Dolomites WW1 & Alta via 1 I 7 days I JUL 24

We drive out from Cortina to reach lake Misurina (1816m). Situated northeast of Cortina D’Ampezzo, the incredible Tre Cime di Lavaredo (2999m), three enormous freestanding limestone towers. In the Great War, this area of the Alps echoed with gunfire and would become, without doubt, the most surreal battlefield in history. Nearby Austrian forces reciprocated with their own defences at the Schwabenalpenkopf (2685 m) and Monte Rudo. The summer of 1916 saw several pitched battles around the peaks, ridges and valleys of the Tre Cime group and neighbouring ranges. Our route first takes us to the Auronzo Hut (2330m) on foot and the summits just above on the Ciadin de Longeres. We will then make a stunning circular walk around the towers through the cols of Lavaredo and di Mezzo. Auronzo Refuge accommodation (B, D)

: +1,427 Duration: 5-6 hrs + around the refuge Circular walk 2-3hrs Distance: 15.6km :

A short taxi ride takes us to the famous Lago di Braies, part of the Fanes-Sennes-Braies nature park, in a side valley next to the Val Pusteria. On the West side of the lake, there is a small chapel that was built in 1904. The location has a curious bit of history, in that during World War II a German SS commander chose it as a meeting place for a prisoner exchange to ensure his own safety. The lake is one of the largest and deepest natural lakes in the Dolomites. After contouring around the lake we climb up through the pine trees until we arrive at Monte Muro (Mauberger.) We then have a very short downhill to the Rifugio Biella for lunch. We then descend over meadows to a road under cliffs to the Pederu Refuge. The Rifugio Pederu is a lovely overnight stop. It is very comfortable and has open meadows around the building. It is more ’guest house’ than rifugio, and our accommodation may be in bedrooms rather than dorms. (B, D)

Ascent: 1045m (3427ft) Descent: 984m (3227ft) Distance: 17km (10.6 miles) Duration: 7h00

A steady climb this morning up through the wild and rocky Vallone di Rudo to Lago Piciodil, and with the reward of excellent Italian coffee and cake at Rifugio Fanes. We follow the trail to Passo di Limo at (2172m), by a lake. A rugged traverse then brings us to the Forcetta del Lago at 2486m, followed by an improbable descent to the green waters of Lago di Lagazuoi before climbing up to our Rifugio. We are walking along what was the frontline during WWI shown by tunnels and gun emplacements. All in all a magic site tinged by evidence of struggle during the war. The Italian positions on the ledges underneath the peak of the mountain were held for two years as a key point of the first order on the Dolomite front. The same ledges took the name of the sector commander, Captain Martini.
The Rifugio Lagazuoi is a luxury refuge with wood-fired sauna and stunning views.

Lagazuoi Refuge accommodation (B,D)

+1685m (big climb), – 450m Distance: 18km Duration: Approximately 9h

Today we explore the open-air museums of WW1 based at Lagazuoi and the Cinque Torre, a climbers delight, before returning for our second night in the refuge. We can expect to see information boards and museum displays illustrate the events of the Great War. Mount Lagazuoi is a veritable ”castle of rock”, with spires and turrets, and with military bases hidden in its bowels. During the Great War, the Italian and Austro – Hungarian armies dug shelters in its interior for men and arms, transforming it into an impenetrable 20th Century fortress. Today you can visit the restored tunnels, trenches and machine-gun posts. We find an ideal habitat for ibex and chamois, it is home to marmots, hares,  partridges and even eagles, which hunt and nest here. We may travel through the Anticima-Tunnel, which was excavated by Italian soldiers on the Martini Ledge to the “Anticima” emplacement of Lagazuoi as a mine tunnel and exploded on 20 June 1917. We stay a second night in the Lagazuoi Refuge accommodation (B,D)

This morning we have the chance to summit Mount Lagazuoi. After breakfast, we begin our day in earnest with a descent to the fabled Passo Falzarego. During the Great War, the Austrians turned the Sasso di Stria into one of the most strategic emplacements of the Dolomite front. Situated at the side of the Valparola Pass road, between Monte Lagazuoi and the Col di Lana, it played a defensive role against the attacks by the Italians, who were aiming to reach the Badia Valley and from there the Pusteria Valley and the Brenner Pass. We will explore the trenches and fortifications of Sasso di Stria with spectacular views and descend into a fascinating well-preserved First World War tunnel.

We pass the blue-green lake of Lago Limedes which offers wonderful panoramic shots of the landscape. We normally have lunch at the beautiful Rifugio Averau which has a great reputation for its cuisine. After taking in the views at the Nuvolau we descend to the Cinque Torre parking and then travel back to Cortina for our final night in around 35 minutes by car. Celebratory meal. *** Hotel accommodation in Cortina (B,L).

+515m, – 974m Distance: 9km Duration: 6hrs + ~3hrs exploration of fortifications

Today is our departure day from Cortina d’Ampezza finishing at Venice Airport. As your flight should be later in the afternoon there will be time today for last-minute sight-seeing or exploring many excellent cafes or waterways.