Dobbiaco Winter Walking, Italy

The Dolomites are one of Italy's most alluring scenic areas, a mountain range of limestone cliff-faces crowned with jagged pinnacles of yellow, pink and bright red rock. From our base in the lovely town of Dobbiaco, we have easy access to the mountain range's towering peaks, and can enjoy routes through the valleys to Versciaco, next to the Austrian border, and up to the quaint village of Villabassa that are suitable for walkers of all levels. On these walks we'll learn about the region's fascinating First World War history and explore the rich mix of Austrian and Italian influences that make the South Tyrol such a wonderful, interesting place. Walking trails are maintained to the highest standards and there is a fantastic range of routes, including a winter walk to an amazing viewpoint of possibly the most famous scene in the Dolomites, the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. In the evenings we return to the hospitality of the Tschurtschenthaler family who have entertained our guests for many years on our cross-country skiing holidays.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1
Start Dobbiaco

Day 2 - 7
Five daywalks in Alta Pusteria Valley, plus one free day. (BD) Exodus prefer not to specify in advance where you will walk each day, to enhance the flexibility and adapt to weather and snow conditions, and to some extent the ability of each group. When choosing routes, the leader's priority will be to take in a variety of scenery and to ensure a leisurely/moderate grade is maintained for participants.

There are fine paths in most of the picturesque side valleys, and also some very good routes at higher altitude. Taking local buses up to the Kreuzberg Pass (1630m), you walk over rolling hills to the rustic Nemesalm mountain hut at 1877m and enjoy lunch from its sunny terrace, with inspiring views over the Sexten Dolomites. An even higher mountain hut is Dürrensteinhütte (2028m), which is a popular hot-chocolate stop on our day up at Platzwiese. You take a transfer up to this magnificent area, and descend on foot following an old zigzag track that dates back to World War I.

For the free day, perhaps take an optional excursion to Cortina d'Ampezzo, which can easily be reached by public bus, or Bolzano, to visit the famous 'ice-man'. Alternatively, why not try out cross-country skiing, downhill skiing or snowshoeing? The area has excellent facilities for all activities and snowshoes are free for all hotel guests to hire (subject to availability).

Day 8
End Dobbiaco

Is this trip for you?
Winter walking is ideal for those who want an active week in magnificent scenery, but are not tempted by snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. The emphasis is on relatively gentle walking at a relaxed pace, with plenty of time to admire the scenery. You'll walk mostly on paths and forest tracks, many of which are cleared or rolled after new snowfall. While there may be some walking in unprepared snow, winter walking weeks do not use snowshoes.

Each day the trip leader will carefully assess the situation and choose the route according to current conditions and those forecast, with the over-riding priority being group safety. Trip leaders are required not to proceed with any proposed route (including those mentioned in brochure or trip notes) if they believe the risk to be too high. Many ski areas are easily accessible from Dobbiaco, including Cortina D'Ampezzo, each offering a wide selection of alpine skiing possibilities. Only a 10-minute bus journey away, San Candido and Versciaco have 53km of downhill slopes for all skiing levels. Alpine skis can be hired in Dobbiaco for approximately €20 per day.

NB. Winter Walking is offered at Grade A/B, suitable for beginners with a reasonable level of fitness. All active winter holidays involve some element of risk; from something as normal as slipping on icy pavements, to the possibility of injuries sustained as a result of the activities themselves. While Exodus' leaders do all they can to minimize any dangers, participants must be prepared to accept some risk as part of the holiday.

The trip is based at: Tschurtschenthaler Hotel
This fine hotel has been welcoming Exodus groups for many years. The attractive building is traditionally styled, but with the advantages of a small swimming pool, sauna and beauty treatment room (treatments not included). An ample buffet breakfast prepares us for the exertions of the day ahead and evening meals draw equally on Italian and Austrian traditions. After dinner you can relax in the lounge or go through to the bar for a drink with the locals. All rooms are comfortably furnished with shower and WC en suite.