Once you have paid the deposit for your holiday, our Reservations Team will immediately email you to confirm the receipt of your deposit and your booking, and begin to reserve your accommodations. We normally receive accommodations confirmation 3-4 working days from the date we request it. Should a hotel/rifugio not be available, we will reserve a nearby property of similar standard.
As soon as your accommodations are confirmed, we will notify you by email and send you an invoice. Please check the information we send you carefully, to make sure that we have booked the arrangements you requested. If there are any inaccuracies, please contact us so that we can make the necessary corrections.

The balance of your payment is due 60 days before departure, or at the time of booking should your trip start in 60 or fewer days. To pay, you can use either of the following methods, including your first name, surname, and tour name with the payment:

• Credit/Debit Card – we accept all major cards including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Simply complete our Payment Form (this can be emailed to you by a member of our Reservations Team) and we will charge your card.
• Bank Transfer – our bank details are available on your invoice. Please note that for international wire transfers, any bank fees must be paid by you.

Please include your first name, surname, and tour name with your payment.

Travel insurance is not mandatory, but we highly recommend it for all bookings. Dolomite Mountains recommends Global Rescue to provide evacuation and advisory services to our clients and staff when traveling. We strongly recommend purchasing a travel membership anytime you will be more than 100 miles from home. Both short term as well as annual memberships are available. There are no restrictions on activities with a Global Rescue memberships. Visit the Global Rescue website for more information.
Global Rescue also offers IMG Signature Travel Insurance^SM, which is a great option to protect you from financial loss due to trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical care, lost luggage, etc. Trekking, climbing, biking, and off-piste skiing are covered with this insurance. To add a Signature Travel Insurance policy to an existing Global Rescue membership, visit the IMG Signature Travel Insurance web portal.

Yes. Beginning 1 January 2022, all snow sports participants at Italian resorts with lifts must carry civil liability insurance (also called personal liability insurance). Please see the Ski Trips section below.

Day 1 of all of our tours is an arrival day, with no or limited planned activities; the final day of our trips is the official departure day, again with no or limited planned activities. You can arrive/depart at any time on these days. Ask our Reservations Team about your accommodations check in and check out times, and group or private transfer times to and from the airport (or your next destination). 

Yes. We offer private airport transfers from all major airports such as Venice, Milan, Verona, and Innsbruck. Prices vary depending on the length of the journey. Several of our group trips include scheduled group transfers to and from a designated airport. Please contact us for details.

On all of our guided and self guided trips, a trip briefing will be held by your guide (guided trips) or a Dolomite Mountains representative (self guided trips) at your hotel. A time will be set based on your anticipated arrival time, and will be communicated to you by email a few days prior to your arrival. Briefings are usually held the afternoon or evening of your arrival, or during the first morning of your trip. Subsequent meeting locations, times, and contact information will be communicated at this trip briefing.

We recommend a combination of cash (in Euros) and credit/debit cards.
ATMs are the easiest way to withdraw money, but you should never rely solely on them – always have a back-up of cash. Check with your bank before you depart to determine whether there are any withdrawal and/or currency conversion fees assessed when you withdraw cash from an ATM that is at a bank other than your own and/or is not in your home country.
Credit cards are accepted in most towns, and at most hotels. Check with your credit card company before you depart to determine whether there are any currency conversion fees assessed when you use your credit card outside of your home country. Although credit cards are widely accepted at most businesses in Italy (supermarkets, shops, restaurants), some smaller businesses may not accept credit cards. Credit card usage in rifugi is very limited, and many do not accept credit cards. When trekking from hut-to-hut, please carry cash (in Euros) for items not covered in your itinerary (beverages, snacks, gifts, etc.).

In addition to private airport transfers available on request, there are several options for your travel from the airport to the Dolomites.

Private taxis: depending on your arrival airport and destination, a private car costs approximately from €400-600 each way. Advance reservations are recommended.

Car hire: Rental cars are available at all major international airports. However, if your trip does not begin and end at the same location within the Dolomites, you will also need to make arrangements to park and return to your car at the end of your trip. Many of our guests choose to hire a car at the arrival airport. Due to the lack of drop off points, we recommend you to keep the car until the end of your trip. In Cortina, you can drop off your car if rented through Autovia (available at Venice Airport) http://www.autovia.it/

The most common gear transmission in Italy is manual. You can also find automatic cars but you may need to book it in advance.

Train: trains operate regularly between Venice to Bozen/Bolzano in the Dolomites. You can also travel by train from Milan, Verona, Innsbruck (www.trenitalia.com).

Bus: there are a few bus companies operating from the main cities to the Dolomites: To/From Cortina:

Cortina Express:
Daily services from Venice Airport & Venice Mestre train station to Cortina.
Daily services from Cortina to Alta Badia (from July to September)
Tickets can be purchased online, on board of the coach, or at the Cortina Express ticket counter located at Venice airport & Cortina bus station. www.cortinaexpress.it

ATVO:
Daily services from Venice Airport & Venice Mestre train station to Cortina Advance reservation mandatory, tickets can be purchased online or at the ATVO ticket counter located at Venice airport. http://www.atvo.it/en-venezia-cortina.html

Flixbus:

Daily services from Venice Airport & Venice Mestre train station to Cortina Online reservation required.
https://www.flixbus.it

To/from Alta Badia:

From Venice:
from Venice, first you need to get to Cortina as explained above. From Cortina:

• From mid April to mid June: there are no buses connecting Cortina with Alta

  Badia, the only option is to get a taxi from Cortina (ask us for details).

• From mid June to mid Sep:

  Cortina Express (www.cortinaexpress.it) operates twice a day from Cortina to Alta Badia, calling at San Cassiano, La Villa, Corvara and Colfosco.
  Dolomiti Bus (www.dolomitibus.it) operates services from Cortina to Passo Falzarego. From Passo Falzarego, connections to Alta Badia are available hourly with SAD buses, the last bus operates at 17.55

• From mid Sep to Dec 26th: there are no buses connecting Cortina with Alta Badia, the only option is to get a taxi from Cortina (ask us for details).

From Dec 26th to end of March: Cortina Express (www.cortinaexpress.it) operates daily services from Cortina to Alta Badia, calling at San Cassiano, La Villa, Corvara and Colfosco.

From Innsbruck:

From Innsbruck to Alta Badia, regular trains operate between Innsbruck and Brunico, with 1 change scheduled at Fortezza. From Brunico take bus 460 to Alta Badia, last service operates at 08.19pm on weekdays, 06.19pm on weekends.

To/from Val Gardena:

From Innsbruck:

From Innsbruck to Val Gardena, regular trains operate between Innsbruck and Bolzano (some services also call at Ponte Gardena/Waidbruck). From Bolzano (or Ponte Gardena/Waidbruck) take bus 350 or bus 170 to Val Gardena, calling at Ortisei/St.Ulrich, Santa Cristina, Selva/Wolkenstein.

To/from Val di Fassa:

• Val Di Fassa is serviced by bus services from Trento and Bolzano train station (www.ttesercizio.it).
  In summer, daily coach services depart from Milan, Bergamo, Venice, Mestre to Val Di Fassa, departures are scheduled very early in the morning, between 07.30am and 08.00am.

The Dolomite rifugi are considered the best in the Alps. While some are dormitory style with bunk beds, many meet the standard of a simple guest house with private rooms and en-suite bathrooms, and each has its own unique character and charm. Some private rooms have shared bathrooms.
Pillows and blankets are always provided, so sleeping bags are not needed.
In dormitory accommodation, a sleeping sheet (or sleeping bag inline) is required, so bring your own unless you don’t mind purchasing one at the rifugio or in town.
In private rooms, some huts provide bedding but not all do. It’s always best to bring your own just in case. Silk or nylon sleeping sheets are light to carry and can be purchased in most outdoor shops.
You should also take with you a light pillow-case, or use a light scarf as a makeshift pillow-case.
You’ll also need a small towel, for the shower. A pair of lightweight shoes or slippers are needed, as boots cannot be worn inside the huts. Most huts provide crocs for everybody’s use.
Hut rules include “lights out” from 10pm to 6am, and there is no smoking permitted. At some of the huts there are no private facilities, so you should expect to share, including showers. There is a large dining room for dinner and breakfast, where you can also purchase wine, beer, soft drinks, and snacks.

On some of our trips, generally the longer ones, a Dolomite Mountains duffel bag is provided for you to use. You can pack the belongings you require for the nights at Rifugios, and leave the rest of your luggage stored at your hotel. When you return from your overnight excursions, your luggage will await you – either at your original hotel (if you are returning there), or transferred to multiple accommodations throughout your journey, or transferred to your final destination. (See your specific itinerary for details).

A vegetarian option is always available at hotels and Rifugios. Whilst the hotels are also able to provide gluten-free meals and similar, some of the Rifugios sometimes lack of facilities to cater for special diets, it is therefore important that you tell us well in advace should you have a particular request or food allergy. With regards to more general food preferences, we ask you to be flexible.

If you are on a trip (or a part of your trip) that is based in a hotel, you only need to carry a light backpack for the personal belongings you need for the day including your rain gear, water, photo equipment, etc.
On a hut-to-hut trekking trip, you will carry a larger pack to carry your rain gear, water, and photo equipment, as well as a small first aid kit, reading material, climbing equipment (if you are rock climbing or climbing a via ferrata), change of clothes, overnight clothing and sleeping sheet, toiletries, snacks, and any extras. We recommend a minimum 50-60 liter pack with a load bearing waist harness.

If you are making a hut-to-hut trip there will be no facilities to do laundry during the trip, unless you hand wash in a sink. For this please bring a plug with you.
If you are staying at a hotel for any portion of your trip, you will have a laundry service available at some hotels. For details, please refer to the Hotel/B&B/Rifugio information attached.

Tipping in Italy can be confusing because there are no standard rules. Ultimately, the amount you tip is at your discretion, taking into account the level of the service provided and your satisfaction with that service. Tips and gratuities are not included in the cost of your trip.
At restaurants and bars, it is customary to leave between 5% and 10% of your bill. If you enjoyed excellent service, a larger tip is welcome.

Tipping cab drivers is appreciated, especially if they helped you with luggage, or shared information along 

the way that has enhanced your experience. We recommend €5 for short rides of 15-20 minutes, and a little more for longer rides (€10, or more if you have particularly enjoyed the service and the driver's company). For extended transfers of 2-3 hours or more, we recommend €20.
Tipping your guide is also appreciated. On completion of your trip, you may wish to acknowledge their efforts, professionalism, and contribution to your experience. We recommend €10 per person per day per guide. It is also customary in Italy to pay for your guide's lunches during excursions, though this is not compulsory.

Again, all tipping is solely at your discretion.

Italy’s electrical outlets are primarily on the 220 volt / 50 cycles per second system, most using a 2 round pin plug. If you plan to use any electric devices while you are travelling, if your devices are not from Italy, you will need to use an electrical converter and a plug adapter. You can buy these before you arrive at specialty travel store, or once you arrive at the airport terminal and local supermarkets.

All Rifugios have electricity.
For more information, please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mains_power_systems in order to get a better idea of the three pin types used in Italy.

The Dolomites are usually warmer and receive less precipitation than the rest of the Alps. However, as in all mountainous areas, the weather can change suddenly and it can vary greatly between regions within the Dolomites. Typically bad weather arrives from the South, while winds from the North usually bring good weather.

The weather in the Dolomites always has an element of unpredictability. You can expect a mix of warm sunny days sometimes punctuated by rainy cooler weather. You should always be prepared for sudden changes in weather while you are out on the trail. In July and August, while the average maximum temperature may reach 80°F / 25°C on the valley floors, keep in mind that as you gain elevation it will be colder. For every 1,000 feet you climb, the temperature will drop 3.6°F (6.5°C for every 1,000 meters). What may be an 80°F / 27°C day in Cortina could be 60°F / 15°C on one of the summits! In September daytime temperatures can reach into the upper 60°s and low 70°s F, but early mornings will be cooler (upper 50°s to low 60°s). At this time of the year, rainy days at lower elevations mean snow on higher elevations. Rainstorms can drop the temperature 15° to 20° Fahrenheit. You should bring raingear jacket and pants (pants optional) with you every day, regardless of the weather conditions when you leave your hotel in the morning.

What happens if it pours down with rain?

There is no such thing as bad weather, but bad clothing!
Make sure you are prepared for your trip with the necessary rainproof clothing and keep an eye on the weather forecast. In summer, the rain don’t normally last all day (of course with some exceptions). It is common to get late afternoon thunder-storms which can be powerful. We strongly recommend you to ensure that your walk is completed by 4-5pm and seek shelter immediately should you be caught in a thunderstorm.

Tap water is generally drinkable, unless specified differently. We advise against drinking or filling your bottles from streams and/or melting snow, as the water source is not necessarily clean. Natural springs are the best choice as the water is naturally filtered by the soil. Natural springs can be found in many areas across the Dolomites or nearby the Rifugios.
Alternatively, Water bottles can be purchased at Hotels and Rifugios.

Wi-fi service at Hotels is very good but not always free of charge, please check with reception on arrival.
At Rifugios we ask you to be understanding as Wifi is not widely available. Rifugios can be located in remote areas, some may offer Wifi for a few hours a day and charge hourly rates, the signal may be erratic and -in most cases- only available in the common areas or corridors. In bad weather conditions the Wifi signal can go down completely. It may be a good opportunity to read your book, meet like-minded people and get to know the locals!

Phone reception

Good phone reception is available throughout the Dolomites, with the exception of the Fanes National Park where reception is erratic.

Whilst we recommend you to carry some snacks with you such as cereal bars, dried fuit &nuts, chocolate etc, it isn’t necessary to take a packed lunch; you will be surprised by the amount of huts available en route, all serving delicious hearty meals at reasonable prices.

A head torch is not needed but could become useful, especially in hut-to-hut trips.

If your trip includes a visit at Lagazuoi area, a head torch is needed to descend through the WW1 tunnels.

This is not normally the case as the Rifugios will call us on our emergency cell phone to check that everthing is in order. We recommend you to reach your Rifugio at a reasonable time in the afternoon but if you think you will arrive late, please inform the Rifugio out of courtesy and tell them an estimated time of arrival.

Sturdy, properly fitting footwear can make your trip much more pleasurable. If you’re buying new boots for your trip, please make sure they fit properly and break them in by wearing them as often as possible before departure. The trip is not the best time to find out your boots do not fit right. Blister pain and discomfort not only will make the hikes less enjoyable, but also will slow you down and delay the rest of the group. Lightweight or mid-weight, waterproofed, sturdy hiking boots with ankle support. Running shoes or sneakers are not appropriate for hiking in the Dolomites.

Whether your hiking boots are new or old, come prepared with blister protection. We recommend a type of second skin called “Band-Aid Blister Block” (you can find it in different shapes and sizes, depending on the area of the foot you need to protect, at drugstores). Make sure you read the instructions, as it is not applied to your skin like regular second skin (your guide can also help you).

We provide via ferrata equipment for all of our via ferrata trips. This includes a helmet, harness, double via ferrata lanyard with shock absorber. Depending on the itinerary you have selected, equipment may be included in the cost of your trip, or may be available for an additional rental fee.
In addition to your hiking clothing and equipment listed above, you will need to bring:

Gloves: a 3/4-finger leather glove for dexterity. This is crucial for via ferrata activities including navigating cables and rock walls, as well as for climbing activities such as belaying, aid climbing, and jugging.
Shoes: lightweight hiking boots or hiking shoes.
Note: if your itinerary includes the Marmolada Glacier, you will need to have a sturdy hiking boot or shoe that accepts crampons.

All our Via Ferrata excursions are led by a UIAGM/IFMGA guide. The guide can suggest alternative routes according to the weather forecast, or decide to move forward or push back the meeting time as to avoid adverse weather conditions.

YES! Beginning 1 January 2022, all snow sports participants at Italian resorts with lifts must carry civil liability insurance (also called personal liability insurance).This insurance provides financial protection to both you and an injured party if you are found liable for someone’s injury or damage to their property.

Legislative Decree n. 40 of 28 February 2021, Article 30, reads: “The skier who uses the alpine ski slopes must have valid insurance covering his civil liability for damages or injuries caused to third parties. It is obligatory for the manager of the equipped ski areas, with the exclusion of those reserved for cross-country skiing, to make available to users, at the time of purchase of the transit permit, an insurance policy for civil responsibility for damage caused to persons or things.”

This obligation applies to all snow sports practices where ski lifts are involved, including skiing, snowboarding, sledding, telemark, but not to cross-country skiing. The penalty for failure to have proof of liability insurance ranges from €100 to €150, in addition to confiscation of your ski pass.

Civil liability insurance covers medical, property, and legal expenses if you are found liable for someone’s injury or damage to their property. Also known as personal liability insurance, it offers financial protection to both you and the injured party.

If you accidentally injure another person, or cause damage to their property, you are legally responsible to pay for the cost of their medical care, or to repair or replace their property. If an accident leads to someone’s death, you may be required to pay their funeral costs. You might also face a lawsuit as the result of an accident.

Since these costs can quickly become very expensive, personal liability insurance is a way to protect you from having to pay them out of your own pocket, and to ensure the injured is compensated for their losses. Personal liability insurance will pay the legal cost associated with an accident. Some policies even cover funeral costs.

Purchase by Dolomites Mountains:

• For new Dolomite Mountains trip reservations, we would be happy to purchase civil liability insurance for you when we secure your ski pass. This will be added to the cost of your trip, at a rate of €3 per person per day.

For existing reservations, check with our Reservations Team to inquire whether we have already purchased your ski passes.

• If we have not purchased you ski passes yet, we would be happy to purchase civil liability insurance for you when we do, and will add it to your final trip balance, at a cost of €3 per person per day.
• If we have already purchased the ski passes for your trip, you will need to purchase civil liability insurance at the resort when you arrive, or through one of the advance purchase options below. Purchase in the Dolomites: You can purchase civil liability insurance for €3 per person per day on your first day of skiing, at the Dolomiti Superski point of sale station where lift tickets are sold.

Online Purchase in Advance:
If you prefer to purchase civil liability insurance yourself, below are two online options for your review:

• GBC Mountain offers a daily ski and snowboard insurance: Snowcare. Gold (Oro) policies are purchasable online in advance for €3 per day. Note that while the policy information offers a translation in English, the online order form is only available in Italian. Please be sure to use your 2-digit telephone country code when you complete the form.
• IF YOU HAVE A BANK ACCOUNT IN EURO CURRENCY: DSV AKTIV (DSV is Deutschen Skiverband, the German Skiing Association) offers annual policies, which cover public liability and ski theft. Policies begin at €27 per year per person, and can be purchased in advance through the DSV AKTIV website. Purchase options are direct debit from Euro-currency accounts, or by invoice through postal mail. DSV AKTIV does not accept credit cards at this time.

Note the amount of insurance coverage is spelled out in the details on each of the above websites. 

Some, but not all, travel, homeowners, and renters insurance policies include civil liability insurance. Additionally, some credit cards include civil liability insurance when you pay for your trip using your card.

Check with your individual insurance carrier or credit card company to determine whether you are adequately covered. It is recommended that you carry enough liability insurance to cover your net worth.

Note that we are unable to review insurance policies on your behalf. If you are concerned whether you have enough coverage, we recommend you purchase the €3 daily Dolomiti Superski insurance through us, or on your first day of skiing at the point of sale station where lift tickets are sold.