Italian Dolomites: Alta Via 2

Backabush is going 'hut-to-hut' trekking in the Italian Dolomites!

The Alta Via 2 is one of the classic Alpine hut-to-hut treks amidst Italy's finest wild landscapes. Spectacular scenery and the cosy ambience of the fabulous huts makes this one of the best hutting experiences in Europe. The Dolomites with their cloud-piercing rock pinnacles are quite unlike other parts of the Alps and are much loved by adventurous mountain enthusiasts. A multi-day trek amongst these magnificent mountains is an adventure not to be missed!

We will start our trek from the beautiful mountain town of Brixen in the east Italian Alps. After the first night in this lovely town we will spend the next 6 nights (each in a different mountain refuge) high amongst the towering peaks and high alpine meadows of this region. Our linear 'north to south' trek links these awesomely situated huts and offers the chance to view wildlife and enjoy the wildflowers in full bloom.

Although blessed with some of the best huts in the Alps the route is not without some challenges. There are many steep climbs and some challenging terrain will necessitate scrambling with the help of steel cables where simple via ferrata kit https://www.decathlon.co.uk/via-ferrata-vitalink-lanyard-id_8544069.html should be used for safety. These are wild and rugged mountains where we will enjoy several days well above the pretty villages in the valleys below.

Our high mountain adventure will involve 6 days of alpine trekking amidst magnificent mountain scenery as we cross terrain in excess of 2500m. Although this trek might not be as famous as the Tour du Mont Blanc it is every bit as inspiring and rewarding. It is an undoubted classic and a great introduction to Alpine hut-to-hut trekking for mountain lovers who enjoy a bit of a challenge and have a head for heights.

Heading into the mountains from Brixen we will soon find ourselves immersed in the isolation of the wild landscapes. Here amongst the soaring summits we will enjoy a series of stays in comfortable mountain refuges. Sleeping at these spectacularly positioned huts is a wonderful experience. Hearty and delicious meals are served to hungry trekkers at communal tables while the civilized pleasures of a cold beer or a glass of local wine are also available.

We intend to take a small group of adventurous hikers into this wild region in the far north of Italy. Each stage of our trek will have its challenges but there are no glacier crossings requiring ropes. There will however be some scrambling sections and a degree of exposure. For this reason it is unsuitable for anyone who suffers from vertigo.

Our intended route is:

Saturday 16 July: Meet at our hostel in Brixen (breakfast included). There are regular flights to Munich, Innsbruck, Verona and Venice. Inexpensive public transport can then be taken to Brixen.

Sunday 17 July: We hike straight out of town into the mountains and trek to Rifugio Citta de Bressanone (breakfast included).

Monday 18 July: Trek from Rifugio Citta de Bressanone to Rifugio Genova (dinner & breakfast included).

Tuesday 19 July: Trek from Rifugio Genova (dinner & breakfast included) to Rifugio Puez.

Wednesday 20 July: Trek from Rifugio Puez (dinner & breakfast included) to Rifugio Pisciadu.

Thursday 21 July: Trek from Rifugio Pisciadu (dinner & breakfast included) to Rifugio Fedaia Marmolada.

Friday 22 July: Trek from Rifugio Fedaia Marmolada (dinner & breakfast included) to Passo San Pellegrino.

Saturday 23 July: At Passo San Pellegrino (dinner &breakfast included) we will have reached the highway. It will be economical for us to charter a minibus taxi to Brixen. We can share the cost of this.

This itinerary involves trekking in a high mountain environment along strenuous routes. There will be steep ascents and descents involved, on sometimes rough or unclear paths. For this reason the trip is best suited to fit and well equipped hikers with some mountain hiking experience.

PRICE - £699

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

Accommodation - Seven nights in shared accommodation in mountain refuges and one hostel.

Most breakfasts and dinners. Please see the itinerary above for more details.

Logistical support and planning.

Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

Flights & airport transfers.

Travel insurance.

Local bus, train or taxi journeys.

Packed lunches. We can get supplies in the local shops or buy packed lunches at the refuges.

Some dinners. For our first night in Brixen there are many good restaurants we can choose from and at Rifugio Citta de Bressanone dinners can be ordered "à la carte" so we can order from the menu.

Alpine guide. This is a self guided walking holiday. Please remember that you hike and join our organised itineraries at your own risk. It is important that you understand that you are responsible for your own safety.

Recommended maps for this trek are available locally and we advise that you never hike alone.

Flights. Munich, Innsbruck, Verona and Venice are all possible airports to fly out to. Innsbruck would be the closest with the least overland travelling time to Brixen. Flights are currently quite cheap so it is best to book early!

Of course staying for extra nights in any of the cities above is also a possibility and is highly recommended.

To confirm your place on this trip please send payment. The account details are:

Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS

Sort Code: 090127

Account Number: 22440622

Only payment secures your place. Your RSVP is not sufficient for us to hold a place for you. Please email backabushxplorers@yahoo.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you.

This trip is recommended for fit and experienced hikers.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

SAFETY: We consider safety to be our number one priority & while we never take unnecessary risks, we do recognise that any outdoor activity involves a danger of personal injury or death. Remember that you should be aware of & accept these risks as you are responsible for your own safety & you should not undertake anything beyond your abilities. It is also your responsibility to be correctly equipped for the weather & activity you have chosen to participate in.

VISA: Please check with the Italian embassy if you need a visa to travel there. Italy is within the Shengen zone.

INSURANCE: You will need to have travel insurance & provide details before travel. It is strongly recommended to have this in place at the time of paying for this holiday or the flight.

It is also essential that you take out travel insurance that covers hiking activities up to 3000 meters.

The BMC offer excellent policies at competitive rates https://www.thebmc.co.uk/modules/insurance/Policies.aspx .