach your rifugio for the night.
(To Rifugio Averau: ~5 hours hiking, 7,7 km / 4,8 miles, 330 m / 1,080' ascent, 640 m / 2,100’ descent.)
(To Passo Giau: ~6 - 6.5 hours hiking, 11,2 km / 7 miles, 400m / 1,310’ ascent, 870m / 2,875’ descent.)
Option for a shorter hike, using the Lagazuoi cable car (not included).

Today you will enjoy a beautiful hike around the Croda da Lago massif (2,236m / 1,389').
After breakfast, from your rifugio, either descend to Passo Giau (1 hour hiking, 2,5 km / 1,5 miles, 170m /557' descent) or start your hike from Passo Giau.
The trail leads over the Forcella Giau (2,360m / 7,742’) with plenty of ups and downs at first, followed by a 45min ascent on a scree slope. The views of the Tofana and Monte Cavallo are inspiring, not to mention the mountains on display to the south: Monte Fromin, Cernera, Pelmo and the upswept flank of Monte Mondeval. Enjoy lunch in a typical rifugio and descend where your driver awaits to take you back to your hotel in Cortina.
(~4-5 hours hiking, 11 km / 6,5 miles, 339m / 1125' ascent, 873m / 2,863' descent.)

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