Classic Italian Dolomites Self-Guided
Anytime from June 15 - Sept 20
The trails here tend towards smooth and scenic, with many high traverses, such as around the rim of the aptly named Vallunga, or “long valley” which is 6 kilometers long with 1,500-foot high cliffs on both sides.
There is good access to mountain cable cars, so it’s often possible to skip the climb or the descent, if you want a shorter run. In the evenings you’ll enjoy hearty local cuisine, staying predominately in valley hotels, with one night in a high-mountain hut for a true alps experience.
Our standard tour is eight days and seven nights. However, if you’re looking for a shorter or longer trip please get in touch and we’d be happy to discuss your options.

Top photos: Martina Valmassoi, Matt Green
Book this tour
June & September
$3180 per person
$790 single supplement
July
$3460 per person
$790 single supplement
August
$3670 per person
$890 single supplement
June & September
€2700 per person
€670 single supplement
July
€2940 per person
€670 single supplement
August
€3110 per person
€750 single supplement
Looking for a customized itinerary?
Please get in touch. We’d love to discuss your options with you.
Prefer to go with a guide?
Explore our group guided trips or inquire about our privately guided trips.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Ortisei
Make your way to Bolzano where we’ll have a taxi ready to take you to Ortisei, where you’ll spend your first night in the mountains. Check in, relax, and explore the village and prepare for your first run tomorrow. If necessary, Run the Alps can also help arrange a taxi to pick you up in Venice, Verona, Innsbruck, or Munich – please inquire.
Day 2 - Ortisei
You’ll start by riding a funicular train high above the village. Traverse the ridge line, then cross the Passo de Brogles, and descend to the Anna Valley on a historic pilgrim trail past a 13th century church, then head back down to Ortisei for a second night. You can also skip this descent by using a cable car.
Day 3 - Plattkofel Hut
Start with a cable car to the Alpe di Siusi plateau, before climbing steeply up to Rifugio Bolzano. You’ll cross a grassy plateau, before dropping into a deep valley with towering cliffs. A smooth, undulating trail leads you to the Plattkofel Hut where you’ll spend the night. No bag drop is available today.
Day 4 - Selva
Along today’s stunning route, we’ll explore the immense and iconic Langkofel/Plattkofel massif. Passing Rifugio Vincenza, a break for coffee and cake feels obligatory! For those feeling adventurous, an early-morning run to the 2958m high Plattkofel Peak, is an option. Descend to Selva di Val Gardena for the night.
Day 5 - Selva
Running from Selva this morning, we’ll enjoy a circular route up into the impressive Vallunga, or “Long Valley”, a long, deep chasm which has been likened to a mini-Yosemite valley. The flow on this section of trail feels just great!
Day 6 - San Pietro, Val di Funes
Starting from Selva, you’ll climb the hillside to Forc di Mesdi, a rocky mountain pass. Steep switchbacks over technical terrain will lead you to Rifugio Odle, where you could stop for lunch or refreshments. Mellow trails through the forest bring you to the valley floor.
Day 7 - San Pietro, Val di Funes
Today’s highlight is the “Gunther Messner way,” a flowing, narrow trail that’s occasionally exposed and completely absorbing! It’s a fitting finale, set in a wild locale, with jagged peaks and steep scree slopes.
Day 8 - Bolzano
After breakfast you’ll take a taxi back to Bolzano, and continue on to your post-tour destination.
What's Included
- 7 nights accomodation – 6 nights in 3* or 4* hotels, and 1 night in a high mountain hut
- Buffet breakfasts each morning and multi-course dinners each night
- Detailed daily run descriptions, GPX files and other resources are provided via our app (see a sample here). We’ll also send you a printed copy of the route and other key information, in case you’d like to take these with you as a back-up.
- Taxi transfer from Bolzano to Ortisei at the start of your trip, and from Val di Funes to Bolzano at the end of your trip
- Luggage transfers (luggage available every night, excluding Plattkofel Hut)
- Run the Alps’ Guide to Trail Running in the Alps, which contains 80+ pages information about where you’ll be running, what to pack, how to train, and plenty of other insider information from Run the Alps staff and guides
- An in-country welcome pack – includes trail nutrition and a Run the Alps T-shirt (Note: You can choose to opt out of the T-shirt during registration; if you do, we’ll automatically donate the equivalent to one of our 1% for the Planet partners instead.)
- Personalized support before your tour
- In-tour support through our WhatsApp Helpline
- 20% discount in the Run the Alps store
- Contribution to our Net Positive initiatives
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Transport to and from trailheads if you shorten a run
- Drinks with dinners
- Lunches and any additional trail nutrition
- Extra charges made at accommodations such as room service or laundry
- Trip insurance
Arrival
Plan to arrive in Bolzano by mid-afternoon the day your tour starts. Once we have your arrival information, we will arrange a taxi to take you from Bolzano to Ortisei, where your tour starts.
The closest airports to Bolzano are Venice, Verona, Milan and Munich. They are each about 3 to 4 hours away by train or taxi. Please note that flights from the U.S. usually depart the day before arrival in Europe.
Departure
We will schedule a taxi from your hotel in Val di Funes to Bolzano. From Bolzano, you can continue to your departure destination.
Good To Know
- Group Discounts: When we create tours for a group of five or more self-guided guests, there is an opportunity for some savings. We’re pleased to pass them on to you – please get in touch to explore your options.
- Alumni Discount: We love welcoming our alumni back to the Alps and offer a 10% discount on all standard guided and self-guided trips. Simply check the Alumni box on the registration form and we’ll apply the discount when we invoice you.
- Want to shorten or extend your trip or add an Alps Trail Race? Just let us know and we’d be happy to help.
- Can a non-running partner join me on this tour? Yes–read how hiking and sightseeing companions can come too.
- Celebrating a special occasion? Each year we get a number of guests who are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or retirement with a Run the Alps trip. If this is you, let us know!
- Concerned about being ready? We’re here to help. You can check out our Training Resources or get in touch if you’d like to be put in touch with a coach.
- Tour Grants Program: Run the Alps is committed to making our trips more inclusive. If you’d like to join this trip, but don’t think you can afford it, please check out our Tour Grants Program.
- Trip Insurance: Life can sometimes throw us a curveball and wreak havoc upon the best laid plans, which is why Run the Alps requires trip insurance. Learn more here.
- Terms and Conditions: You can read up on them here.
Regional map
Interactive map with 8 point(s): Bolzano: Tour start point; ; ; ; ; ; ; .
What our guests had to say
10/10 experience of a lifetime!
Amazing Dolomites Trip!
Well done again
Dolomites self guided tour
Dolomites
Everything was amazing
Amazing trip
Self Guided Dolomites
Incredible running tour!
Amazing
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