Classic Italian Dolomites with Yassine Diboun

Today, we’ll meet in Bolzano and transfer by taxi to Ortisei in the afternoon. If necessary, Run the Alps can help arrange your own private taxi from Venice, Verona, Innsbruck, or Munich– please inquire if you would like that support. Before dinner, we’ll meet for an overview of the week’s route, covering our daily routines, and reviewing gear for each day’s adventure.

Today is a great introduction to the area. We’ll start by riding a funicular railway from Ortisei to gain the scenic Resciesa Ridge above town. Once on the broad ridge line, panoramic views unfold from the high quality trails traversing the mountainside. Many of the runs to come can be seen in the distance, as we head along the ridge towards Passo de Brogles and just beyond, the conveniently situated Brogles Hutte, where we’ll take a time out for tempting refreshments.

After a quick climb back to the pass, we’ll descend on a magnificent trail down through a pine forest into the Anna Valley above Ortisei. The trail flows at a perfect gradient as it twists and turns down through the trees. We then join a historic pilgrim’s trail called The Troi Paian for an impressive traverse across the slopes of the valley before descending past the St. Jakob church to arrive back in Ortisei. There is also the option of a cable car down at the end of the day if you’d like to save your legs for the adventures to come.

To start the day, we’ll take a cable car to the plateau of Alpe di Siusi, the largest single expanse of Alpine pasture in the entire Alps. After a comfortable hour or so of relatively flat running through beautiful scenery, we descend to Saltner Hut before climbing steeply on a rocky trail towards Rifugio Bolzano, where we’ll pause for refreshments.

We then head out over the Altopiano dello Sciliar and one of the most dramatic sections of trail of the entire week. The towering cliffs of the Rosengarten mountains make an impressive backdrop, but the trail is never too technical. We’ll arrive at the refugio at Tierser Alp Pass, another great spot for a cool drink or a café macchiato! The final stretch to our overnight stop at Plattkofel Hut is an undulating and relatively smooth trail across a green and verdant ridgeline.

With private rooms and hot showers, Plattkofel Hut is more of a comfortable inn than a rough mountain hut. It has a quiet ambience that will allow us to relax and enjoy a beautiful evening high in the mountains. Your bag will not be available tonight, so we’ll use larger, “fast pack” gear on today’s run. (Fast packing information will be provided in your travel packet.)

Along today’s stunning route, we’ll explore the immense and iconic Plattkofel massif.

First, though, for those feeling adventurous, the day starts with an optional early-morning run-hike to the 2958m high Plattkofel Peak, whose dramatic, rocky summit features 360-degree views of the region.

We leave the Sassolungo mountain and Plattkofel hut, tucked at the base of jagged, imposing rock spires. We’ll traverse the edge of the massif, crossing immense scree slopes and unique, rugged “rock gardens.” The massif is a horseshoe shape and we’ll access the magnificent and dramatic cirque within. Right in the middle of it all is the spectacularly placed Rifugio Vincenza where a break for coffee and cake feels obligatory!

We’ll head deeper into the massif to climb up to the narrow Sassolungo pass, where a small but cozy mountain hut has been squeezed onto the pass! A steep zig-zagged descent brings us to the large Sallajoch, or Sella Pass, followed by a pleasant trail through wooded rock gardens. A final descent through spruce and larch forest to bring us into Selva. Alternatively, you can take a cable car down from Ciampinoi if your legs are calling for a time out!

Running straight from our hotel in Selva, we’ll enjoy a circular route into the impressive Vallunga, or “Long Valley.” Our run heads up and around the rim of this long, deep chasm which has been likened to a mini-Yosemite valley. Carved out by an immense glacier during the last ice age, the trough-shaped valley is flanked by 1,500-foot high cliffs on either side.

A steep climb brings us to the highest point of the day, Forcella de Crespeina at 2528m, then level sections of trail lead to the Puez Hut where we can enjoy apple strudel on the terrace looking down into Vallunga. The best part of this day comes next: an excellent flat section before an exhilarating descent, weaving our way down through the boulders and natural rock steps. The flow on this section of trail feels just great!

Today we’ll cross from Val Gardena to its quieter neighbor, Val di Funes. Starting in Selva, we’ll climb to the popular Seceda meadows high above Val Gardena. This rolling expanse dotted with quiet alp farms is crossed by numerous trails, and backed by the impressive jagged Odler peaks.

Later, we’ll pause at the Regensburger Hut for coffee and a snack before tackling an exciting ascent to the Forc di Mesdi, a rocky pass at 2600m, right in the heart of the jagged peaks. A steep zig-zagged descent requires care but soon enough brings us to Rifugio Odle with an extensive menu of local specialities.

Mellow trails and pleasant pine and spruce forest bring us to the valley bottom and the collection of mountain inns and farms that dot the hamlets of St Peter and St Magdalena.

Today’s our last full day in the Dolomites, and we’ll take advantage of it! We’ll tackle the Odle di Eores massif, taking in an engrossing singletrack trail, mature pine woodland, abundant mountain vistas and a couple of strategically-placed huts for refreshments along the way.

Today’s highlight is the “Gunther Messner Way,” a flowing, narrow trail that’s occasionally exposed and entirely absorbing. It’s a fitting finale, set in a wild locale, with jagged peaks and steep scree slopes, and wrapping up with more great singletrack on the south side of the massif. Back in Val Funes, we’ll enjoy a celebratory final dinner at our hotel.

Today we’ll say our goodbyes as we take leave of the Dolomites. We’ll have a morning group taxi available to Bolzano, where you can continue on to your final post-tour destination.