Lakes and refuges of the Dolomites

Arrive in Cortina d'Ampezzo. From the centre of Cortina, head to the bus station to catch a regular bus to the Auronzo refuge.

From the hut you start your loop hike at the foot of the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo, a mythical stage where you'll be surrounded by needles and peaks. On the way you'll pass by the Locatelli refuge. Return to the Auronzo hut, where you spend the night.

DISTANCE: 9 km

HIKING HOURS: 3h30

ASCENT: + 350 m

DESCENT: - 350 m

TRANSFER TIME: 30 min

ACCOMMODATION: Auronzo refuge

LUGGAGE ASSISTANCE: with luggage transport (if you have chosen this option)

After traversing the north face of the Tre Cime, there is a beautiful descent into the Val di Landro. The route continues with a steep ascent, and a somewhat aerial crossing secured by a cable ramp (50 m), taking you around the majestic Strudelkopf. After passing the Col Specie, you descend to the Prato Piazza mountain pasture. You can also climb up through the Val Specie. Overnight in a refuge on the plateau.

DISTANCE: 20 km

HIKING HOURS : 7h30 - 8h

ASCENT: + 1050 m

DESCENT: - 1360 m

ACCOMMODATION: in a refuge

LUGGAGE ASSISTANCE: with luggage transport (if you have chosen this option)

Today's route takes you up to the foot of the Croda Rossa, with a short cable route, before reaching a small pass and then descending to the Braies lake. The contrast between the surrounding peaks, revealing their unique mineral geology, and the alpine pastures makes for a breathtaking view! The route continues with a beautiful descent along a scree slope typical of the Dolomites. Overnight in a lakeside hotel.

DISTANCE: 14 km

HIKING HOURS: 5h30

ASCENT: + 600 m

DESCENT: - 1100 m

ACCOMMODATION: hotel

LUGGAGE ASSISTANCE: with luggage transport (if you have chosen this option)

From the Lac de Braies, in the heart of a natural cirque, you climb through a mineral valley to the Col de Riciogogn (2331m). There are a number of options for descending to the vast Sennes mountain pasture: the Biella refuge, under the Croda del Becco, the Munt de Sennes mountain pasture, or via the summit of the Croda del Beco for the bravest (+/-450m extra)! Overnight at the refuge, night + breakfast (dinner booked but not included in your stay).

DISTANCE: 9 km

HIKING HOURS: 4 hours

ASCENT: + 850 m

DESCENT: - 250 m

ACCOMMODATION: in a refuge

LUGGAGE ASSISTANCE: no luggage transport

You can take a variation via the Fanes plateau to enjoy the view and the high altitude lakes of Gran de Foses, then descend into the Crosc valley. The path climbs and then crosses the alpine hamlet of Fodara. Descend to Pederü and then climb back up to the Fanes lake and refuge.

DISTANCE: 18 km

HIKING HOURS: 7 hours (without the option: 4 hours)

ASCENT: + 1000 m (without the option: +600m)

DESCENT: 1050 m (without the option: -650m)

ACCOMMODATION: in a refuge

LUGGAGE ASSISTANCE: with luggage transport (if you have chosen this option)

The route takes you to the long Fanes plateau, surrounded by dolomitic peaks. You then climb up to the Forcela de Lech, an open window in the mountain which opens onto a mythical descent via Lake Lagazuoi and the Scotoni mountain pasture. The path climbs back up to cross over to the Col de Valparola.

Shorter option via the Col de Locia. Overnight in a refuge at the pass.

DISTANCE: 14 km (11 km for the shorter option)

HIKING HOURS: 6 hours (4 hours for the alternative route)

ASCENT: + 860 m (150 m for the alternative route)

DESCENT: - 700 m (550 m for the alternative route)

ACCOMMODATION: in a refuge

LUGGAGE ASSISTANCE: with luggage transport (if you have chosen this option)

The route begins by crossing the Passo Falzarego, then continues along a balcony path beneath the Tofana de Rozes. You can take the cable car up (but there's still a bit of hiking left). Descent to Cortina. End of the walk.

DISTANCE: 17 km

HIKING HOURS: 6h30

ASCENT: + 570 m

DESCENT: - 1550 m