The Great Dolomites Ladin Valleys Traverse

Arrive in Val Gardena / Gröden (~1,500m / 5,000') on your own and check into your hotel (private transfer available on request). The valley of Gardena is best known for skiing and rock climbing, and woodcarving which has flourished here since the 17th century. Home to three cultures – Italian, Austrian, and the native Ladin, most signage in Val Gardena 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 three villages of Val Gardena – S. Cristina, Ortisei, or Selva Gardena.

In the morning, meet your local English speaking hiking guide (or a Dolomite Mountains representative for self guided trips) who will provide a trip briefing and orientation.

The flank of the Odle mountain group, amply named “needles” in Ladin, has been subject to long term erosion, revealing the fascinating earth and rock strata underlining the principal pale Dolomite rock. The array covers grey-white chalks dating back 240-250 million years along wine red porphyry from a relatively late volcanic phase. Ongoing weathering of the oldest, a blood-red variety of sandstone, led to the 1968 discovery of intriguing skeletal fragments belonging to a long extinct porpoise-like lchthyosaurus, now displayed in the museum at Ortisei, a recommended follow up to the walk.

From the town of Ortisei, take the Resciesa funicolar (not included) to Chalet Resciesa from where you will start your hike. This is an easy hike, suitable for almost anyone, as the trail is predominantly flat with little elevation change. Stop for a drink or a rest at a local rifugio and admire the jagged north faces of the dramatic Odle Group before descending toward Ortisei by cable-car. This afternoon, discover the charming Tyrolean town of Ortisei on foot.
(~5 hours hiking, 13,3 km / 8,3 miles, 350 m / 1,150' ascent, 700 m / 2,300’ descent.)

“Then come the gigantic masses of the Platt Kofel [Sassopiatto] and Lang Kofel [Sassolungo]; the first, sliced off, as by the malice of a Titan, at a single blow; the second, an array of splintered spires, ashy-tinted or pale yellow.” – Gilbert and Churchill, 1864.

Today’s hike offers high altitude panoramic walking with superb scenery; wild flowers grow in abundance on the grassy slopes populated by cows and marmots, while small birds of prey hovering for rodents can be observed.
In the morning transfer to Passo Sella (2,244m / 7,362'), hike on a well-marked trail under the Sassolungo north face and Sassopiatto massifs. Right after the impressive Sassolungo North Clock Tower spire, you’ll hike into the heart of the massif to a local rifugio, the perfect place to enjoy lunch. After lunch, a green landscape will replace the rocky scenery you just hiked through. Stop for a drink at a cozy and rustic rifugio before hiking the final kilometer to your rifugio for the night.
This evening you will marvel at breathtaking pink sunsets on the walls of Sassolungo, and the quietness of the mountains from your rifugio.
(~5 hours hiking, 11,3km / 7 miles, 600m / 1,970' ascent, 500m / 1,640' descent.)

Today you’ll take a fantastic hike across the Catinaccio / Rosengarten massif, one of the most recognized landmarks of the Dolomites. This is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable and beautiful itineraries in the Dolomites, and should definitely be taken at an easy pace to enjoy its splendor!

From your rifugio, hike across the beautiful green Siusi Ridge to reach a local rifugio where you can enjoy a restoring break. Resume hiking on rocky terrain until you reach Passo del Molignon (2,604m / 8,543'), drop down to Vallon del Principe through some switchbacks, and again uphill until you reach your home for tonight, a small and cozy hut perched in the heart of the Catinaccio Massif. Indulge in a peaceful evening on the terrace, enjoying fantastic panoramas, with vistas or the world famous Rosengarten (“rose garden”) Group, lit by enrosadira, or alpenglow, when the pale Dolomite Mountains become red at sunset.
(~5,5 hours hiking, 9,6 km / 6 miles, 500m / 1,640' ascent 650m / 2,130' descent.)

From the rifugio, hike to Rifugio d’Antermoia and then descend to Val di Fassa where your hotel for the night is situated. The Antermoia area comprises the central-eastern part of the awesome Catinaccio group and offers some memorable rockscapes and unparalleled panoramas, along with wildlife in the shape of substantial herds of chamois, marmots, the odd roe deer and even the rare mouflon.
(~6 hours hiking, 12,7 km / 7,8 miles, 622m / 2,040’ ascent, 1,375m / 4,511’ descent.)

Today's hike goes on an ancient path connecting the Fassa Valley and the Agordo region. Take a taxi up to Passo Pordoi. From here you begin to hike on the “Viel del Pan” (“Way of the Bread”) direction Passo Fedaia. This footpath stretches right across the mountain, and was once used by flour merchants who traded flower 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 “Queen of the Dolomites,” Marmolada is the highest mountain in this range, and home to its largest glacier.

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