Dolomiti Trek King

The first stage starts from Pozza to Val Contrin. It starts with a cabin lift to Buffaure followed by another lift to Col de Valvacin. Alternatively, you can walk up the ski run. Here the hike up to the top of Sas de Adam begins, where you’ll find an impressive panorama of the Fassa Dolomites.

You’ll then descend from here and follow the path across the Sela Brunéch before you continue to walk to the Sas de Roces. From there, you will hike through the San Nicolò Valley until you reach the saddle above the Sas Bianch and proceed on the Varosc ridge. Follow the path to Passo San Nicolò Refuge and finally descend to the Contrin Valley until you reach the Contrin Refuge.

From the Contrin Refuge, you will follow the road across the Val Contrin. Turn right on the path before the village of Penìa di Canazei where wide dirt roads guide you, past the hotel Villetta Maria and through the wood, to the Fedaia Pass. This will mark the end of the second stage.

The third day starts with a long traverse through gorgeous scenery and will keep you hiking up a constant elevation gain to the Pordoi Pass. From here, it is possible to take the cable car to Sass Pordoi, known as the Terrace of the Dolomites. Afterward, the path continues through the forest to Pecol and back to Canazei by cabin lift. From Canazei follow the river until the valley station of the cable car that will take you up to Col Rodella.

From Col Rodella a relatively easy path will take you along the feet of the Grohmann and Innerkofler peaks, the Dente del Sassolungo, and the Sasso Piatto. And then it will continue to the saddle of the Giogo di Fassa, where you’ll find the Sasso Piatto Refuge. From here, the trail continues along the Siusi crest, down to the Val Duron, and up the Duron and the Ciaréjoles Pass. A steep curved path then will lead you up the Dona Pass and to the Antermoia Refuge.

The fifth stage takes you from Antermoia Refuge to Gardeccia. You will come along to Antermonia and the Principe Pass as well as the Vaiolet and Preuss refuges. Highlights of the day are the legendary Vaiolet Towers and other iconic mountains, where some of the first mountaineering pioneers wrote history.

The last stage of Dolomiti Trek King takes you from Gardeccia to Costalunga Pass. Along the way, Ciampedie will give you a magnificent view over the entire Vaiolet Valley. Continue on the Alta Via dei Fassani to the Baita Marino Pederiva and Roda di Vael refuges and then finally descend to the Costalunga Pass.

Alternatively, you can go from Ciampedie up to Pra Martin and follow the panoramic Vial da le Feide. Afterward, you’ll descent from the Ciampaz Saddle on path no. 548 to the Costalunga Pass.

Or, an alternative to the alternative, you can continue along path no. 549 to the monument of Theodor Christomannos and follow that path to the Paolina Refuge. From there walk down to the Costalunga Pass or take the chairlift.

Hiking the Dolomiti Trek King is from June through October when there is no snow and accommodations are open. Earlier and later in the season, you’ll find snowbanks and the huts will be closed. Make sure to pack micro-spikes and check in with the hut wardens before you’re trek if you’re hiking on the earlier or later sides of the open season.

Before the hike, gather information about the route (length, altitude, difficulty, current conditions) and assess your skills realistically. Dolomiti Trek King is a challenging hike that requires experience in alpine terrain, surefootedness, and proper equipment.

Invest in the right hiking gear, including comfortable, supportive footwear with a good grip, proper hiking clothing, such as warm base layers and a hardshell rain jacket, hiking poles, a well-fitting backpack, and essential equipment like maps, GPS devices (or the GPX on your mobile), and a first-aid kit. Check out our comprehensive gear list for long-distance trails.

If you walk by yourself, share your plans with somebody else for your own safety. You’ll also want to check in with them if you alter your plans on the go.

For staying overnight in the mountain huts, bring a light sleeping bag, in addition to the provided blankets, and earplugs for a restful night.

The weather in the high mountains can change rapidly. Always check the trail conditions and local weather forecasts to be prepared for all conditions, including rain, sun, or snow and alter your itinerary if needed.

Stay properly hydrated and nourished. Check that you have enough water and snacks to maintain energy levels and prevent dehydration and exhaustion. Bring at least two liters of water with you.

Respect the principles of Leave No Trace by minimizing your impact on the environment. Stick to designated trails, take all your trash with you, and show respect for wildlife and natural habitats (keep your distance and don’t feed them).

The Dolomiti Trek King is a difficult hiking trail with high-altitude passes and rugged mountain terrain. Therefore, it requires a good level of fitness and previous experience in alpine conditions.