Classic Italian Dolomites
Anytime from June 15 - Sept 20
Dates | Duration |
|---|---|
Anytime from June 15 - Sept 20 | 8 days - 7 nights |
Our self-guided route explores some of the best running in the region in the Gardena and Funes valleys of the western Dolomites.
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 and stay overnight in comfortable hotels.
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.
Our self-guided route takes in what we think is some of the best running in the region, in the Gardena and Funes valleys of the western Dolomites. 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.
Lead photos: Martina Valmassoi
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1 : Ortisei – 3-star Hotel Stetteneck or similar. Make your way to Bolzano where we’ll have a taxi ready to take you to Ortise, 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 – Hotel Stetteneck or similar. 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.
Distance 14-20km (9-12.5 mi); 480m (1580ft) ascent, 1300m (4250ft) descent
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.
Distance 24km (15mi); 1270m (4170ft) ascent; 960m (3150ft) descent
Day 4 : Plattkofel Hut – Selva. Today’s route explores the horseshoe-shaped Langkofel/Plattkofel massif. Starting by traversing patches of scree and passing rock spires, you then climb steeply up to the Forc Sassolungo pass. From here, a long descent will lead you to Selva village, or you can ride a cable car down.
Distance 16km (10mi); 590m (1940ft) ascent; 1380m (4530ft) descent
Day 5 : You’ll take in a high traverse of the Vallunga valley, which is flanked by 1,500-foot cliffs. A steep climb brings you to the Forcella de Crespeinan pass, where you’ll head down past a hut on gentle trails. An exhilarating descent will wind you through boulders and natural rock steps.
Distance 19km (12mi); 1180m (3870ft) ascent and descent
Day 6 : 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.
Distance 20km (12.6mi); 1330m (4380ft) ascent; 1180m (3870ft) descent
Day 7 : 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.
Distance 24km (15mi); 1250m (4100ft) ascent and descent
Day 8 : After breakfast, you’ll take a taxi back to Bolzano, and continue on to your final post-tour destination.
Book this tour
June & September
$3090 per person
$790 single supplement
July
$3360 per person
$790 single supplement
August
$3570 per person
$890 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.
Each self-guided tour includes the following components:
- Detailed daily run descriptions, GPX files and all the resources you need along the way 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
- Accommodation in 3- and 4- star hotels and/or mountain huts
- Luggage transfers
- 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)
- Buffet breakfasts and multi-course dinners each night
- A copy of our Guide to Trail Running in the Alps, which contains thorough travel instructions, regional information and tips from the staff and guide team at Run the Alps
- In-tour support through our WhatsApp Helpline
- Flights
- Transport to and from trailheads if you choose to shorten a run
- Drinks with dinners
- Extra charges made at accommodations such as room service or laundry
Plan to arrive in Bolzano by mid-afternoon the day your tour starts. You will take a taxi from there to Ortisei. We will arrange this taxi for you based on your arrival information.
The closest airports are Venice, Verona, Milan and Munich, which are all about three to four hours away by train or taxi. Flights from the U.S. usually depart the day before.
We will schedule a taxi from your hotel in Val di Funes to Bolzano. From Bolzano, you can continue to your departure destination. Trains run frequently from Bolzano to Milan, Munich, Venice and more.
- Why Run the Alps? Learn how Run the Alps compares to other trail running companies and about what sets us apart.
- 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.
- Add an Alps Trail Race: As we work with you to develop your self-guided itinerary, it may be possible to add one of the many great Alp trail races to your plans. Please contact us to discuss trail race options and timing if this is of interest.
- 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.
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