Dolomites of Cortina Explorer - Self-Guided Hike

Commence your journey from the Falzarego Pass (2105m/6906ft), easily accessible by public bus (30 min). Ascend towards the Forcella Averau (2435m/7989ft), treating yourself to a mesmerizing passage beneath the majestic cliffs of Averau. Continue your ascent to the Forcella Nuvolau and the Averau refuge. Descend thereafter to the Scoiattoli refuge, situated on a picturesque balcony overlooking the Tofane and the Cinque Torri, renowned for their awe-inspiring stone towers and coveted by rock climbers. The descent to Cian Zopé (1732m/5682ft) is gentle and tranquil. Conclude your journey by returning to Pocol via public bus (5 min) or on foot.

4 hours and 30 min of walking, 10km/6.2mi, +350m/1148ft, -715m/2346ft (long gentle descent). 

Possibility of a longer hike up to the Nuvolau summit, +1.5km/0.9mi, +120m/394ft, -120m/394ft.

or return hike to Pocol (instead of the bus), +4km/2.5mi, +50m/164ft, -250m/820ft.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Pocol.

Embark on this hike beginning at an elevation of (1985m/6512ft), accessible via public bus to the trailhead (15 min). Traverse beneath the Pass dei Bois and the southern facade of the Tofane de Rozes along the Alta Via number 1. The route guides you to the refuge Dibona (2045m/6709ft) and its scenic terrace, perfectly positioned facing the Cinque Torri. Conclude the journey by descending directly to the hotel in Pocol via a picturesque forested pathway.

5 hours of walking, 10.5 km/6.5mi, +350m/1148ft, -630m/2067ft.

Several possibilities of a longer hike (depending on personal preference). 

Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Pocol.

A private transfer (30 min) will transport you to Passo Tre Croci, marking the starting point of this iconic Cortina hike. Today's objective is to reach the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Sorapis. The breathtaking journey commences on a broad forest path, gradually ascending until revealing the initial panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains. As the trail progresses, expect some rocky segments supported by cables, rails, and stairs. Continuing onward, you'll pass by Refugio Vandelli before arriving at the picturesque lake, cradled within a cirque at the base of Sorapis Mountain (3205m/10515ft). Following a delightful exploration of this magnificent scenery, the return journey retraces the same exhilarating path. A public bus (10 min) then transports hikers to Lake Misurina and the hotel for the next three nights.

5 hours to 6 hours of walking, 11.7km/7.3mi, +558m/1830ft, -558m/1830ft.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Misurina.

Discover the renowned area of Tre Cime di Lavaredo with a public bus transfer (20 min) whisking hikers to the Auronzo refuge (2320m/7611ft). Embark from Auronzo and ascend the pass of Forcella de Mezzo (2315m/7595ft). Subsequently, descend towards the north face of the Tre Cime, traversing through the pass of Forcellina and its enchanting lakes at (2245m/7365ft). In the afternoon, the trail meanders through the Rinbon Valley before descending into the Rinbianco Valley. The hike culminates with a picturesque passage by the serene Lake Antorno before returning to Misurina and the hotel on foot.

4 hours and 30 min to 5 hours of walking, 15km/9.3mi, +450m/1476ft, -860m/2822ft. 

Several possibilities of shorter hikes (depending on personal preference). 

Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Misurina.

Once again, board a public bus (20 min) to Auronzo, the starting point for the hike around the Tre Cime. This renowned path is surrounded by spires, towers, and other majestic summits. A broad footpath leads to the Lavaredo refuge nestled beneath the Tre Cime. Beyond the refuge, a loop hike commences encircling Mt Paterno and the Croda Passaporto via the Büllelejoch pass and the Lakes dei Piani. As the loop nears its conclusion, hikers reach the Locatelli refuge and the northern face of the Tre Cime, offering a stunning and iconic vista in the Dolomites. The hike concludes with a return to Auronzo via the Lavaredo pass, providing additional panoramic views of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo from the side: sharp and awe-inspiring! Return to the hotel in Misurina via public bus (20 min).

4 hours 30 min of walking, 13km/8.1mi, +590m/1936ft, -590m/1936ft. 

Possibility of a longer hike up to Ostl Est, +3km/1.7mi, +130m/427ft, -130m/427ft.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Misurina.

End of the trip after breakfast and hotel check-out (~10am). 

A private transfer can be planned, for a supplemental fee, to take you to Cortina d’Ampezzo where you can catch a bus to Venice or many other destinations. Private shuttles to Venice are also available for a supplemental fee upon request.

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Itinerary Modification

Occasionally, adjustments to the planned itinerary may be necessary. This could stem from trip logistics (such as fully booked accommodations, trail closures, or adverse weather conditions, etc.). It's important to understand that these modifications are always implemented with your best interests in mind, prioritizing your safety and comfort.