6. Alta Via #4

As fascinating from a historical perspective as it is that of the nature and mountain-lover, the Dolomites Alta Via #4 offers everything its cousins #1 and #2 have in stall – stunning views, flora and fauna galore, quaint villages – and more. The most notable add-ons are the extensive and exhilarating via ferrata sections and more varied, challenging terrain. Although only a 6-day hike, AV4 is very demanding, both physically and mentally. Be prepared for airy, exposed and long via ferrata sections and steep trails. The ‘Sentiero Bonacossa’ and Cadini spires sections in particular will require all of your wits, skill and maybe even a change of underwear! The trails on this route were created by soldiers during WWI and feature cables, ladders and tunnels used to transport supplies and ammunition. They don’t mess about in moving from A to B, often crossing high, vertical rock faces or, in some cases, going straight up them – with, you’ll be glad to know, the assistance of iron cables and ladders!

Pros

• Awesome via ferrata climbs
• The Monte Paterno ferrata (option) is highly recommended
• Great War historical remnants (hikers occasionally find bullet shells and other relics amongst the rocks), tunnels and trenches built into the mountainsides
• Passes the ‘Tre Cime di Lavaredo’, perhaps the most photographed spot in Italy after the Vatican!
• A real challenge! With some grade 2/3 climbing involved, this route isn’t to be underestimated!
• Walk, climb and scramble across the Tre Scarpèri, Croda dei Barànci, Cima Grande di Lavaredo, Cristallo, Sorapìss, and Antelao mountains

Cons

• The Tre Cime area is the busiest and most congested in all of the Dolomites
• Nigh on impossible in winter months and extremely cold

Congestion: Low to Moderate (High in Tre Cime area)

Ideal Time of Year to Hike: Late June through September

Total Distance and Duration: 53miles, 6 days

Trail Uses: Hiking, via ferrata (required).

Dogs Allowed: Varies from hut to hut.

Recommended Gear: Day pack, hiking boots, sun hat, sleeping bag liner for huts, water purification tablets, ice axe (Piolet style), via ferrata kit (required).

Elevation at Trailhead: 1174m/3851ft (San Candido).

Max Elevation: 2624m/8609m

Total Elevation Gain: 4,550m/14,927ft (a large part of which is on via ferrata!).

Costs: $35-60 per night in huts (B&B). One night free in a tiny bivouac hut…bonus!

Directions: The easiest was to reach San Candido is from Munich Airport in Germany. From Munich head South, following signs for Innsbruck, then Brenner Pass, then Cortina D’Ampezzo. From Cortina D’Ampezzo, follow signs for San Candido/Dobbiaco.