Puez-Odle Hiking Getaway

Arrive in Alta Badia (1,226m / 4,022') on your own and check into your hotel (private transfer available on request). Alta Badia is a sunny hollow on the south side of the Val Badia in the Alto Adige / South Tyrol (Südtirol) region of the Dolomites. Incredible hiking, skiing, and vistas abound – particularly of the Sella Massif. Home to three cultures – Italian, Austrian, and the native Ladin, most signage in Alta Badia is written in three languages – Italian, German, and Ladin! Depending on when you arrive, you may have time for a hike or to explore one of the six villages of Alta Badia. 

Today’s hike takes you deep into Puez-Odle Natural Park, part of the Dolomite Mountains UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you’ll bear witnesses of the geological history of the Dolomites. At an average height of 2,500 meters (8,200'), the park spreads across Alta Badia to Val Gardena and Val di Funes, all of which you will trek through during your journey. 

Today you’ll hike a wonderful stretch set within Puez-Odle Natural Park along one of the beautiful long-distance “high routes” or Haute Routes of the Dolomites.
Depart your rifugio in the morning and begin an uphill climb to a crossing at 2,617m / 8,586'.  The hike includes a number of up and downs on scree slopes, some more challenging sections are fitted with fixed cable.  Stop for lunch at a local farm (2,293 m/7,523') and after a well deserved rest, make your last effort to your rifugio for the night (2,297m / 7,536').
(~5-6 hours hiking, 10 km / 6 miles, 858m / 2,815' ascent, 596m  / 1,954' descent.)

Today you'll hike around the majestic and isolated Mount Putia, on pasture slopes home to marmots, passing by scattered old timber huts used during the hay harvest time. One of these has been converted into a rustic eatery with a splendid outlook southeast over Val Badia to Sasso della Croce. Enjoy a break here, and then continue on the path that climbs diagonally uphill through light wood and flowered slopes, reaching a mountain pass marked by a crucifix. Next is a descent with views that extend all the way down to the village of Antermoia. End your hike at Passo delle Erbe (1,987m / 6,519'), from where you will have a private transfer back to your hotel in Alta Badia (5 days trip), or spend the night at Passo delle Erbe (6 days trip).
(~3 hours hiking, 10,2km / 6 miles, 186m / 610' ascent, 479m / 1,572' descent.)

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


...Continued from Day 4
Continue hiking from Passo delle Erbe (1,987m / 6,519') to reach your rifugio (2,120m / 6,955') for tonight.
(~4-5 hours hiking, 14,3km / 8,5 miles, 487m / 1,597' ascent, 657m / 2,156' descent.)

Today you’ll hike a long and rewarding traverse of the Alpe di Luson, flanking the eastern side of the lower part of Val Badia, with fantastic views of the Sass de Putia / Peitlerkofel to the southwest throughout.
The Dolomite Mountains has its outermost branch and northernmost summit in the Peitlerkofel. Beyond that, are the quartz foothills form the Lüsen caldera and the Plose elevation, while the Porphyr massif splits off from the Raschötz in the west. The different geological structures result in an incredible diversity of shapes and landscapes in this region.
As you hike, you’ll travel along old farming tracks that lead you to the high-alpine meadows Lüsen and Rodeneck. You’ll pass picturesque old farmhouses on the sunny slopes of Lüsen, and ascend to magnificent panoramic views of the Dolomite Mountains and the Sarn Valley Alps, including the Ortler (3,905m / 12,811'), the highest peak in the South Tyrol. 
(~5-6 hours hiking, 14,3km / 8,5 miles, 205m / 673' ascent, 1,476m / 4,843' descent.)

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